ORLANDO, Florida. – The Florida statewide primary election will be held on Tuesday, August 20, and the election for Public Defender of the Ninth Judicial District is a general primary, meaning voters can participate in the primary for this office regardless of their party affiliation.

The ninth district includes Orange and Osceola counties. The seat is vacant due to the retirement of longtime public defender Robert Wesley.

The public defender plays an important role in the justice system. He or she oversees the attorneys who represent people who cannot afford an attorney in criminal cases, involuntary mental health cases, and juvenile cases.

(RELATED: Voter Guide for the Florida Election)

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld this right in Gideon v. Wainwright, a Florida case in which the defendant was denied an attorney because Florida only allows public defenders to serve poor people accused of capital crimes.

The Supreme Court ruled that the state had violated the defendant’s right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which he was granted under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

In addition, the Ninth Circuit office works to reduce recidivism rates by connecting clients with programs to treat problems such as substance abuse.

Both candidates are Democrats.

LENORA EASTER – Campaign website

According to Easter’s website, it was her years as a public defender in Florida and New York that motivated her to flee, saying she was “determined to redefine public defense in our county.”

On her website, she highlights three issues as the cornerstones of her candidacy. These are:

• Collaborative defense

• Community engagement

• Financial management

MELISSA VICKERS – Campaign website

Vickers said she has worked in all areas of the public defender’s office over a period of 21 years, including as a senior assistant.

“There is no one who understands the processes in the office, the people on the team and the solemn oath we have sworn better than I do,” it says on their website.