August 20, 2024 is Primary Election Day in Florida and many communities will be holding school board elections. School boards have a major impact on our communities voting in school board elections is critical. In Florida, school board elections are nonpartisan, meaning that any registered voter, regardless of party affiliation, can vote for any school board candidate. There are many federal, state, and local races on the ballot in Florida. Learn more about election hours, locations, ballot information, and deadlines at LDF’s Florida voting information page here and see what’s on your ballot here.
As stated in the Florida State Constitution, school boards “Operate, control and supervise all free public schools within the school district and determine the rate of school district taxes within the limits prescribed.”
School boards decide budgets and where to spend money. This can determine classroom materials and resources, whether textbooks are up to date, how well maintained the classrooms and grounds are and whether before and after school tutoring and other resources are available.
School boards also set policies for things like discipline and punishment, attendance boundaries, transportation, and free lunch and snack programs. School boards hire and supervisor the School Superintendent.
The most important priority for a school board member should be the wellbeing and achievement of all the students rather than a single issue. These values and priorities can include: family, schools, community, partnerships, accountability, ethics, vision, and policy.
School board elections are one of the most powerful and immediate ways you can engage and impact your community The values we pass on to our children, the role models we show them, and the way we spend our tax dollars to support them. These are just some of the vital questions you can decide the answers to if you cast your ballot on August 20th.
Because state and local elections receive less media coverage, it can sometimes be hard to find information on who and what is on your ballot. Several nonpartisan online resources will provide you with a comprehensive look at candidates’ backgrounds and stances on policies and issue areas. Many of these resources also offer background information on possible ballot questions, such as amendments to state constitutions. Because some sources may have more comprehensive information for your desired locality, candidate, or issue than others, it is best to use multiple sources to gain as much insight as possible.
Check out LDF’s How to Research Candidates and Issues guide for tools and resources to help you understand what’s at stake in state and local elections and candidates on your ballot.
Your elected officials work for you, and you can reach out to them about the issues that matter to you and advocate for your community. Use the location guide on USA.gov where you can enter your address and find out who currently represents you in federal, state, and local offices. Attend meetings, share your opinions, and hold your elected officials accountable!
Voter Resources
LDF works to protect voting rights and support Black political engagement. Through community-centered advocacy, we are fighting back. Find state-specific voting information about deadlines, polling places, registration information, and more.
Voter Guides
With the passage of State Voting Rights Acts (VRAs), states can provide key protections to their constituents that prevent and guard against discriminatory voting practices and policies.
Voter Guides
Our state, municipal, and county-level elected officials make a wide range of decisions that shape our communities. We’ve compiled an index of some of the major elected positions in state and local government and their functions.
LDF Original Content
We created the following list of key election issues that inform the path forward to 2024 — and also identified opportunities for proactive advocacy so you can prepare to cast your ballots.
LDF Original Content
Information about local elections and candidates can be hard to find. Our research guide helps you find the information about candidates and issues on the ballot in your communities that you need to be prepared to vote.
LDF Report
Democracy Defended: Lessons from the 2022 Elections and the Path Ahead in 2024 incorporates data points, key takeaways and observations from elections in LDF’s target states in 2022 to help civil rights advocates engage strategically to support voters.
