Hillsborough election supervisor to head state group

TAMPA — Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer has a new title.

Latimer takes over May 11 as president of the Florida Supervisors of Elections. He was sworn in May 4.

The Florida Supervisors of Election, founded in 1964, is a professional membership organization representing the supervisors of Florida’s 67 counties and has the stated goal of supporting fair, honest and accurate elections in the state.

“While each of our jurisdictions is unique, it’s extremely valuable to have an open and continuing dialogue that allows us to learn from each other’s experiences,” said Latimer.

Last month, the group sent a letter asking for state action in response to the coronavirus pandemic to provide more flexibility around vote by mail and in-person voting.

Latimer is the first supervisor of elections in Florida to earn the prestigious Governor’s Sterling Award. The Florida Sterling Council, endorsed by the governor’s office and the National Baldrige Program, uses rigorous performance criteria to assess organizations seeking to serve as statewide role models.