Dear Mayor Deegan, Sheriff Waters, & Chief Administrative Officer Bowling,

As voting rights organizations, we respectfully request that the City of Jacksonville provide free parking within one block of the Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office during early voting and on election day for all future elections. We propose making parking free along East Monroe Street and East Duval Street between Ocean Street and Newnan Street, and ideally expanding to North Laura Street through North Market Street.

Covering the surrounding parking meters near this key voting location with “Voter Parking Only” during early voting and on election day will directly improve voter access and confidence in our local elections. The downtown Supervisor of Elections Office is not only a centrally recognized hub for voting, but it’s also the go-to location for voters who are unsure of their polling site, need to resolve issues, prefer to drop off their vote-by-mail ballot, or are seeking to cast a provisional ballot. Additionally, this downtown office is where many of our organizations bring community members during ‘Souls to the Polls’ and other civic engagement events. 

Providing free parking for voters is a good practice that other cities in Florida already offer. As you can see in the included photo below, the City of Saint Petersburg offers free parking for its downtown Supervisor of Elections office by covering its parking meters with red sleeves during early voting and on election day.

It is worth noting that this change would be especially meaningful for older adults living in residential facilities like Cathedral Towers. Many still drive, but based on conversations we have had with community members, even minimal parking costs or unclear parking rules can deter them from voting in person. A change in parking accessibility can include creating temporary ADA spots directly in front of the office doors by combining two parking spots into one, using cones and a temporary sign. 

Removing unnecessary parking hurdles sends a clear message that the city values and supports its voters from all walks of life. 

We are pleased to share that this request has the support of Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland, underscoring the importance of this change in strengthening voter access, community trust, and reducing barriers for voters. We believe that this is a tangible step that the city of Jacksonville can take to demonstrate its commitment to making voting as accessible and welcoming as possible. We appreciate your consideration and leadership.

Cordially,

Brad Ashwell Florida State Director All Voting is Local	Isaiah Rumlin President  Jacksonville Branch NAACP	Lanelle Phillmon  President The League of Women Voters of Jacksonville First Coast
Kris Kiernan Concerned Citizen & Community Organizer	Rev. Doctor R.L. Gundy Lead Pastor Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church	Kara Gross Legislative Director ACLU of Florida
Carolyn Thompson Voter Protection Advocate Advancement Project	Carol Brady  Beaches Activist Movement	Jamil Davis North Florida Lead Regional Organizer Black Voters Matter
Eric Biggins President Coalition of Black Trade Unionist	Amy Keith Executive Director Common Cause Florida	Genesis Robinson Executive Director Equal Ground
Chanae Jackson Organizing Director Florida For All	Moné Holder Chief Advocacy & Political Officer Florida Rising	Rosemary McCoy Chief Executive Officer Harriett Tubman Freedom Fighters
Kelly Frazier President Northside Coalition of Jacksonville	Larry Hannan Communications & Policy Director State Voices Florida	Kate Renchin Concerned Citizen