If you think Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul or Mitt Romney is the solution to the nation’s problems, you’ve got to be a registered Republican to express your support in Florida’s primary.

If you’re not, you’ve got to act fast. Tuesday is the registration deadline for the Jan. 31 primary.

Requirements are simple: Be at least 18 years old by primary day — Jan. 31 — and a U.S. citizen. Felons who haven’t had their voting rights restored and people judged mentally incompetent aren’t eligible.

Those who want to register may do so by filling out a registration form and getting it back to the Supervisor of Elections Office by the end of the business day Tuesday, or make sure it’s postmarked by the deadline.

People can register at county elections offices, public libraries and driver’s license offices.

Other government offices, such as city halls and post offices, often have the forms. But it’s up to the person registering to get the form to the Elections Office. Application forms also are available online, but they need to be printed out and returned to the Elections Office because a signature is required.

Make sure every bit of information is legible, especially your driver’s license or Social Security numbers.

Florida has a closed primary, which means only voters registered as Republicans can take part. Democrats or independent/no party affiliation voters can switch parties by using a voter registration form.

For Information and forms in Broward, go online to www.browardsoe.org (click on the “Register to Vote” tab on the left side) or call 954-357-7050. In Miami-Dade, go to www.miamidade.gov/elections (click on the “Register” tab at the left) or call 305-499-8683.