Voter Registration in Florida
Eligible residents can register to vote in Florida relatively easily. All it takes is understanding how the registration works and just a few minutes to fill out the form. Understanding the voter registration rules allows potential voters to make the procedure go more smoothly. After obtaining voting rights, residents can enjoy a lifetime of involvement in local, state and federal political issues and elections. Living in a critical swing state, voters in Florida can make a big impact on federal policy and elections.
Many accessible options are available to Florida residents to begin putting their voting rights to use as quickly as possible. Local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices even offer voter registration card applications to drivers. Of course, registered voters can run into certain issues that may affect their registration status. However, with proper research, these situations can be handled with efficiency to preserve voting rights. To learn more about voting in Florida, review the sections below.
Who can register to vote in Florida?
Completing the FL voter registration process requires state residents to satisfy certain eligibility standards. To successfully register, applicants:
- Must be U.S. citizens.
- Must be Florida residents.
- Must be age 16 to pre-register but 18 or older by the first election date.
- Cannot be convicted of a disqualifying felony.
- Cannot be stated as mentally incompetent by a court.
Florida Voter Registration Deadline
The deadline for submitting FL voter registration applications is 29 days before an upcoming election. Late request forms will still be processed. However, applicants in these situations are unable to vote until the next election.
How to Register to Vote in Florida
Various procedures for becoming a legal voter in Florida are available to residents. Applications can be sent online, by mail or in person. Applicants may find specific methods to be more convenient for their lifestyles and may ultimately choose to employ any process.
Residents should be ready to provide certain personal information when applying to vote. Furthermore, voting registration applications must be verified using particular documentation. Examples of personal details that are needed on an application include:
- Name
- Contact information
- Address
- Date of birth
- Party affiliation
- Valid Florida drivers license number
A valid Florida license or ID card is required. Additionally, the last four digits of an applicant’s Social Security Number (SSN) may need to be disclosed. To submit a paper application to vote in Florida, the document can be mailed to a state Division of Elections office. Verification papers may need to be submitted for the application to be considered complete, but usually, applicants will not need to provide copies of any personal documents when registering.
Finally, residents can utilize in-person FL voter registration. A paper application can be filled out at a local licensing office or DMV location. No matter what method they choose to use, approved voters will receive a registration card detailing important voting information.
Early Voting in Florida
Early voting in the United States is limited to specific states that allow the practice. In Florida, early voting is available in certain counties, but it is not uniform across the state.
Residents with a valid voter registration card can apply for early voting privileges if their counties allow it. Voting sites are designated at least a month before the election date. Photo identification and a valid signature must be provided by early voters.
Florida Voter Registration for Active Duty Military and Out-of-State Residents
Military and overseas citizens are provided with specific options for voting in Florida. These residents can change their voter registration method to be able to vote by mail or by using an absentee ballot.
Vote-by-mail ballots can be obtained from local counties or by requesting them online. Alternatively, the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) provides for absentee ballots nationwide. Active duty service members can use the Federal Post Car Application (FPCA) to cast votes.
Florida Voter Registration for Absentee Voting
Absentee voter registration in Florida is limited to military members and overseas residents. The votes should utilize the FVAP to collect and submit ballots. However, the vote-by-mail method is also available as an alternative to absentee voting. If voters do not meet absentee ballot eligibility requirements, they can apply for vote-by-mail ballots.
Voter Registration Cards in Florida
“Am I registered to vote?” is a common question for residents who have recently submitted an application for voting in Florida. While the request form evaluation process may take a few weeks, approved applicants are provided with voter cards that display their names, party affiliation and more. These certificates are important for voters to establish their eligibility for casting a vote in Florida.
In addition to personal information, the card contains your assigned voting precinct. This location may change if you complete a voter registration change of address. This is because your address on file is used to determine your voting location.
How to Change Your Voter Registration in Florida
Voter information can be changed or updated easily using an application for general Florida voting. The new information can be provided online, by mail or in person. The form should indicate a change of voter registration address, name and/or party affiliation.
When changing your address on your registration, be sure to also change your address on your driver’s license, as well as on other important DMV documentation, such as your vehicle registration.
How to Replace a Lost Florida Voter Registration Card
Lost Florida voter cards should be replaced as soon as possible. By resubmitting a normal voter application, residents can easily receive a brand new registration card.
Without a valid voter card, you may forget your voting precinct location. Do not be left wondering “where do I vote?” Instead, replace a lost card right away.