Live Oak — The City of Live Oak will hold its city election Tuesday, May 8, according to Suwannee County Supervisor or Elections Glenda B. Williams. The polls will be open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

“This is your voice in the democratic process,” Williams reminded voters. “It has been proven that one vote can make a difference in our local elections.”

During the city election, voters will determine which candidates will serve the city in three of its five nonpartisan city council seats. In District 2, Live Oak resident Jimmy Cherry will challenge incumbent Benny Thomas for the seat. With just two candidates, that race will be decided during the May 8 primary, Williams said.

District 3 Councilman David Burch will not seek reelection, but three candidates seek to fill the seat that he will vacate. Those candidates include Jacob L. Grantham, William J. “Jimmy” McCullers and J. Quinn Skierski.

While District 5 incumbent James E. “Ed” Rewis will seek another term, he faces challengers David Blevins, Annette Loston and Keith Mixon.

According to Williams, a June 12 runoff election has been scheduled for any races that may require a runoff to be held.

“The polling precinct locations will vary from those in county wide elections,” Williams reminded voters.

During the city election, Precinct 1 will be at the Recreation Center on Duval Street, Precinct 2 will be at the African Baptist Church on Walker Avenue, Precinct 3 will be at the Suwannee County Coliseum on C.R. 136, Precinct 4 will be at the Community Presbyterian Church on Pinewood Drive and Precinct 5 will be at City Hall on White Avenue.

In addition to electing three candidates to the Live Oak City Council, voters will either approve or disapprove nine proposed amendments to the city’s charter. The city council accepted the recommendations of a charter review committee and voted unanimously during its Feb. 14 meeting to place the proposed amendments on the May 8 ballot.

Early voting for the city’s general election will continue through Saturday. The hours for early voting are 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Early voting will be held at the Supervisor of Elections Office in Live Oak at 220 Pine Ave. S.W.

For further information, please contact Williams at 386-362-2616 or email her at gwilliams@suwanneevotes.com.

“The elections office has been working hard to prepare for the City of Live Oak election,” said Williams. “The absentees have been mailed, we are in the process of early voting and you should have received your sample ballot. We hope that you, the voter feels an obligation to do your part and to realize that your vote is what makes the difference.”