Political Spotlight 2016
A
s we race toward general election day, November 8, 2016,
voters are given a lot to contemplate. While the presidential
election is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, there are other items
to consider as well. There are local officials to learn and make
decisions about, as well as constitutional amendments to consider.
Voters will also need to decide how they will be voting to make sure
their voice is heard. For new residents to our area, voter registration
(to be eligible to vote) is Oct. 11, 2016. Registration can be done
after that but won’t allow for voting in the upcoming election.
There are a number of options for voters to make sure that their
voice can be heard, even if they are not able to get to their polling
place on the day of the election. Vote by mail (previously Absentee
voting) can be done in several different ways. An online application
can be completed on the Supervisor of Elections website for the
voter’s county, a request can be mailed in, or a ballot may be
picked up in person or requested by phone. A ballot picked up
in person may be done through the day of the election, while
there are deadlines for all other requests. More information on
deadlines can be found on myflorida.com. Overseas or military
members can register and get information on voting on the
Overseas Vote Foundation website. For some voters, it may
be easier to vote on a different day. Early voting starts ten days
prior to the election and ends 3 days prior to the election. The
Supervisor of Elections office determines what sites will be open
for early election. They also determine the dates and times that
early voting will be available. The determinations are made thirty
days prior to the election, and early voting sites will be open for a
minimum of 8 hours on the dates designated. Voters should keep
in mind that a photo ID, with signature, will be required to vote.
While we are all weighing the pros and cons of the presidential
candidates, as well as the candidates running for our local
offices, there are also some constitutional amendments that
require our attention. These special considerations include:
•
Amendment #1—Rights of Electricity Consumers
Regarding Solar Energy Choice
•
Amendment #2—Use of Marijuana for Debilitating
Medical Conditions
•
Amendment #3—Tax Exemption for
Totally and Permanently Disabled First Responders
•
Amendment #5—Homestead Tax Exemption
for Certain Senior, Low-Income, Long-term residents;
Determination of Just Value
While there is much to consider between what candidates are
most qualified, how our votes will be placed, and carefully
reading the amendments this election year will be exciting
and rewarding to participate in. Making sure our voices
are heard is important, and every voice counts. We all
need to review the choices, decide on how best to get our
ballots in, grab our picture ID’s, and get out there and vote!