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Flagler County Active Registered Voters Flagler County
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Frequently Asked Questions

This page is designed to help answer the questions we are asked most frequently concerning the following topics:

Voter Registration: 
  • address changes, new registrants, party affiliation, military voters, college voters, homeless voters
Voting Process in Florida: 
  • voting at the polls, precinct locations, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, sample ballots, campaign apparel
Candidates and Campaigns: 
  • donations, cash donations, public records, campaign phone calls

Voter Registration

  1. I never voted before and I want to register to vote. What do I need to do?
  2. I don't have a Florida driver's license or ID card, can I register to vote?
  3. If the address on my license hasn’t been updated and does not match my voter registration, will I be allowed to vote?
  4. I moved here from another county in Florida. Can I transfer my voter registration from that county to Flagler?
  5. Does a person have to live here in the state of Florida for a certain period of time before registering to vote?
  6. I sent you the application in the mail. How will I know if my application was received and processed?
  7. Do I have to declare a party when I register to vote?
  8. If I register with no party affiliation, can I vote however I want?
  9. I'm an Independent voter, can I vote however I want in Florida?
  10. I’m in the military but my residence is still in Flagler. How do I vote?
  11. I’m away at college in Florida but my parents live in Flagler County. Do I have to change my address or do I vote here in Flagler?
  12. I’m homeless but I want to vote. What can I do?

Voting Process in Florida

  1. What hours are the polls open on Election Day?
  2. I work next door to a polling place. Can I vote there or do I have to vote at the precinct near my home?
  3. Can I wear my campaign t-shirt or hat into the polling place?
  4. May I receive assistance in voting if necessary?
  5. How do I get a sample ballot for the primary or general election?
  6. Can I take my sample ballot into the polling room with me?
  7. What is an Vote-By-Mail ballot?
  8. I heard that Vote-By-Mail ballots are only counted if the race is close, is that true?
  9. What is a provisional ballot?
  10. I heard that provisional ballots are only counted if the race is close, is that true?

Candidates and Campaigns

  1. Why are candidate's names listed this way on the ballot?
  2. Are candidates and campaign workers supposed to keep their distance from the polling location?
  3. How much money can I donate my favorite candidate?
  4. Can a candidate accept a cash contribution?
  5. Are candidates' contributions and expenditures public record?
  6. What is an in-kind contribution?
  7. Why am I getting so many phone calls from candidates?
  8. Please refer to the Candidate's FAQ for more answers to candidate questions.

Answers:

Voter Registration

The term "independent" requires a bit of explanation in order to answer this question. Although common in other states, independent means something completely different in Florida.  When you are registered as an independent voter in Florida, you are registered with a minor political party. Many voters who are new to Florida simply write the word, "independent" on their Voter Registration Application. We often ask for clarification to make sure you intend to register with a political party affiliation. If you want no party affiliation, you should check the box for "None."

Florida is a closed primary state. This means only voters who are registered members of a political party may vote for their party's candidates in a Primary election. Primary elections are normally held in August of even-numbered years. Voters who are not affiliated with a political party receive a nonpartisan ballot in a Primary election. A nonpartisan ballot includes all judicial and school board offices, as well as local referendum questions. All registered voters, including those without party affiliation and minor political party voters are entitled to vote on all of the nonpartisan offices and ballot issues. However, any voter of any political party affiliation can vote for any candidate in a General election. General elections are held in November of even-numbered years.

Thank you for your service to our country. If you are a United States uniformed services member on active duty, a Merchant Marine member, spouse or dependent thereof, or a United States citizen residing outside of the United States, you can register to vote and request a vote-by-mail ballot at the same time by using a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). You can obtain the FPCA from any Voting Assistance Officer or through the Internet at www.fvap.gov. You can also call or request by mail, fax, or e-mail to your Supervisor of Elections that a voter registration application or a vote-by-mail ballot be sent to you. If you use the FPCA to request a vote-by-mail ballot, your request will be good for all elections through the end of the calendar year for the second ensuing regularly scheduled general election.

