Voter registration deadline for Presidential Preference Primary election

GAINESVILLE – Tuesday, January 3, 2012 is the last day to register to vote or change party affiliation for the Jan. 31, 2012 Presidential Preference Primary Election.

Voters are encouraged to verify and update their registration status online at www.VoteAlachua.com by clicking on “My Voter Information Page”.  The Supervisor of Elections Office will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. to accept voter registration applications. The Supervisor of Elections Office located at 111 S.E. 1st Avenue has an after-hours mail drop located at the main entrance. Voter registration applications received through the mail drop will be accepted up until midnight on the 3^rd.

You may use the on-line application form at www.VoteAlachua.com to register to vote, update your voter information or update your signature. Be sure to fill out the form completely and check the correct box. You will then need to print the application form, sign it, and return it to the Elections Office. You may also register to vote in person at the Supervisor of Elections Office, by mail or at one of our scheduled community voter registration drives. For a list of other facilities in the county where voter registration application forms may be obtained or to view a calendar of our community voter registration drives, please visit our website or call the Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-374-5252.

To vote in the Presidential Preference Primary Election, mail-in applications must be postmarked no later than the Jan. 3 deadline.

You can also update your address, update your name or change your party affiliation by notifying the Elections Office by using a signed written notice that contains the voter’s date of birth or voter registration number.  If you have moved, you can update your address in person, by phone, by mail, by e-mail, by fax, or by a written signed notice provided that the change is made directly to the Supervisor of Elections in the county of your residence.  Otherwise, you will be required to make your change of address on a voter registration application form.

Florida is a closed Primary State.  In a Florida Primary Election, you may vote only for candidates of the political party in which you are registered, unless all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the General Election.

All registered voters may vote in non-partisan elections, on issues, and for any candidate in the General Election.

Party changes must be submitted no later than 29 days prior to a Primary Election.  The deadline to make a party change for the Presidential Preference Primary Election is Jan. 3, 2012.