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of Okaloosa County Florida * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Individual Freedom - Free Markets - Limited Government |
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of Okaloosa County Florida * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Individual Freedom - Free Markets - Limited Government |
Floriday Voter Registration Information
Please take a few minutes to read the following about voting in Florida. It should answer your questions about voter registration, election dates, and the availability of absentee ballots. If you would like any additional information, please call your Supervisor of Elections office. We encourage you to participate in the process of deciding issues and electing our federal, state and local officials. (Please see Registration and Voting Guide for complete information.)
Third Party Voter Registration Information
ATTENTION: Pursuant to a federal court-ordered injunction issued on August 28, 2006, the Florida Department of State will not enforce the Third-Party Voter Registration Organization law (section 97.0575, Florida Statutes). target="_blank">Federal Court Order: League of Women Voters of Florida et al. v. Cobb, US Southern District Court of Florida.
Therefore, pending further official notice to the contrary, third-party voter registration activities conducted by organizations, entities, or individuals are not subject to the Third-Party Voter Registration Organization law but are still governed by all other applicable provisions of the Florida Election Code.
This case is under appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.
Book Closing Dates
You can apply to register to vote at any time. However, to vote in an election, you must be registered in the state by the book closing date, which is normally the 29th day before each election.
Election Dates
A General Election is held in November of every even-numbered year. The Primary Election, which precedes each November General Election, is normally scheduled during September. Additionally, a Presidential Preference Primary is scheduled in March of Presidential election years. Special elections may be called at any time during the year. (See election dates for the current year.)
Party Affiliation
To vote in a Democratic or Republican Primary Election, you must be registered in that party. However, a recently-approved amendment to the Florida Constitution states in part that if all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the General Election, all qualified voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in the Primary Election for that office. Party changes must be made by the end of the 29th day before the Primary Election.
Residence Address
If you move within a county after you have registered to vote, please notify your Supervisor of Elections. You may provide a signed, written notice to your supervisor, call your supervisor, or send an email. If you call or send an email, you must also include your date of birth with your change of address. If you move to another Florida county, use the Florida Voter Registration Application to change your address, and mail the application to your Supervisor of Elections. Federal and State laws require you to vote in your precinct of residence.
Voter Registration Changes
If you want to change your party affiliation or change your name, you must submit a Florida Voter Registration Application to the office of your Supervisor of Elections.
Absentee Ballots
The Supervisor of Elections may accept a request for an absentee ballot in person or in writing. Contact the office of your Supervisor of Elections to request an absentee ballot by mail no later than 5 p.m. on the sixth day before the election. When requesting an absentee ballot, whether by phone or by letter, you must provide your name, residence address, date of birth, driver's license number (if available) and signature, if it is a written request. Your request for an absentee ballot may be denied if you do not provide the required information. Specify the election(s) for which you wish to receive an absentee ballot and provide a mailing address. Check with your elections office if you need more information.
Florida Voter Registration Act
A description of Florida's implementation of the National Voter Registration Act, better known as "Motor Voter", which provides for changes in voter registration procedures.
Poll Workers
Poll workers are needed for every election. If you would like to become a poll worker, please call your Supervisor of Elections office.
Helpful Hints
Make sure all information on your voter information card is correct.
If you do not know the location of your polling place, call the office of your Supervisor of Elections for directions BEFORE election day.
Take your Florida Driver's License (or another form of picture identification showing your signature) to the polls.
On Election Day, the polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and are normally less busy during mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Early Voting will be available for voting prior to Election Day. Contact your Supervisor of Elections to obtain additional information on times and locations.