If you are a uniformed services member on active duty or a Merchant Marine member, absent stateside or overseas from your place of residence, including a spouse or dependent thereof (who is also absent due to the member’s absence), or a United States citizen residing overseas, you can ask that your vote-by-mail ballot either be faxed or e-mailed to you, in lieu of receiving it by regular mail. The voted ballot must be returned by postal mail or by fax. Voted ballots returned by e-mail will not be accepted.

If it is getting close to Election Day and you still have not received your vote-by-mail ballot (assuming you requested a ballot and are registered and eligible to vote in the election), you may still vote for federal office races by using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB).

The FWAB is a back-up absentee ballot but is only available for use by a uniformed services member on active duty or a Merchant Marine either of whom is absent "stateside" and overseas from his or her place of residence, a spouse or dependent thereof (who is also absent due to the member’s absence), or a United States citizen residing overseas who had a request for an absentee ballot but did not receive it in time to vote. To download and print the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). For more information regarding the Florida Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot visit the FVAP website: http://www.fvap.gov/FWAB/fwab-fl.html

It's your choice! If you intend to have your legal residence in Flagler County, you should register to vote and keep your address here. While you're away at college, you can vote by mail using an absentee ballot. If you are already registered to vote in Flagler County, use our online form to make a request and we will send your ballot by mail to the address at college.

If you intend to live and stay in the area where you are attending college, you should register to vote or change your address to that county. Here's a list of contact information for Supervisor of Elections offices in Florida.

State registration laws may not discriminate against the homeless in voter registration as long as the homeless applicant for voter registration intends to remain in a locale and has either a place where he can receive messages or an effective mailing address. The homeless person will vote in the precinct where the applicant receives messages (e.g., rescue mission) or the precinct in which the applicant‘s effective mailing address is located. Stop by the Elections Office or call (386) 313-4170 for more information.

  1. I never voted before and I want to register to vote. What do I need to do?

    Registering to vote is easy! Just complete and submit the Florida Voter Registration Application to the Elections Office:

    Registration Application

    You may also register to vote online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. You must be registered to vote 29 days prior to an election. If you miss the book closing deadline, you will not be eligible to vote in an upcoming election. New registrations submitted after the deadline will be deferred until after Election Day.

    If you are registering by mail and you've never voted in Florida and you have not been issued a Florida driver's license or Florida ID or Social Security number, you will be required to show additional identification when you register to vote. Visit or call the Elections Office for more information, (386) 313-4170.

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  2. I don't have a Florida driver's license or ID card, can I register to vote?

    You should register to vote in Florida only if Florida is your legal residence. If you do not yet have a Florida ID or driver's license, you should consider obtaining an Florida ID card or driver's license prior to Election Day. In the meantime, you can present your Social Security card or a U.S. Passport when you register to vote. The last four digits of your Social Security number is required on the application:

    Registration Application

    If you are registering by mail and you've never voted in Florida and you have not been issued a Florida driver's license or Florida ID or Social Security number, you will be required to show additional identification when you register to vote. Visit or call the Elections Office for more information, (386) 313-4170. You may also register to vote online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.

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  3. If the address on my Florida driver's license or Florida ID hasn’t been updated and does not match my voter registration, will I be allowed to vote?

    The address on the driver license does not need to match the address in the voter registration record. If you have moved and haven’t changed your driver's license to reflect your new address, that’s okay. What is important is that you vote in the precinct where you currently live, no matter what your driver's license says. You need to change your address on your voter registration prior to Election Day to avoid paperwork and a delay at the polls. Visit or call the Elections Office at (386) 313-4170 to change your address. You may also register to vote online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. To change your address by mail, please complete and send a Florida Voter Registration Application:

    Registration Application
  4. I moved here from another county in Florida. Can I transfer my voter registration from that county to Flagler County?

