Florida
| How do I request an absentee ballot? |
Absentee ballots must be requested through the county in which you are registered to vote by mail
or telephone. The process for requesting a ballot can vary slightly from county to county. By Florida
law, you are required to provide your name, date of birth, driver’s license number (if available), home
address (i.e., your Florida address), and the address where you would like the ballot sent. If you send
the request in writing you must sign the request. Some counties request Additional information
to help expedite the process. Check your county’s supervisor of elections’ website to learn how to
request an absentee ballot in your county. Find a link to your county’s site here. |
| Where do I send the request? |
In all counties, requests can be submitted via telephone or U.S. mail. Some counties also allow you
to request an absentee ballot via e-mail or an online submission form. Check your county’s website
through the link above to find out the specific instructions for your county. If you submit your request in writing, you must sign the request. |
| What is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot? |
5 PM on the 6th day before an election: General Election: October 29 |
| What is the voting procedure? |
You must fill out the ballot with a witness present. Then, both you and the witness must sign a voter’s
certificate (enclosed with your absentee ballot) and return it along with your ballot to your county
supervisor of elections. You may not return your ballot to a polling place. |
| What are the deadlines for voting absentee? |
Your ballot must arrive at the county supervisor of elections’ office by 7:00 pm on Election Day: General Election: November 4 Mail your ballot as early as possible to ensure arrival by Election Day. |
| What are the election dates and deadlines for 2008? |
General Election: November 4 Voter registration closes 29 days prior to Election Day. |
| How do I contact the Secretary of State / election officials? |
Kurt Browning, Secretary of State Florida Department of State R. A. Gray Building 500 S. Bronough Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250 Tel: 850-245-6500 Florida Division of Elections R.A. Gray Building, Room 316 500 Bronough St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250 Tel: 850-245-6200 |
| Are there requirements for first-time voters? |
If you are a first-time voter who registered by mail and request 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. |
| Additional information: |
Absentee voting web site |
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