Election Day is right around the corner (November 5th), but October 7th is the last day to register to vote. With important races up and down the ballot, it’s important to look at what to expect. Here’s what to know to perform your civic duty when the day comes:
Am I eligible to vote?
To vote in the general election, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a Florida resident
- Be at least 18 years old (pre-registration can happen at 16 or 17, but you must be 18 to vote)
How can I register to vote?
You can register to vote online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. The deadline is October 7, 2024, or 29 days before the upcoming election. If you want to be sure, you can check your voter registration status here or with your Supervisor of Elections.
When can I vote?
Early voting will take place October 26 – November 2. Election Day will be held November 5, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are in line by 7 p.m. you’ll be allowed to vote.
Where do I vote?
You can find your local precinct on your voter information card or by clicking here.
What should I bring to the polling place?
A current and valid photo ID with a signature, like your Florida driver’s license, a Florida ID card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, a U.S. passport or a government-issued employee ID.
What if I vote by mail?
The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is no later than 5 p.m. on the 12th day before the election. Once you vote, the ballot must be mailed or delivered to your local Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.
So, what’s on the ballot?
We know that all voters will have a say on who will become U.S. president, as well as senators and representatives. Floridians will also cast their vote for six different amendments, which will need at least 60% of the vote to pass. They are:
- Amendment 1: Partisan election of members of district school boards
- Amendment 2: Right to fish and hunt
- Amendment 3: Adult personal use of marijuana
- Amendment 4: Amendment to limit government interference with abortion
- Amendment 5: Annual adjustments to the value of certain homestead exemptions
- Amendment 6: Repeal of public campaign financing requirement
You can find a sample ballot on the Miami-Dade County Elections website here.
Now that you have a pretty good idea on what to expect, head out to the polls and make your voice heard!