Quarterly Newsletter
July 1 - September 30, 2021
Supervisor's Message
Florida’s 2020 General Election was the most successful election in history and was praised on a national, state, and local level. In the words of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, “The way Florida did it, I think, inspires confidence. I think that’s how elections should be run.”

Yet, misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) continues to threaten our democracy, by sowing discord and undermining voter confidence and integrity in our elections. Despite established facts and reality, falsehoods continue to spread on social media, leading to distrust in the elections process.

As Marion County’s official trusted source of election information, we are strengthening our efforts to counter the MDM and ensure voter trust in the election process, and we need your help!

We task our voters, election workers, candidates and those that are familiar with the integrity and security of our elections, to vocally stand against MDM and amplify the trusted voices of information. And if you aren't already doing so, please follow us on social media and like and share our posts, to help us reach more voters.

Here are some tips on how to recognize and slow the spread of MDM:

  • Understand how information may be attempting to influence behavior and decisions.
  • Question the credibility of the source and seek primary sources of information, when possible. 
  • Cross-reference information and investigate between different sources.
  • Think carefully before sharing information and consider the impact it might have.
  • Be a resource by correcting misleading or false information, whether privately or publicly.
  • Trust the election experts! (Having authority does not equate to being an expert)

Please partner with us to defend against MDM. Our democracy depends on it.
Wesley Wilcox, CERA
Supervisor of Elections ∙ Marion County, Florida
Record Voter Turnout for the
September 21 City of Ocala Election
On September 23, the City of Ocala Canvassing Board met to certify the results for the City of Ocala General and Special Election conducted on September 21, 2021. A copy of the official results is available on our website at www.VoteMarion.Gov/ElectionResults. Thank you to all Ocala voters, election workers, voting locations, and candidates for ensuring a successful election and contributing to a historical voter turnout of nearly 26%!
City of Ocala Run-Off Election Scheduled for November 16, 2021
The Ocala Run-Off Election has been scheduled for November 16, 2021 for City Council Districts 3 and 4. Neither contest resulted in a candidate receiving a majority of the vote (50% plus one) in the September 21 City of Ocala General and Special Election, requiring a Run-Off Election between the two candidates who received the most votes.

The voter registration deadline is Monday, October 18. Only voters registered within the City of Ocala limits will be eligible to vote. Register online at www.RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, by mail, or in person at the Elections Office or any public library, tax collector office, or voter registration agency.

Voters have the option to vote-by-mail or at their assigned voting location on Election Day between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed is November 6 by 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.VoteMarion.Gov or click on the links below.
Be Alert of Misleading Voter Registration Mailings
Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox alerts voters of misleading and inaccurate pre-filled voter registration letters, once again being mailed to Marion County citizens from two Washington, D.C. based groups, the Voter Participation Center (VPC) and Center for Voter Information (CVI).

Intended for residents who are not registered to vote, the groups utilize commercial data resulting in notices being sent with inaccurate and outdated information. Prior mailings have resulted in pre-filled voter registration applications sent to already registered voters, deceased persons, minor children, and even pets.

These ongoing mailings from the VPC and CVI continue to erode voter confidence and increase suspicion, mistrust, and anger among Florida voters.

The Marion County Supervisor of Elections is the official source of voting and election information. Marion County residents can verify their voter registration status or eligibility by visiting www.VoteMarion.Gov or calling 352-620-3290, M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Unofficial Group Questioning
Voters at their Residences
Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox was made aware that individuals belonging to an unofficial group are visiting residences of Marion County voters, attempting to collect personal information and validate voter information as it relates to the 2020 General Election.

There are similar reports in other Florida counties and an incident where an individual misrepresented themselves as being with that county and/or the Supervisor of Elections office.
Marion County voters are to be advised that these individuals are not in any way affiliated with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections office. Furthermore, the employees of the Elections Office will never visit a voter's residence to request voter information.

While third party groups have a legal right to certain public voter information, voters are advised to not give out their personal information. Additionally, it is a criminal offense to falsely impersonate a person or organization and should be documented and reported to law enforcement. If an individual indicates that they are with "Marion County" or the "Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office", please contact us at 352-620-3290.
Office Highlights
Supervisor Wilcox Instructs MTP Class on the 2020 General Election
On July 29, Supervisor Wilcox instructed a class at Master the Possibilities Education Center, covering Marion County voter trends and demographics from the 2020 General Election and highlighting Florida’s successful model of elections.
Florida Supervisors of Elections meet with Secretary of State Laurel Lee
On August 19, Supervisors of Elections Wesley Wilcox (Marion), Paul Lux (Okaloosa), and Mark Earley (Leon) met with Florida Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee to discuss how Florida can continue supporting local elections officials and their voters.
BallotTrax Receives Prestigious Award from Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA)
On August 10, our office was honored with a prestigious Award of Distinction from the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) for our BallotTrax Mail Ballot Status Notification System campaign! The Golden Image Awards competition is conducted annually to recognize outstanding public relations programs in Florida. Entries must incorporate sound public relations research and planning, and meet the highest standard of production, execution, evaluation, and budget.
Voter Registration Drive Conducted at the College of Central Florida
On August 26, our voter outreach team conducted a voter registration drive at the College of Central Florida, allowing students the opportunity to register to vote or update their voter information.
Supervisor Wilcox Attends 4th Annual Hometown Heroes
On September 17, Supervisor Wilcox attended the 4th Annual Hometown Heroes to recognize and support our local law enforcement and first responders, and to thank them for their sacrifice in serving and protecting our community and country with dignity.
City of Ocala Post-Election Audit Completed with 100% Accuracy
On September 24, the City of Ocala Canvassing Board conducted a Post-Election Voting System Audit for the 2021 City of Ocala General and Special Election. The public audit was completed with 100% accuracy, verifying the machine and human count matched exactly.
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