July 2024
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 15
Know The Key Dates And The Three Ways To Vote Ahead Of Florida’s Primary Election
By Kathy L. Collins
This is going to be an exciting year for elections. Voting is a right, but with every right comes responsibilities. In order to vote, you must be informed. The first opportunity to vote is in the primary election, which is set to take place on Tuesday, August 20. There are important dates and times to keep in mind. The deadline to register/ change your party affiliation was Monday, July 22. Early voting will take place from In order to be an effective voter, you must be an informed voter. You need to know the key dates, know the three methods of voting Monday, August 5, to Sunday, available to every voter in Hillsborough County and wear your “I August 18, from 10 a.m.-6 Voted Sticker” proudly. p.m. The deadline to request a cided in the primary election, and if you do vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, August 8 at 5 not vote you will miss your opportunity to p.m. Election Day is August 20, and polls are have a voice in who represents you in those open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. offices.” While Florida is a closed primary state, If you need information on the candidates, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections you can find local candidates — including Craig Latimer said, “I want all voters to unclerk of circuit court, sheriff, property apderstand that they can vote in the primary praiser, tax collector, supervisor of elections, election, regardless of their party affiliation. county commission, There are nonpartisan races that will be deschool board, county REQUESTING A VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT IS EASY: 1. Online: Vote By Mail Ballot Request 2. By Phone: (813) 612-4180 3. By Fax: (813) 744-5843 4. In Person: at any of our Supervisor of Elections REQUESTING VOTE BY MAIL FOR YOURSELF, YOU MUST OFFICES 1. Your name and home address 2. Your date of birth 3. Your mailing address, if different from home address (Ballots cannot be forwarded. Be sure to provide your current mailing address.) 4. Your signature (for written requests)
This Primary includes nonpartisan races. You do not have to be affiliated with a party to vote in this election.
Three Ways To Vote
Vote By Mail
Mark your ballot at home, then mail it back or drop it off. You can drop your ballot off at any Early Voting site or any of our offices when they are open. Request your ballot online or by calling our office. Vote By Mail ballots must be in one of our offices no later than 7 p.m. Election Day. Vote in person at any of 27 different locations in Hillsborough County, open August 5-18, including weekends.
Early Voting
Election Day
Visit VoteHillsborough.gov/EarlyVoting for locations and operating hours. August 20, your LAST chance to vote! On Election Day, you must vote in the polling place assigned to your precinct.
2024 PRIMARY ELECTION Vote By Mail: Due by 7 p.m. August 20 Early Voting: August 5 - 18 Election Day: August 20 Get answers you can trust
VoteHillsborough.gov (813) 744-5900
court judge, soil and water conservation districts, community development districts and special taxing districts — by visiting www. votehillsborough.gov. For candidates for president, U.S. senator, U.S. Representative, state attorney, public defender, state senator, state representative, Supreme Court justice, district court of appeal and circuit judge, you can visit https:// dos.fl.gov/elections/. In Florida, you have several ways to vote. Latimer said, “I encourage voters to plan their vote. You have three convenient options that include vote-by-mail, early voting and election day. So, there really is no excuse to miss an election. You will find information about where, when and how you can vote at www.votehillsborough.gov. Starting about a month before each election, you can also look up your sample ballot to see who you can vote for.” VOTE-BY-MAIL Vote-by-mail is the most convenient method. You do not need an excuse to select this method. However, the Florida State Legislature has changed some of the rules surrounding vote-by-mail. Latimer explained, “Because of new state law, vote-by-mail requests expire after every general election. As such, you will only get vote-by-mail ballots for the 2024 elections
if you have submitted a new request. The quickest way to make your request is to go online to www. votehillsborough.gov or call 744-5900. You will need to give us your Florida driver license or the last four digits of your Social Security number for verification.” Using this method allows you to take your time making decisions about who to vote for. However, your vote-by-mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough County supervisor of elections by 7 p.m. on primary election day. EARLY VOTING Early voting is just like voting on primary election day. You must bring one or two forms of identification with your photo and signature. Examples of acceptable forms of ID include a Florida driver’s license issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, U.S. passport, military ID, student ID, public assistance ID and more. During early voting, you can go to a number of designated sites. ELECTION DAY VOTING Polling places or precincts are noted on your voter registration card. They are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. This year, primary election day is August 20. Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts.