The “How, When, Where” of General Election Voting 2016
First things first – Floridians can now register to vote until Tuesday, October 18th! Monivette Cordeiro of Orlando Weekly reports, “A federal judge has ruled to extend Florida’s voter registration deadline for six more days due to the destruction and mayhem caused by Hurricane Matthew.”
So, Florida, get out there, register to vote, AND encourage everyone you know to do the same if they haven’t yet. We’re going to cover the dates to remember, tips, and important FAQs about voting because we know this can get really confusing. Sometimes folks don’t vote simply because they’re intimidated by the process, and that’s no good – so we’re here to help.
The information given here will be specific for the state of Florida, however, if you would like information for any other state’s election dates and deadlines, please CLICK HERE.
IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER
Voter Registration Deadline
Tuesday, October 18th
To register to vote or update your registration information, click here.
Early Voting Dates
Monday, October 24th through Saturday, November 5th
Dates and times will vary by county. Some counties offer early voting on the Sunday before Election Day. Be sure to verify your local early voting locations, days, and hours with your county Supervisor of Elections. County-by-county Supervisor of Elections contact information can be found by clicking here.
Request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot Deadline
Wednesday, November 2nd
To request your Vote-by-Mail ballot, click here.
Quick Note on this! This method is very convenient. If you are unable to go to the polls during early voting, on Election Day, or you simply prefer not to, this is your best option. It is can also be helpful in case of an emergency. If you want to go to the polls, you can mark your Vote-by-Mail ballot, and take it with you once you get to your polling location. Once there, you can skip the lines because you have your ballot already! Finally, just because you request a Vote-by-Mail ballot, doesn’t mean you have to use it. Think of it as a security blanket, a “just-in-case” option, or the option that requires the least amount of your time.
General Election Day!
Tuesday, November 8th
The polls are open on Election Day, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Any voters waiting in line at 7:00 p.m. will have the opportunity to cast a ballot. Be sure you bring the proper ID. Click here for more information.
VOTING TIPS & FAQs
Voter Status
Not sure what your voter registration status is? You can check by clicking here.
Independent Voters
Are you an independent voter? You can still vote this November 8th, 2016 because this is a General Election!*
*For Primary Elections in Florida, the story is different. Because Florida is a closed primary state, in most cases, only the voters who are registered members of a political party may vote for their party candidates.
Where Do I Vote?
For a list of county-by-county Supervisor of Elections in Florida, click here.
What’s On My Ballot?
Want to know what’s on your ballot? Take a look at your sample ballot by clicking here.
Identification to Bring to Your Polling Location – Key Points!
1. Here’s what you need: identification that has a picture of you and a current signature – so if you have a student ID with your picture on it and a credit card with your signature on it, you’re good to go!
2. If you use your driver’s license or state ID, your address on those IDs DOES NOT have to be the same as your current address. However, you will need to vote at the polling location associated with the address you where you are registered to vote.
3. Whether during early voting or on Election Day, you will be asked to provide at the polls a valid photo ID with signature.
4. Any one of the following photo IDs will be accepted:
– Florida driver’s license
– Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
– United States passport
– Debit or credit card
– Military identification
– Student identification
– Retirement center identification
– Neighborhood association identification
– Public assistance identification
– Veteran health identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
– License to carry a concealed weapon or firearm issued pursuant to s. 790.06
– Employee identification card issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the Federal Government, the state, a county, or a municipality.
5. If your photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide another ID that has your signature.
6. If you do not bring proper ID, you can still vote a provisional ballot. As long as you are eligible and voted in the proper precinct, your provisional ballot will count provided the signature on your provisional ballot matches the signature in your registration record.
Who Do I Call if I Need Help on Election Day?
The American Civil Liberties Union offers three lines to call for assistance on voting. If you are turned away from the polls on voting day, and you are unclear of the reason why, call them at:
- For English-Language, 866-OUR-VOTE OR 866-687-8683.
- For Spanish-Language, 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA(888-839-8682), and
- For Asian-Language, 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683)
For FAQS from the Florida Department of State, click here.
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