ALACHUA COUNTY – Alachua County residents who plan to vote in Florida’s 2026 Primary Election have less than two weeks to register or update their voter registration, with the deadline set for Monday, July 20.
The Aug. 18 Primary Election will determine party nominees for a number of federal, state and local offices. Because Florida is a closed primary state, only voters who are registered with a political party may vote for that party’s candidates in partisan races.
Universal contests open to all voters
This year’s ballot, however, will include two Universal Primary Contests that are open to all eligible voters, regardless of party affiliation.
The Alachua County Commission District 2 race will appear on every ballot countywide. Voters will choose among four Democratic candidates: Donna Bradbrook, Tina Certain, Charlie Ray Jackson and Byran Williams.
The Florida House District 21 contest will appear on the ballots of all registered voters who reside within House District 21. Candidates seeking that seat are Democrats Sylvain Dore, Antione Fields, Xavier J. Monroe, Malik J. Moore and Jacquelyn “Jackie” Randall.
Under Florida law, a Universal Primary Contest occurs when all candidates seeking an office are members of the same political party and the winner will face no opposition in the General Election. Because that is the case in both races, all eligible voters may participate regardless of their party affiliation.
In addition to the universal contests, all registered voters may vote on nonpartisan offices and ballot questions that appear on their respective ballots.
Registration deadline approaching
Anyone wishing to vote in the Aug. 18 Primary Election must be registered by July 20. The same deadline applies to voters who want to change their political party affiliation before the primary.
Residents who are not yet registered have several options for completing the process.
Florida residents may register online through the state’s secure voter registration portal using a valid Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card number along with the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Voters may also register in person at the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office, located at 515 N. Main St., Third Floor, in Gainesville. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration applications are also accepted at Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offices and all Alachua County Public Library branches.
Those choosing to register by mail may download an application from the Supervisor of Elections website. Completed forms must be postmarked no later than July 20 to be valid for the primary election.
Verify voter information
Election officials are also encouraging voters who are already registered to review their voter information and ensure their address and party affiliation are current. Updating voter registration before Election Day can help ensure voters receive the correct ballot style and are assigned to the proper polling place.
For additional information about voter registration, party affiliation changes or voter status, residents may contact the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-374-5252. Election Day for Florida’s 2026 Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug. 18.
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