<strong>ABATE</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Florida</strong>, <strong>Inc</strong>.Page 12<strong>Florida</strong>'s Voting LawsIf you are a resident <strong>of</strong> <strong>Florida</strong> and feel strongly about many <strong>of</strong> the political issues that faceyou, your family, <strong>Florida</strong> and the entire nation right now it is critical that you register to voteand make sure that your voice is heard.The Registration ProcessIn <strong>Florida</strong>, you can register to vote at any time. But keep in mind that <strong>Florida</strong> maintains aclosing date for registration to vote in a particular election. This is important for voters to realize because if youmiss the closing date you can’t vote in the election. This is why it’s critical to register to vote as soon as possible.Closing dates in <strong>Florida</strong> are 29 days prior to the elections or, July 26, <strong>2010</strong> for the primary election <strong>of</strong> August 24,<strong>2010</strong>, and <strong>Oct</strong>ober 4, <strong>2010</strong> for the general election <strong>of</strong> November 2, <strong>2010</strong>. In other words, register to vote today! Ifyou wish to vote in a primary, <strong>Florida</strong> is a “closed primary state”, you must be a registered member <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> thepolitical parties for which you intend to vote. For example, voters registered as independent, or a member <strong>of</strong> the“Green Party”, can’t vote in the Republican or Democratic primaries. The only exception to this rule is a 1998 <strong>Florida</strong>constitutional amendment that states that if all candidates share the same party affiliation, all registered votersregardless <strong>of</strong> party can vote in the primary election.The General Election ProcessThe General Election is always held in November <strong>of</strong> even-numbered years with the Primary Election taking place10 weeks before the General Election. During presidential election years, every four years, the presidential primaryin <strong>Florida</strong> is held in January. Keep in mind that the presidential primary and the Primary Election are two differentvoting events. So if you would like to vote in the presidential primary, you need to make sure you are registered intime. In other words, register to vote today!The Absentee Ballot ProcessIf you are a resident <strong>of</strong> <strong>Florida</strong> but will not be in <strong>Florida</strong> during the election, you have the right to request an absenteeballot. To obtain an absentee ballot simply contact your local <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> Supervisor <strong>of</strong> Elections either in person,in writing, or over the phone and request a ballot. If you are mailing your request make sure to include all relevantinformation including:Name Address (your physical residence) Mailing AddressBirth date Driver’s license number SignatureWhich election you wish to receive the ballot forIt’s very important to include all <strong>of</strong> the required information or your request can be denied. After you send in yourrequest, make sure to call the <strong>of</strong>fice to follow up with the process. Don’t assume that you will receive your ballotuntil you’ve received confirmation back in writing.Change <strong>of</strong> Address ProcessIf you moved and have a change <strong>of</strong> address to another county, you need to fill out a <strong>Florida</strong> Voter Registration Applicationagain to provide notice <strong>of</strong> your new address. This application can be obtained from your local <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong>Supervisor <strong>of</strong> Elections. It’s important to have your correct address on file because <strong>Florida</strong> law requires you to votein the precinct where you live. If you go to the wrong precinct, you won’t be allowed to vote. Make sure you areaware <strong>of</strong> your correct voting precinct before Election Day so that you don’t run into any problems.Voting is a RightRemember, voting is a right and not a privilege; no one can stop you from voting. However, you still need to followand obey <strong>Florida</strong>’s voting laws in order to enjoy that right. The laws are in place in order to keep elections fair forall candidates. Make sure you understand the rules, register early, and on election night, make your voice heard!
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