    Yes, your voter registration can be transferred between counties. You may call our office at (386) 313-4170 to change your address over the phone, or send your address change by mail or e-mail. You may complete a Florida Voter Registration Application to make the change of address. You may also change your address online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.govPlease note that you may not change a family member's address over the phone.

    Registration Application
  5. Does a person have to live in the State of Florida for a certain period of time before he can register to vote?

    No, there is no length of residency requirement in the State of Florida. However, you must be registered to vote at least 29 days before you can vote in an election. The date your voter registration application is postmarked or hand-delivered to the Elections Office or other official registration site will be your registration date. Voter registration books close 29 days prior to each election. If you miss the deadline, you will not be eligible to vote in an upcoming election. New registrations submitted after the deadline will be deferred until after Election Day.

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  6. I sent you the application in the mail. How will I know if my application was received and processed?

    If your application is complete and you are qualified as a voter, you will receive a Voter Information Card by mail to the address you provided on the form. If your application was incomplete, you will be notified by the Elections Office to provide the missing information. Your official registration date will be the date that the missing information is received.

    If you mail an incomplete application before the book closing deadline but submit the missing information after the deadline, you will not be eligible to vote in an upcoming election.

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  7. Do I have to declare a party when I register to vote?

    You may register with any political party you choose or you may register with no party affiliation. An applicant who does not designate a political party affiliation on their application will be registered without party affiliation.

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  8. If I register with no party affiliation, can I vote however I want?

    Florida is a closed primary state. This means only voters who are registered members of a political party may vote for their party's candidates in a Primary election. Primary elections are normally held in August of even-numbered years. Voters who are not affiliated with a political party receive a nonpartisan ballot in a Primary election. A nonpartisan ballot includes all judicial and school board offices, as well as local referendum questions. All registered voters, including those without party affiliation and minor political party voters are entitled to vote on all of the nonpartisan offices and ballot issues. However, any voter of any political party affiliation can vote for any candidate in a General election. General elections are held in November of even-numbered years.

    EXCEPTION: If all qualified candidates for the same office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the General election, all qualified voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in the Primary election for that office. This is fairly uncommon and the only time you might see different political parties listed on your Primary election ballot.

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  9. I'm an Independent voter, can I vote however I want in Florida?
  10. I’m in the military but my residence is still in Flagler. How do I vote?
  11. I’m away at college in Florida but my parents live in Flagler County. Do I have to change my address or do I vote here in Flagler?
  12. I’m homeless but I want to vote. What can I do?

Voting Process in Florida

  1. What hours are the polls open on Election Day?

    The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Hours for early voting can be different, check before an election or call the Elections Office at (386) 313-4170.

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  2. I work next door to a polling place. Can I vote there or do I have to vote at the precinct near my home?

    Florida law states that you must vote in the precinct in which you live.

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  3. Can I wear my campaign t-shirt into the polling place when I go to vote?

    “Voters may wear campaign buttons, shirts, hats, or any other campaign items when they enter the polling place to vote; voters may not otherwise campaign there.” From the Polling Place Procedures Manual incorporated within Rule 1S-2.034, Florida Administrative Code. So, merely going to the polls wearing campaign paraphernalia is OK, but, by statute (s. 102.031(4), Florida Statutes), one cannot solicit voters within 150 foot of the entrance to any polling place.

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  4. May I receive assistance in voting if necessary?

    Yes, upon request, the need for assistance at the polls may be designated on an elector's registration record. The elector can designate someone of his or her choice, other than an employer or an officer or agent of the person's union. Election officials may also provide assistance.

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  5. How do I get a sample ballot for the Primary or General election?

    Sample ballots will always be posted on our Web site, check under the menu item entitled "Election Info" and click the name of the election you are interested in. Sample ballots may also be mailed to the household of each registered voters, approximately three weeks before each election. They will also be published in the local newspaper the week prior to each election. You are welcome to visit the Elections Office and pick up a printed copy of the sample ballot.

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  6. Can I take my sample ballot into the polling room with me?

    Yes, you may bring the sample ballot into the voting booth with you. Just be sure that you take it with you when you leave the voting booth.

