New to voting in Florida? Here’s what you need to know about registering
Campaign season is gearing up now that the Democrats and Republicans have formally chosen their candidates for the 2020 presidential elections. And with November just around the corner, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to vote.
First-time voters: Welcome. You’ll get the chance to cast your vote alongside thousands of other longtime voters to decide who will sit in the Oval Office and lead the United States for the next four years.
The choice: Republican President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence or former Democratic vice president Joe Biden and his vice presidential pick Kamala Harris. There might also be some independent candidates on the ballot but if you’re a Kanye West 2020 supporter, sorry, the rapper didn’t make it onto Florida’s ballot.
Depending on where you live in South Florida, you’ll also have the chance to vote in local elections in Miami-Dade, Broward and the Keys. They include the race between county commissioners Esteban “Steve” Bovo Jr. and Daniella Levine Cava to become Miami-Dade’s next mayor.
In Broward, voter’s will decide between Democratic Sheriff Gregory Tony and Republican H. Wayne Clark.
In the Keys, there’s a race for state attorney and several Monroe county commission contests.
If you are a newcomer to voting, there is a lot to know. But to start, you must register.
How to register to vote in Florida ?
If you are a first-time Florida voter, there are several ways to apply to register to vote. A handy tool is the Florida Division of Election’s frequently asked questions.
▪ Online: To register online, visit RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. Once on the website, the application is available in English or Spanish.
▪ Apply at an agency: Applications are available at Florida driver’s license offices, tax collector’s offices that issue driver’s licenses or Florida identification cards, and at various agencies including offices that provide public assistance. For more information on agencies that offer voter registration, visit the state’s National Voter Registration Act page. Keep in mind that many of the offices and agencies may be closed or have new rules because of COVID-19, so call an office before going.
▪ By mail or in person: A registration application can be downloaded from the Division of Elections page in English or in Spanish.
A printed application can also be found at any county Supervisor of Elections office, local libraries, or any entity authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to issue fishing, hunting, or trapping permits.
The form then can be mailed to the Supervisor of Elections office in whatever county you are registering or brought to the office. There are instructions for those in the military or overseas.
What do you need to register?
In order to vote, you will need a Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, according to the Florida Division of Elections.
When filling out an online application, you will also need the date your driver’s license or ID card was issued and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
When filling out an application form you will need your driver’s license or ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number
When is the deadline?
The deadline to register to vote in this presidential election is Oct. 5. Generally, registration deadline is 29 days before the election.
If you are looking to change your party affiliation, that must be done 29 days in advance as well. So for the upcoming election, it is also Oct. 5.
The Division of Elections keeps a list of deadlines on its website.
Who can vote in Florida and who can’t?
There are several requirements to be able to vote in Florida, according to the elections’ website.
▪ Be a citizen of the United States of America
▪ Be a Florida resident
▪ Be at least 18 years old . You can pre-register at 16.
▪ Not have been adjudicated mentally incapacitated by a court
▪ Cannot be a convicted felon who hasn’t had their rights restored.
I’m registered, but how do I update my information?
Updating information including a change of address, party affiliation or name can be done online by submitting a change using RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.
Changes can also be made by calling or emailing your county supervisor of elections.
Someone who is registered to vote in a different state must register in Florida.
Do I have to register for a particular party?
The application gives voters four options: Florida Democratic Party, Republican Party of Florida, No party affiliation, Minor party (print party name).
For the general election, anyone can vote. But Florida is a closed primary election state, so in order to vote in a primary election, a person must be registered members of a political party.
Can I check if I am registered?
Yes. Florida’s website offers a tool that allows you to look up your status by entering your name and date of birth. You also can call your county’s Supervisor of Elections office to verify the information.
How do I get my voter’s registration card?
Once registered, you should receive a card within two weeks. If not, contact your Supervisor of Elections office.
This story was originally published September 3, 2020 at 7:02 AM.
