If you’re not someone who consistently stays in the loop on politics and elections, an election year can be a confusing time, especially if you live in Florida.
Many people might be wondering what exactly is the difference between Florida’s presidential preference primary, the actual primary election and the general election. That’s a great question, but before it's answered, it’s also important to know that your voter registration is in good standing and that you’re registered with the right party.
In Florida, July 22 is a big day because it’s the last day voters can register and change their party for the upcoming primary election on Aug. 20.
While registering to vote is obviously important, in Florida, registering with the right party is a big deal, too, because the state has closed primaries. This means voters can only vote for their party candidates, and no party affiliation (NPA) voters are not eligible to vote for any partisan candidates unless a universal primary contest happens.
Here’s what to know about the upcoming Florida primary election and how to check your voter status.
How to check if you're registered to vote in Florida
Checking your voter registration status in Florida is an easy process. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Department of State website
- Enter your first and last name and your birthday
- Accept the terms of service by checking the option that says you “understand and agree”
- Submit your information
After submitting your information, you’ll see a form that provides your voter registration information. At the bottom, you’ll see your registration status, which will say either active or inactive.
Register to vote online or in person
If you need to register, visit RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov to complete the registration online. You will need your Florida driver's license or ID card, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to register completely online.
You can register in person at the Supervisor of Elections office at 2990-1 Apalachee Pkwy or at any of the other government offices listed below:
How do Florida primary and general elections work?
Florida is one of 12 states that use a closed primary election process. That means that you may only vote for candidates of the party you are registered with. Independent voters, or nonpartisan voters, are not able to vote for partisan candidates during closed primaries.
During the general election, all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote for any candidate of their choosing.
Primary election key dates
- Deadline to register to vote: July 22
- Early voting period (mandatory period): Aug. 10 – 18
- Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: Aug. 8
- Election Day: Aug. 20
General election key dates
- Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to voters: Sept. 21
- Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters: Sept. 26 – Oct. 3
- Deadline to register to vote: Oct. 7
- Early voting period (mandatory period): Oct. 26 – Nov. 2
- Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: Oct. 24
- Election Day: Nov. 5
How to change your political party
Changing your political party is easy and doesn't require you to do any heavy lifting; you can do it from a computer, tablet or smartphone with an internet connection.
Just head over to the Online Voter Registration System and click on the big "Register or Update" button. You'll be asked your reason for application. Just select the "record update/change" option and you can follow the steps to change your party affiliation.
If you don't want to go through the process online, you can submit a Florida Voter Registration Application to the Supervisor of Elections.
Learn more about the process at www.leonvotes.gov.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Monday July 22 is final day to register to vote in August Florida primary elections
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