The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections is responsible for setting up polling locations, educating voters, maintaining voter registration and verifying election results.
Democratic candidate Kim Barton is the incumbent for this race. Barton has spent over 30 years working in Alachua County elections administration, with the past eight years spent as Supervisor of Elections. In 2016 and 2020, she ran unopposed. This race is her first time campaigning for her position. She graduated from UF in 1985 with a bachelor’s in advertising, and she is a Master Florida Certified Elections Professional.
Republican candidate Judith Jensen has lived in High Springs for 11 years, and she has worked as both a volunteer poll watcher and a poll worker operating EViD voting machines for the county, according to her candidate statement. She is a practicing nurse and the secretary of the Alachua County Republican Party.
The Alligator sent a questionnaire to both candidates with the following questions to allow them to speak about their policies in their own words.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Kim Barton: “If I were to be re-elected, I would focus on further expanding accessible voting opportunities — enhancing the voting experience, forming new partnerships with community organizations and expanding awareness about voting and elections in the community.”
Judith Jensen: Jensen did not respond to The Alligator’s questionnaire. “I aspire to be an honest, non-biased, dedicated SOE, with scrupulous observance of all the Florida Statutes,” she wrote in her campaign statement to the Supervisor of Elections Office. “Voting rights have been earned with much sacrifice by patriots before us, so voter roll accuracy is critical.”
Why are you running?
Kim Barton: “I am running to be reelected as your Supervisor of Elections because I am passionate about continuing Alachua County’s progress towards greater voter accessibility, access and transparency in elections. I believe my accomplishments and my vision for voting and elections in Alachua County are aligned with what this community needs: a leader that cares about their right to vote and fair, accessible, transparent elections.”
Judith Jensen: Jensen did not respond to The Alligator’s questionnaire. “During my tenure in Alachua County, I’ve encountered frustrations in obtaining explanations and data from the Supervisor of Elections Office regarding election procedures,” she wrote on her campaign website. “Collaborating with election integrity volunteers in organizations such as Defend Florida, Florida Fair Elections Coalition and Impact Alachua, I’ve come to the realization that meaningful change in Alachua can only be achieved from within. As a dedicated registered nurse, my professional focus has been on promoting maternal and infant health, and now, this passion extends to ensuring the health of our electoral processes.”
Do you believe Alachua County’s current election processes are secure? Why or why not?
Kim Barton: “As Supervisor of Elections, I am absolutely certain that elections are secure. My office works closely with federal and state partners to ensure our procedures and equipment are up-to-standard and accessible. We have instituted numerous security procedures. Finally, my office has an experienced and talented staff ready to rise to any challenge presented to us.”
Judith Jensen: Jensen did not respond to The Alligator’s questionnaire.
What changes, if any, should be made to voting laws to strengthen elections and protect voter rights?
Kim Barton: “Changes to election and voting laws are at the discretion of the state legislature. My office is tasked with following whatever statutes they pass. However, one challenge my office often faces is adapting to statute and rule changes during an election year. I certainly respect the legislature’s role in updating the laws when they see fit, but I do seek more collaboration with the state so we can update our procedures as soon as we know about these changes.”
Judith Jensen: Jensen did not respond to The Alligator’s questionnaire.
What traits do you bring to the table that make you a good candidate?
Kim Barton: “The central traits I bring to the table that make me a good candidate are my 30-plus years of election administration experience, my connections to Alachua County, and my record of accomplishments. In short, I’ve demonstrated by experience through my service, through testimony from the people in this community who know me and from the many ways I have been recognized.”
Judith Jensen: Jensen did not respond to The Alligator’s questionnaire.
The Alligator Editorial Board put together the candidates' answers. You can reach them at editor@alligator.org.