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  7. What is a Vote-by-Mail ballot?

    A Vote-by-Mail ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable or unwilling to attend the official polling station. Any registered and eligible voter may request a Vote-by-Mail ballot for an upcoming election. There is no permanent request for Vote-by-Mail ballots in the state of Florida. Current legislation allows for a request through the next regularly scheduled General election. This means a request made in 2021 is good through the end of the year 2022.

    According to law, Vote-by-Mail ballots for domestic civilians and absent stateside military voters will be mailed 40 days prior to an election. Vote-by-Mail ballots are not forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service. You must provide an accurate mailing address at the time of your request and at least 40 days prior to an election.

    Overseas civilians and overseas military ballots are mailed at least 45 days prior to an election. Please read more about Military and Overseas voting in Florida.

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  8. I heard that absentee ballots are counted only if the race is close. Is that true?

    Absentee ballots are counted in every election when the signature on the return envelope matches the signature on the voter's registration. In fact, the first results you see on Election night are totals from absentee ballots and early voting. Results are then updated as polling results are available until 100% of precincts are reporting.

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  9. What is a provisional ballot?

    During an election, a voter claiming to be properly registered in the county and eligible to vote at the precinct in the election, but whose eligibility cannot be determined, shall be entitled to vote a provisional ballot.

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  10. I heard that provisional ballots are counted only if the race is close. Is that true?

    A provisional ballot is always counted when the voter is shown to be registered and eligible, regardless of the closeness of the outcome of the election. A person who votes a provisional ballot simply because he or she forgot ID at the polls will not have to do anything else. If the signature on that ballot certificate and the voter registration are a match, the provisional ballot is counted by the Canvassing Board. If you voted a provisional ballot, you will be notified whether or not the ballot was tabulated.

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Candidates and Campaigns

  1. Why are candidate's names listed this way on the ballot?

    In a Primary election, candidates are listed alphabetically (except for circuit court judges who are determined by lot conducted by the State Director of the Division of Elections.)

    In a General election, the names of the candidates of the party that received the highest number of votes for Governor in the last election shall be placed first under the heading for each office; then, the names of the candidates of the party that received the second highest vote for Governor shall be second. Minor political party candidates and candidates with no party affiliation shall have their names appear on the General election ballot following the names of recognized political parties, in the same order as they were certified. - Florida Statutes 101.151(3)(a)

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  2. Are candidates and campaign workers supposed to keep their distance from the polling location?

    Candidates and others who are actively campaigning may not interact with voters unless they are one hundred and fifty (150) feet from the entrance of the polling room. The precinct workers are trained to have the no-solicitation zone measured and marked with traffic cones. The entrance of the polling location should be easily accessible for voters.

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  3. How much money can I donate to my favorite candidate?

    Up to $1000 per election. This amount includes in-kind contributions. Cash contributions are limited to $50.00 from each contributor, per election.

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  4. What is an in-kind contribution?

    An in-kind contribution is anything of value made for the purpose of influencing the results of an election. For example, giving lumber to a candidate to build signs for his or her campaign or providing office space at no charge or a lesser charge. The limit of in-kind contributions a candidate can receive from one person is $1000 per election.

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  5. Can a candidate accept a cash contribution?

    Yes, but a candidate may not accept contributions in cash or by means of a cashier's check in excess of $50 from a contributor, per election. Anonymous cash contributions should be avoided.

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  6. Why am I getting so many phone calls from candidates?

    If you include your phone number on your voter registration application, it becomes public record. It is common for candidates to request public records from state and local elections officials. Even if your phone number is not listed on your voter registration application, it is still possible for candidates to obtain your name and phone number from national mailing list services or online phone directories. The Elections Office cannot stop candidate phone calls you are receiving. However, if you are concerned that your phone number might be listed on your voter registration, please call (386) 313-4170.

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  7. Are candidates contributions and expenditures public record?

    Yes. You may search the candidate financial records.

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