Winter Garden Magazine September 2016 | Page 28

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS ARE COMING UP IN ONLY a couple of months on Tuesday, November 8th. The last day to register to vote in this year’s elections in Florida is October 11th (29 days before Election Day). So what do you need to do to register? Registration Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen Be a Florida resident Be at least 18 years old (you can pre-register to vote at 16 years old, but you'll need to wait until you're 18 years old to vote) Have never been convicted of a felony (unless your civil rights have been restored) Have never been legally judged ineligible to vote, for either mental incapacitation or crime How to Register Mail or bring in a completed Florida Voter Registration Application form to the Supervisor of Elections Or apply in person with proof of identification to: A FLHSMV driver's license office A voter registration agency An armed forces recruitment office Any public library Early Voting: Early voting is open from October 29th to November 5th To vote early you must be registered to vote and must bring a valid photo identification and a signature identification Voting-by-Mail: Elections 2016: How to register We all know that voting is an important right and duty for citizens of the United States. There are some things you need to know before hitting the polling booth. 28  |  WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE  |  SEPTEMBER 2016 How to request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot: Request for a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed to you must be completed by 5pm on the 6th day before the election. After that, a ballot can still be picked up in person by the voter or a person designated in writing by the voter up until 7pm on the day of the election. Fill out the on-line application on your county’s Supervisor of Elections website In writing by mail, email, or fax to the Supervisor of Elections In person or by telephone at the Supervisor of Elections office What is required to vote by mail: The name of the voter for whom the ballot is being requested; The voter’s address; The voter’s date of birth; and The voter’s signature (if the request is written) Additionally, if a family member or legal guardian is requesting a vote-by-mail ballot for the voter the following information is also required The requestor’s address, driver’s license number, relationship to the voter, and signature Vote-by-Mail ballots must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7pm on election day for the vote to count Please see the Florida Divisions of Elections website at dos. myflorida.com/elections/ or your local Supervisor of Elections for more information.