Here’s the information you need to vote in Florida’s Primary Election next month: If you’re new to the state, read on…
First of all, Florida is a CLOSED PRIMARY STATE. That means, if you’re registered as a Republican, you get the Republican ballot. If you’re registered as a Democrat, you get the Democrat ballot. If you are Independent, or No Party Affiliation, you get the non-partisan ballot.
IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR PARTY AFFILIATION, you must do it before July 20. No changes can be made after that date.
Early voting starts on August 6 and runs until August 15, including Saturdays and Sundays. For early voting, you may go to any of the three precincts. There’s one in Avon Park, one in Lake Placid, and ours on Kenilworth in Sebring. The hours for each are 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. If you wait until Election Day, August 18, you must vote at our precinct, the Church of Christ right down on Sebring Parkway. On Election Day the polls are open from 7:00 – 7:00.
Very Important: If you are used to getting a mail-in ballot you MUST request one from the Election Commission. They are no longer being mailed out automatically. Ballots must be received by the Election Commission by 7PM on Election Day. They can be dropped off at one of the Early Voting sites or the office downtown, in addition to being actually mailed.
If you do receive a mail-in ballot but decide to vote in person (or forget to mail it in), you can still vote in person. If you bring in your unvoted ballot the poll workers will destroy it and give you a fresh one. Returning the unvoted ballot is not mandatory, but it does save time.
If you’re new to Highlands County and haven’t registered to vote here, go to votehighlands.gov and you can register online. This is also the place to report a change of name or address within the county. You can also view a sample ballot (when they’re finalized), check your registration status, and request a mail-in ballot.
When you come to vote in person, you will need identification. You need a photo ID AND a signature ID. The Florida driver’s license has both. Passports may have your picture but not your signature, so you’ll need something else with your John Hancock, like a credit card or state ID. Concealed weapons permits have your picture but not your signature.
Every precinct has an Express Vote machine. These can be used by anyone, but are especially designed for voters with hearing or vision problems, hand tremors that make it hard to fill in the little bubbles on the ballots, Spanish speakers, and anyone who needs to sit down while voting. Just tell the poll worker you want to use it, and they’ll get you set up.
Every registered voter can cast a ballot, either by mail, at early voting, or in the precinct on August 18. We want to see a good turnout. Be involved with your government.
