- February 3, 2025
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Port Orange residents will make the final decision of who they want to occupy the District 1 City Council seat vacated by the late Bob Ford in a Special Election held on June 11.
Marilyn Ford and Lee Barreiro were the top two contenders after the Special Primary Election held on April 30.
Ford had the largest percentage of votes from the April election with 45.61%. Barreiro came in second with 18.37%.
Ford recently retired as director of Volusia County Corrections. She said her knowledge of finance, government, business, and how large systems work give her an experienced background in the daily workings of the city.
Barreiro is also retired. He said his background in environmental engineering, nursing and teaching, as well as his extensive volunteer work within the community, make him a strong candidate for the District 1 seat.
“Congratulations to the top two finishers in the city run-off election,” Mayor Don Burnette said at the May 7 regular City council meeting.
“I’ve got to admit I was disappointed in the turn out because usually Port Orange — we have the most registered voters in the county," he said. "We usually have the highest turn out. Put June 11 on your calendars. Put a reminder in your phone."
Mail-in ballots for the election have been sent to residents. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If residents need to vote early, they can contact the Volusia County Board of Elections at www.volusiaelections.org.
Mail-in ballots for the half cent sales tax went out to voters on May 1. Residents need to return them to the Volusia County Board of Elections before May 21.
For residents who do not desire to mail their ballots, a locked drop box has been set up at Port Orange City Hall near the Clerk’s Department.
At the City Council meeting on May 7, Mayor Don Burnette thanked Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis for her hard work. She has had to coordinate elections for Volusia County, Port Orange, Edgewater and Ormond Beach this year.
Burnette encouraged residents to get out and vote. "For some 18-year-olds, this might be their first time to vote," he said.
Election results can be viewed at www.volusiaelections.org, after 7 p.m. May 21.