May I vote in a precinct of which I am not a resident?
No. This is one area where the Florida Legislature and Florida Statutes (101.045) are specific in requiring that “No person shall be permitted to vote in any election, precinct or district other than the one in which the person has his or her legal residence and in which the person is registered.”
What is a Universal Primary?
If all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the General Election, then all qualified voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in the Primary Elections for that office. These contests are called “Universal Primary Contests.”
What is a provisional ballot?
It is a conditional ballot, the validity of which is determined by the canvassing board.
Will provisional ballots be available?
Yes. Provisional ballots will be available at all locations to be used by those whose voter registration is in question. The staff of the elections office and the canvassing board will research available records to determine eligibility, and those people who cast provisional ballots will be advised of their situation within 30 days.
Do I vote only for the County Commissioner or School Board Member for my District?
No! In Santa Rosa County, County Commissioners and School Board Members run countywide. And although the Commissioner and School Board Member who represents your district must live in your district, voters, regardless of their residential location, are allowed to vote in all County Commissioner and School Board races.
How many County Commissioner districts are there?
In Santa Rosa County there are five. The same is true for school board members.
Is it true you can pre-register to vote when you are sixteen (16) years old?
Yes, if you present a valid drivers license. Your registration will be held in suspense until the eighteenth birthday.
Why are judges’ names not in alphabetical order, as are all other candidates, on the ballot?
The names of candidates for the office of circuit judge shall be listed on the primary election ballot in the order determined by lot conducted by the director of the Division of Elections of the Department of State after the close of the qualifying period.
F.S. 105.041(2(b)).
Can I use my voters’ identification card as ID at the polls?
No. The law requires a photo ID. Those that are accepted are: Drivers Licenses; Florida ID; United States passport; debit or credit card; military identification; student identification; retirement center identification; neighborhood association identification, public assistance identification, employee badge or identification and buyer's club identification.
On Election Day, can I go into the booth with my spouse to help them to vote?
No. Unless the spouse has requested in writing that they need assistance.
The day before an Election I realize that I haven’t changed by address from the county in which I previously lived to Santa Rosa County. Can I still vote? Yes. Call the Elections Office and they will give you the address of your precinct. Once at the precinct, the Clerk will assist you in filling out a change of address form. With the proper identification you will be allowed to vote.
Can I use a pen to vote with?
We provide No. 2 pencils for marking your vote. If you make a mistake, don’t hesitate to ask for a new ballot. If you erase or make other marks, your vote may not count. |
