Tips for Florida Voters
The nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Florida has assembled these tips to help
ensure that voters have all the information they need to cast a ballot. The League
websites, www.bereadytovote.org and www.vamosavotar.org, serve as resources for
additional voting-related questions and helps you get registered, stay updated and
informed.
Does Florida require a photo ID to vote?
Yes, a photo ID has been required to vote in Florida since 2001.
What happens if I don’t have a photo ID?
If you are voting on Election Day, you will be given a “provisional ballot.” Your
information will be verified in the few days between the election and the day the official
results of the election are sent in to the state.
During Early Voting, the poll workers will explain what you have to do to get an
acceptable photo ID, and you will be able to come back to vote later.
If you choose to vote with an absentee ballot, a photo ID is not necessary. Your identity
will be verified by your signature across the flap of the envelope, which the elections
staff will compare to the signature on your registration. Absentee ballots are counted on
Election Day.
Do I need anything else to vote on Election Day?
Yes, you will also need a signature ID, which can be separate from your photo ID.
How does Vote By Mail work?
A voter can request an absentee ballot from the county’s Supervisor of Elections office
by phone, on-line, by mail, or in person. No excuse is necessary but you must ask for one
by October 31st, to allow enough time to mail it back and forth so it is received on or
before Election Day. Postmarks do not count.
If you want the Vote By Mail ballot sent to an address other than your home address, you
must make the request in person at the Supervisor of Elections office. This is to prevent
someone other than the voter receiving the ballot, perhaps for fraudulent purposes.
Be sure to sign the envelope across the flap exactly as instructed so your signature can be
verified.
What if I mess up my Vote By Mail ballot or change my mind after I’ve marked it?
You can still vote IF you turn in your absentee ballot at the polls, whether it is marked or
not.
How many stamps are required on a Vote By Mail envelope?
Postage varies from county to county.
In 2014, ballots in the following counties will require only one 49-cent stamp: Alachua,
Bay, Brevard, Calhoun, Citrus, Collier, Escambia, Flagler, Lake, Leon, Manatee, Marion,
Martin, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter and
Walton.
Duval, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Osceola will pay the postage for you and no
stamp is required.
The remaining counties’ Vote By Mail ballots require stamps as follows: Broward:
$1.19; Indian River: 70 cents; Monroe: $1.19, Orange: 70 cents; Palm Beach: $1.40;
Volusia: 70 cents
The Post Office will not deliver your ballot without the proper postage.
Is there anything else I need to know about Vote By Mail?
Be careful to follow the instructions carefully. Sign across the flap of the envelope
exactly as you signed your voter registration. Your ballot will be verified by the signature
the Elections Office has on file for you. People’s signature change over time so if it’s
been more than ten years since you registered to vote, you may want to re-register.
Can any voter participate at Early Voting locations?
Yes, early voting is available to any registered Florida voter. You may vote at any
designated early voting location as long as you are voting in the county where you live.
(On Election Day, you must vote in the precinct assigned to you). Early voting hours vary
from county to county. Check www.bereadytovote.org to get locations/hours for your
county. Early voting starts in most counties on Monday, October 20th.
What kind of ID is acceptable, besides a driver’s license?
A driver’s license, a passport, or a Florida ID is the preferred identification. However, a
debit or credit card, a military or student ID, a neighborhood association or retirement
center ID, or a public assistance ID are some of the acceptable identifications.
What is a Florida ID?
A Florida ID is the same as a driver’s license, except you can’t drive. You can apply at
your county Tax Collector’s Office. You will have to provide proof of citizenship; proof
of a name change, if any; proof of your social security number; and TWO ways to prove
your home street address. People renewing their driver’s licenses have to provide all this
too. For more information, go http://www.dmvflorida.org/drivers-licenseidentification.shtml
I’ve moved since I voted last time. What do I need to do?
You will need to update your registration, which is easy to do either on-line or in person.
Go to the League of Women Voters website, www.BeReadyToVote.org, and click on the
“check voter status” button. This will walk you through the process step by step.
If you stayed in the same county, you can change your address at the polls BUT you must
vote in the proper precinct for your new address. It’s better to do this in advance and get
your new information to save time and trouble.
Is my voter information public?
In general, yes. But the law does allow confidentiality in certain cases, such as stalking.
You will probably need to call or visit the Elections office to discuss your case because
the procedure is complicated.
Can I vote if I’m a lawful permanent resident?
No. You must be a citizen to vote.
Can I vote if I have dual citizenship with another country?
Yes. If you are a US citizen and are properly registered, you can vote.
How do I find out where I’m supposed to vote?
Each polling place (or precinct) in a county is numbered. A list of precincts with the
addresses linked to the number is usually printed in the newspaper on the weekend ahead
of the election. You’ll find your precinct number on your voter information card, or you
can check with your Elections Office.
What times are the polls open on Election Day?
Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Election Day. If you are standing in line at 7
p.m. you can still cast your vote.
It’s been a long time since I voted. What do I need to do?
You should confirm that you are still registered. You can do this on-line at
www.BeReadyToVote.com or contact your Supervisor of Elections office.
How do I find my Supervisor of Elections office?
If you do not have internet access, check your phone book under your county for
“elections” or “Supervisor of Elections.” On-line, Google your county name plus
elections.
What is a voter information card and why do I need one if I have to show other ID?
Your voter information card is to give you the information you need to vote. It will show
which precinct you are supposed to vote in and tell you which races you are eligible to
vote in, based on where you live. The races are listed by district number on your card.