2025 Election

Welcome to Election Season

With the arrival of the New Year, election season is here! This page outlines the candidate nomination and election process for the Board of Supervisors of the University Park Recreation District (UPRD), also known as the Country Club.

This year, three UPRD Board Supervisor positions, each with a three-year term, are up for election. If you call University Park home, please consider becoming a candidate. For those interested in applying, detailed information can be found in the Call for Candidates section below.

Key Dates

• On or before December 18, 2024: Voter registration process for Lot Owners and Residents.
• December 18, 2024, by 5:00 PM: Final date for receipt of Candidate applications. Applications can be submitted:
  • By Email: carvalhov@pfm.com
  • By U.S. Mail: Vivian Carvalho, PFM
    3501 Quadrangle Blvd., Suite 270
    Orlando, FL 32817
  • Important: Applications must be received by 5:00 PM EST.
• January 15, 2025: Ballots and Proxies distributed (voting begins)
• January 9, 2025, January 21, 2025, and February 11, 2025: Scheduled Candidates’ Forums
• February 18, 2025: Final election date. Polls close at 12:00 noon. Immediately following vote verification, the results will be announced by the Election Chair.

Lot Owner & Residents

Distribution and collection of ballots will be handled by mail or personal delivery, with additional relevant communications managed through electronic means. It is essential for all Lot Owners and Residents to ensure that your contact information with the UPRD and Country Club is up to date. Each Owner or Resident, as defined in the Charter, is eligible to cast a ballot.

If you did not receive a ballot by mail, you may receive a ballot at the polling station on Election Day by providing the following proof of residency (both documents required) and a photo ID:

1. Proof of Residency – A valid document (e.g. bank statement, billing statement, or similar document) that includes your name, University Park residential address, and a date confirming residency for at least 183 days prior to Election Day.
2. Signed and Notarized Affidavit – A sworn statement affirming that you have resided at the address for the required period. Click here to access the affidavit.

• The highlighted sections of the affidavit are for you to complete with your Full Name and/or Signature. The bottom section is for the Notary to fill and sign.

If you need a notary before Election Day, Jennifer Everingham, Assistant Board Secretary & Neighborhood Committee Liaison for UPCAI, has offered to provide notary services. You may email her to schedule an appointment at jeveringham@upcai-fl.com.

Additionally, a notary will also be available on-site at the polling station on Election Day for those who still need their affidavit notarized.

Affidavit ExemptionYou do not need to submit an affidavit if you provide one of the following instead:

• A copy of the property deed or deed of trust, listing all owners, principals, or trustees.
• A government-issued ID that includes your name, University Park residential address, and an issuance date confirming residency for at least 183 days prior to Election Day.
• A government-issued document or county-issued bill or statement that includes your name, University Park residential address, and a date confirming residency for at least 183 days prior to Election Day.

New UP Lot Owners who may not have been listed in our databases before ballots were distributed may present a property deed or deed of trust, listing all owners, principals, or trustees, along with a valid photo ID, as confirming ownership eligibility to receive a ballot.

Call For Candidates

If you are interested in becoming a candidate for one of the three Board Supervisor positions, please follow the application process outlined below:

1. Submit your application by email or U.S. Mail to the contact provided above.
2. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 PM EST on December 18, 2024.
3. Ensure your submission includes all required documentation to qualify as a candidate.

Vote materials package

• A vote materials package will be mailed out to all eligible voters on January 15, 2025. The package consists of:
  • Cover letter explaining the contents and voting procedures
  • Proxy Voter Form
  • Official Ballot Form
  • Unsealed return envelope with voter ID on outside left upper corner (to use for mail in or drop off ballot)

Voting Methods:

Option 1: Paper Ballot

• Fill out the enclosed Ballot Form.
• Submit your ballot by mailing it in the provided envelope or depositing it in the secure Ballot Box located at the UPCC Administrative Office. All ballots must be sealed in the provided return envelope. Ballots that are not sealed in the provided envelope may be invalidated.
• Ballots must be received no later than 12:00 pm on February 18, 2025.
• Lost, damaged, or inaccessible ballots can be replaced on election day. Bring an acceptable ID to the voting location (The Varsity Club) to obtain a replacement.

Option 2: Proxy Voting

• If you authorize someone to vote on your behalf, complete the enclosed Proxy Form.
• Your proxy holder must present the completed Proxy Form at the voting location in the Varsity Room between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm on February 18, 2025. After validation of both voter and proxy holder identity, the proxy holder can then complete the official ballot form and place ballot and proxy form in provided envelope which is placed in the ballot box.
• Important Note: A proxy is not obligated to vote according to the original voter’s preferences, even if those preferences were discussed prior to voting or even if the original voter fills in the official ballot with his/her preferred choices. Ensure you trust your proxy to act in your best interest.

Mail-in Ballot Guidelines:

• Place the completed ballot in the sealed return envelope provided, ensuring your name, address, and ID# are visible in the upper left corner of the envelope.
• Mail the envelope or deposit it in the secure Ballot Box at the UPCC Administrative Office.

Have Questions?

For more information about the election process, please contact:
Lyle Makosky
Election Chair
Email: lmakosky@interquest.ca