Frequently Asked Questions
(Source: Division of Elections- Florida Dept. of State)How do I become a poll worker?
If you are interested in becoming a poll worker, you should contact the supervisor of elections. You must be a U.S. Citizen and registered to vote in this county. For additional requirements see our Pollworker page.
What percentage comprises a win in a primary?
In 2008, there will be only one primary election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will be nominated.
I want to vote in the primary. Do I have to be a Democrat or Republican?
Maybe. Florida is a closed primary state which means as a general rule, you will not be able to vote for Democratic or Republican candidates unless you are registered under one of those parties. The exception is if all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the general election, all qualified electors, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in the primary elections for that office. You will also be able to vote for nonpartisan candidates and any issues on the primary ballot.
What kind of identification do I need to bring to the polls?
When you go to the polling place to vote, you will be asked to provide a current and valid picture identification with a signature. Approved forms of picture identification are: Florida driver's license; Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; United States passport; employee badge or identification; buyer's club identification; debit or credit card; military identification; student identification; retirement center identification; neighborhood association identification; entertainment identification; and public assistance identification. If the picture identification does not contain a signature, you will be asked to provide an additional identification with your signature. Unless you are a first time voter who registered by mail, you may sign an affidavit if you do not have the proper identification.
What do I need if I am a first time voter who registered by mail?
If you are a first-time voter who registered by mail, there are some different identification requirements. If you go to the polls, you will be required to show the picture identification as outlined in the above question. If you do not have the proper identification, you will not be allowed to sign the affidavit, but you will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot.
If you are a first-time voter who registered by mail and requested an absentee ballot, you will be required to send a copy of your picture identification with your absentee ballot, unless you have already provided the identification to the supervisor of elections. If you do not have a picture identification, you may send one of the following with your absentee ballot, if they contain your name and current residence address: utility bill; bank statement; government check; paycheck; other government document (excluding voter identification card).
To avoid problems in voting, if you register by mail and have not voted before in the county, you should send a copy of your identification to the supervisor of elections with your registration form.
Must a poll watcher be a registered voter?
Yes. Each poll watcher must be a qualified and registered elector of the county in which he or she serves.
(Section 101.131(1), F.S.)
May a candidate serve as a poll watcher?
No candidate, sheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer, or other law enforcement officer may be designated as a poll watcher.
(Section 101.131(3), F.S.)
What is the difference between a poll watcher and a poll worker?
Poll workers are paid employees of the Supervisor of Elections, who carry out all the tasks necessary for operation of the election including (but not limited to): transporting ballots between the Elections office and the polling locations, setting up voting equipment, checking voter registrations and identification, ...
Poll watchers are volunteers representing candidates or political parties who are tasked with observing the voting process at each polling location. Poll watchers can alert poll workers to suspected voting infractions but are prohibited from interfering with or helping the poll workers or voters.
Are all judges retained in office by voting "for retention" or "against retention?"
No. Only Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the District Courts of Appeal are retained in office. (Sections 105.041(2), 105.051(2), F.S., and Article V, Section 10, Florida Constitution)
How do I vote absentee?
Any registered and qualified voter may vote an absentee ballot. You should request an absentee ballot from the supervisor of elections in your county. You may telephone your request or send the request in writing. Provide the following information in your request: your name; your address; and your date of birth. If you send the request in writing, you should sign the request.
I have requested an absentee ballot and now I have changed my mind and want to vote at the polls. May I?
Yes. If you received your absentee ballot, you should return it, whether voted or not, to the poll workers on election day. Your absentee ballot will be voided and you will be allowed to vote at the polls.
If you don't bring your absentee ballot with you (so that it can be voided) then you will only be allowed to vote a regular ballot if it is determined your absentee ballot wasn't voted. If it is determined that the absentee ballot was voted, then the you will not be permitted to vote at the polling location. If the status of the your absentee ballot cannot be determined then you will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot. If the absentee ballot is received later at the elections office it will be marked as "Rejected as Illegal".
Does Florida allow "Early voting" ?
Many supervisors of elections provide voters with the opportunity to vote before election day on the regular voting equipment. This in person absentee voting (sometimes referred to as early voting) is offered at the office of the supervisor of elections. Call the supervisor of elections to find out the dates and times this service is offered in your county.
What information needs to be included on a political disclaimer?
Section 106.143, F.S., provides for a minimum of "Paid political advertisement" or the abbreviation "Pd. Pol. Adv. (name of person or entity paying for the advertisement)." If the candidate is partisan, the party affiliation must be indicated. If the candidate is a candidate with no party affiliation, this also must be indicated. If the advertisement is provided in-kind, this needs to be indicated. All advertisements other than independent, must state that the candidate has approved the advertisement. (Also see Section 106.025, F.S., for additional requirements on fundraiser tickets and advertising.) Section 106.071, F.S., contains additional requirements when it is an independent expenditure.
How long is a standard term of office for...?
| 2 yr. terms: |
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| Federal Offices: |
U.S. House of Representatives, |
| State and Local Offices: |
State House of Representatives |
| 4 yr. terms: |
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| Federal Offices: |
U.S. President, Vice-President, |
| State and Local Offices: |
Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Attorney, Commissioner of Agriculture, Public Defender, Chief Financial Officer, State Senate, County Commissioners, School Board, Clerk of the Court, Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, Tax Collector, City Council, Fire Commissioners |
| 6 yr. terms: |
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| Federal Offices: |
U.S. Senate |
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