FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2025 Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Amy Pennock Presents 2026 Elections Priorities to the Seminole County Legislative Delegation Proposals recently adopted by the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE) aim to enhance voter record accuracy, streamline Vote-by-Mail, and ensure continued confidence in election integrity. SANFORD, FL -- October 24, 2025 -- Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Amy Pennock presented the latest key election-integrity priorities adopted by the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE) to the Seminole County Legislative Delegation Thursday afternoon during their 2026 Delegation meeting in the Board of County Commissioners Chambers. The newly adopted priorities include improving voter record accuracy, streamlining vote-by-mail, and enhancing transparency across Florida’s elections amongst several initiatives. The priorities were just adopted on October 15, 2025, by the full FSE membership for inclusion in the 2026 Legislative Session. “Florida continues to lead the nation in election administration because of the strong collaboration between Supervisors of Elections and the Legislature,” said Supervisor Pennock. “These recommendations are common-sense improvements grounded in the real-world experience of those who administer elections every day.” FSE’s 2026 Legislative Priorities: 1. Automatic Updates from Driver License Renewals The FSE recommends that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) automatically transmit updated driver license or ID numbers to election offices as changes to voter registration. “This small but powerful fix ensures the accuracy of voter rolls in real time,” Pennock said. “It’s a win for both security and efficiency- especially during petition verification and in-person voting.” 2. Reclassifying Inactive Voters Who Sign Petitions The FSE supports clarifying that when an inactive voter signs a petition, that act constitutes voter activity and reactivates their registration. “This recognizes engaged citizens and keeps our records accurate without unnecessary removals,” Pennock explained. 3. Streamlining Vote-by-Mail Requests The Supervisors propose adding a simple checkmark or affirmation box on vote-by-mail envelopes indicating a continuing request for future elections once the voter’s identifying information is verified. “This change would reduce voter confusion and streamline administrative costs,” said Pennock. “It’s a straightforward way to save taxpayer dollars while improving service.” Pennock thanked the Seminole County Legislative Delegation for its partnership and encouraged continued collaboration during the 2026 Legislative Session. “Each of these priorities is nonpartisan, practical, and focused on strengthening public trust,” Pennock said. “Together, we can ensure Florida remains the national gold standard for secure, accurate, and accessible elections.” Supervisor Pennock’s remarks can be viewed on SGTV’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM01M0YkUhk (starting at 25:45). The full list of FSE legislative priorities for the 2026 session below has been provided to members of the Seminole County Delegation for review. Florida Supervisors of Elections 2026 Legislative Priorities (attached) Require DHSMV to treat the new driver’s license or ID number assigned to a voter as a change in voter registration and transmit that information to the appropriate local Supervisor of Elections, allowing for updated data during petition verification. Specify that when an inactive voter is verified to have signed a petition, this constitutes “activity” and the voter must be deemed active. Expand the criminal offense of Theft, Tampering, or Damage of Critical Infrastructure (s. 812.141, F.S.) to include elections equipment and ballots. Exempt from Public Records the personal information of election workers as part of “Critical Infrastructure Assets.” Permit early voting in adjacent or nearby locations when the Supervisor’s main office location is not practicable. Eliminate the requirement that a ballot cast during a poll extension be placed in a provisional ballot sleeve. Add an affirmative notation on vote-by-mail certificate envelopes to serve as a continuing request for future elections, provided that the voter’s identifying information has previously been verified. #VOTE# About the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Office: The Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Office is committed to ensuring free, fair, and secure elections. Through transparency, innovation, and civic partnership, the office works to protect voter confidence and maintain the integrity of Florida’s election process. For more information, visit www.VoteSeminole.gov . Note to editors: High-resolution photos, official logos, and B-roll footage of Seminole County election operations are available upon request. Contact: D’Anne Mica 407-739-1993 [email protected]