The upcoming general election on November 5, 2024, will feature a significant faceoff in St. Lucie County as Gertrude Walker, the incumbent Democrat Supervisor of Elections, runs for her final term after an illustrious 44-year career. Walker, the longest-standing elections supervisor in Florida, was first appointed to the position in 1980, becoming the first Black supervisor of elections in the state. Throughout her tenure, she has garnered a reputation for operating the office with high standards of public service and accuracy. Emphasizing her experience and commitment, Walker stated, “I want to make this the best place to vote in the state.” In contrast, her opponent Jennifer Frey, a Republican newcomer to politics, is pushing for change. Frey has positioned herself as a candidate focused on improving transparency and community engagement in the electoral process. She narrowly defeated George Umansky to become the Republican nominee for the election.
Walker’s extensive background is marked by her beginnings in the elections office at the young age of 18. She has consistently updated her knowledge and skills to adapt to the evolving landscape of electoral processes, especially as cybersecurity becomes a critical concern following historical threats to election integrity. Walker advocates for current practices that ensure the security of the electoral process, highlighting the importance of ongoing training and adherence to both state and federal guidelines. She expresses confidence in her office’s performance, stating that there have never been any instances of breaches in the election systems under her supervision. As she prepares for her final run, Walker aims to set up a smooth transition for her eventual successor and remains enthusiastic about continuing her efforts for the community she has served for decades.
Conversely, Jennifer Frey’s journey to candidacy began with her work in the elections office, which she joined in 2016 out of curiosity and concern for the integrity of the electoral process after witnessing some inaccuracies in prior elections. With her experience as a precinct inspector and clerk, Frey believes there is potential for better security and smoother operations during elections. She strongly advocates for community involvement and addressing issues such as voter registration and mail-in voting accuracy. Frey’s vision includes removing barriers to voter registration while enhancing trust in the electoral system through meticulous attention to procedures and outreach efforts. “My goal is to make it easy for people to register, easy for them to vote, and impossible to cheat,” she asserts.
The pivotal question of whether it’s time for a change is a prominent theme of this election. Walker contends that her office runs efficiently and that any calls for change lack foundation, noting, “It’s not broke; there’s no reason to fix it.” She believes her long tenure and the successful operation of elections in St. Lucie County is evidence of her effectiveness. In contrast, Frey argues for an overhaul, insisting that 44 years is sufficient for any officeholder, expressing the need for fresh perspectives and approaches to meet contemporary challenges. Frey expressed great respect for Walker’s long service but pushes for the turnover of leadership to enhance the future of the elections office. “I am the person for this. Four more years from now, it just might be too late,” she warns, emphasizing the urgency for change.
Both candidates are actively campaigning with distinct approaches. Walker, who has been self-funding her campaign significantly, believes her name recognition and long-standing support within the community will propel her to victory despite the lack of extensive fundraising efforts. “I don’t think having a big war chest is necessary to win an election,” she notes, relying on her established credibility and previous contributions. Meanwhile, Frey is out on the ground, engaging with constituents and gradually gaining recognition. Although her campaign required personal investment, she welcomes grassroots support and donations that resonate with voters on a personal level. Frey aims to amplify voter turnout by emphasizing the importance of local elections through community meetings and innovative engagement strategies to involve younger voters.
While both candidates share the goal of improving the electoral process, their motivations and methods differ significantly. Walker focuses on continuity and maintaining the standards set over her long career, while Frey wants to implement fresh ideas that could foster greater community engagement and ensure procedural transparency. As the election date approaches, the St. Lucie County community faces a crucial decision: to continue the legacy of an experienced election supervisor or to embrace the fresh vision of a newcomer who seeks to reform and revitalize the electoral process in the county. The outcome will certainly set the tone for the future of the St. Lucie County elections office, especially as Walker prepares to transition into retirement, making this election not just a choice between two candidates but a pivotal juncture that will shape electoral integrity for years to come.
