Registering to vote: what you need to know

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Americans will choose their President for the next four years. In fact, citizens are already submitting their ballots in many areas of the country.

But if you’re a Florida resident on the Jacksonville University campus and you want one of those “I Voted” stickers in November, you need to know about an important deadline that’s quickly approaching: Oct. 5th. That’s the deadline to register as a voter in Florida. 

Fortunately, it’s a simple process and easy to complete online. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you can cast your ballot in Florida this fall. 

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen, a Florida resident, and at least 18 years old. If you are 17 years old now but will turn 18 before Nov. 3 you can pre-register now and vote this year. To show proof of Florida residency, you’ll need a valid Florida driver license or ID card.

How to Register

Online: You can register online by answering a series of questions at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, a secure site operated by the State of Florida. To submit your application online you’ll need:

• Your Florida driver license or Florida identification card 
• The issued date of your driver license or ID card
• The last four digits of your Social Security Number

In person: You also can print the registration application found on RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, fill it out, and mail or deliver it to a Supervisor of Elections office in the county where you are registering. 

In Duval County you can mail it to Duval Supervisor of Elections at 105 E. Monroe St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. It must be postmarked by Oct. 5. Or take it in person to:

• Duval Supervisor of Elections – 105 East Monroe Street, Jacksonville
• Driver License and Motor Vehicle Service Centers
• Jacksonville Public Libraries
• Tax Collector’s Offices
• State Public Assistance Offices

For more information

RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov offers helpful answers to frequently asked questions. Duval County voters also can visit the Duval County Supervisor of Elections website or call (904) 630-1414. You also can download and print the Official Duval County Voter Information Guide. 

Registering & Voting in Your Home State

Members of the JU campus who are residents of other states should check election laws in their home states for laws on voter registration and how to request an absentee ballot.

By Chris Dickson & Laura Phelps