Early Voting
Early voting is a major part of the Supervisor of Elections’ office initiative to make it more convenient for voters to participate in the election process and to get more of our eligible voters to actually vote. Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about early voting:
What is early voting?
As part of election reform legislation in Florida, “early voting” has been an available option since 2002. For two weeks prior to the election, registered voters in Florida can opt to cast their votes early. It has already proven to be a success in Hillsborough County and is getting more popular with each election.
How is it
done?
It’s simple. Registered voters can go to any of the locations designated as early voting sites and cast their ballot just as they would normally do on Election Day.
Why should I vote early?
The intent is to meet the needs of busy people who want more options than just voting on a single day at a single precinct. We want to remove any physical or psychological barriers that might prevent someone from voting. If you know, for example, that you have a full day’s worth of activities on Election Day, you can make it easier on yourself by taking advantage of the early voting option.
Between early voting, absentee ballots and traditional polling on Election Day, there are a number of voting options so that no one should be prevented from voting.
Are there any drawbacks to early voting?
Early voting provides flexibility and convenience. However, some voters may wish to wait until Election Day to cast their votes. Historically, there has always been a crush of last-minute news coverage or other information about the candidates that happens in the final days of a campaign. This information may be helpful in making a decision. However, if you know who you support, early voting may be a good option for you.
Can I change my vote?
Once you have voted, either through early voting or by an absentee ballot, your vote is cast and final.
How does this affect absentee ballots?
Early voting is just another option to allow people to participate in the election process. Voters who may be out of town on Election Day, or otherwise be unable to cast a ballot at that time, can now choose between voting early or requesting and mailing in the absentee ballot.
How will early voting affect the election?
Apart from providing more options as to how you vote, it is hoped that early voting will encourage more voter participation. By law, votes are tallied at the conclusion of Election Day, whether they have been through early voting, absentee ballot or on Election Day.
Do I need identification to vote early?
When you go to the early voting site to vote, you will be asked to provide a current and valid picture identification with a signature. Approved forms of picture indentification are: Florida drivers license; Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; United States Passport; debit or credit card; military identification; student identification; retirement center identification; neighborhood association identification; and public assistance identification. (Section 101.043, F.S) If the picture identification does not contain a signature, you will be asked to provide an additional identification with your signature.
Can I still vote if I do not bring identification?
Yes. You should not be turned away from an early voting site because you do not bring identification. If you do not have proper identification, you will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot.
What else do I have to do if I vote a provisional ballot?
If you vote a provisional ballot solely because you did not provide an acceptable photo and signature identification at the early voting site, you do not need to provide any further evidence of your eligibility in order for your ballot to count. You will be provided a written notice of your rights as a provisional ballot voter. (Section 101.048, F.S.) The local canvassing board will simply compare your signature on the provisional ballot certificate with the signature on your voter registration record. If the signatures match, your provisional ballot will be counted. If you vote a provisional ballot for other reasons (for example, your eligibility is challenged by another person, you are in the wrong precinct when you vote, you do not appear on the precinct register, etc.), you will be provided written notice of your right to present evidence of your eligibility. You must provide the evidence to your respective supervisor of elections no later than 5 p.m., of the second day following the election. (Section 101.048, F.S.) The local canvassing board will examine your provisional ballot certificate and all other information and evidence available. Then based on a preponderance of the evidence, the board will determine whether to count your provisional ballot.
How do I find out if my provisional ballot was counted?
Instructions on how to find out if your provisional ballot was counted, and if not, the reason(s) why, will be contained in your notice of rights handed to you at the time that you vote a provisional ballot. Information as to whether your provisional ballot was counted or not must be made available no later than 30 days following the election (Section 101.048 (5)-(6), F.S.)
I’ve requested an absentee ballot. Can I participate in early voting at one of the locations?
Yes. However, if you’ve requested and received an absentee ballot and you
later decide to vote at the polls, you must bring your absentee ballot with you
so that we can cancel it before you vote at the polls. Early Voting Dates and Locations - Click here to see the locations and hours of operation of our fourteen Early Voting Sites.