Primary Elections – August 18
Do Not Ignore This One — Get Out and Vote!
by Anne Mooney / July 13, 2020
While everyone’s attention is focused on the November elections, the August 18 Primary Election will also have an immediate and lasting impact. Mark your calendars and get out and VOTE.
Register to Vote
The deadline to register to vote or to update your party affiliation for the August 18 Primary is July 20. You can do this online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, or by phone by calling 407-836-2070. You can go in person to any driver’s license office, the Winter Park Public Library, or the Orange County Elections office at 119 W. Kaley St., Orlando FL, 32806.
Vote by Mail
The deadline to request a Vote by Mail ballot is August 8 at 5:00 pm. You can request a Vote by Mail ballot online at ocfelections.com, by phone at 407-836-8683 or by email at voter@ocfelections.com.
Early Voting
If you prefer to cast your ballot in person before Election Day, go to <ocfelections.com/early-voting> to find an early voting location that is convenient for you. Unlike on Election Day, when you must vote at your assigned polling place, you can vote at any early voting center. Early voting dates are August 3 – 16. Note the locations, dates, and hours of operation on the <ocfelections.com> website. Be sure to bring photo and signature identification.
What’s on the Ballot?
In addition to several partisan races, there are five non-partisan races, so what appears on the ballots will depend upon your party affiliation.
Republicans will vote for the Congressional Representative from District 7, a State Committeeman, a State Committeewoman, four judges for the 9th Judicial Circuit and a member of the School Board.
Democrats will vote for State Attorney, Sheriff, Property Appraiser, four judges for the 9th Judicial Circuit and a School Board member.
Those with No Party Affiliation will vote only for the School Board member and the four Circuit Court judges.
You can confirm your voter status and find your polling place on the ocfelections.com website. If you have questions, call 407-836-2070 and someone will be able to assist you.
There’s more!
Orange County pays for your return postage.
You can track your returned ballot online to make sure it was received. No worries.
Myth: VBM ballots are only counted if the race is close. Wrong! VBM ballots are the first to be counted on Election night (even before precincts have reported).
Your ballot must be received by 7pm on Election Day at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections offices on Kaley Ave. Postmarks do not count. .
Reminder: Election Day is the LAST day to vote. Vote Early! Vote by Mail! Vote on your schedule.
Some may remember waiting in a line to vote at the Winter Park Public Library. Not now. Turnout is low and so you can get in and out with no wait. If you have a mail-in ballot you can drop it off at the Library instead of mailing it.