2020 is an election year, and Florida’s citizens must make important decisions on which candidates to support. Through November 3rd, eligible Floridians can cast a ballot for their choice of local judges, school board officials, State Senators, State House Representatives, U.S. House Representatives, and (most anticipatedly) the President of the United States. While voters would normally take to the polls on election day, many are hesitant to make unnecessary outings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to a major expansion of voting by mail, an opportunity of which many Americans are eager to take advantage.

Who is eligible?
In Florida, any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot. You will not have to provide an excuse as to why you were unable to vote in-person. Unfortunately, the registration deadline was October 6 at 7:00 p.m., so anyone who did not register by that time cannot vote in the November 3rd elections.

How do I request a ballot?
Palm Beach County residents can request a mail-in ballot here. Broward County residents should go here. If you do not live in either of these counties or are unsure of the county in which you live, use this link to find your county and the website for its Supervisor of Elections.
Fill out the application in its entirety. You must submit your request no later than 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24th. Your ballot will be mailed to you no later than October 26.

How do I fill out my ballot?
The ballot will come with directions on how to complete it. Follow these instructions exactly and fill out all required information using a blue or black pen. Avoid making stray marks as the ballot might not scan correctly. When writing your signature, it is very important that it matches another signature that Florida’s elections office might have on file for you. Signatures can change over time, and many people never write theirs exactly the same way twice, but if yours does not align with what the elections office has in your file, your ballot will be rejected. To make sure this does not happen, try copying the way that you wrote it from your driver’s license or learner’s permit.

How do I submit my ballot?
Your ballot must reach your county’s elections headquarters by November 3rd. If you mail out your ballot on election day, it will not arrive on time and it will not be counted. You should ideally submit your ballot at least two weeks before the election. If you have waited too long to mail yours in, local early voting sites will be open through November 1st at 7:00 p.m. and will allow you to submit your ballot to a dropbox. You could also return your ballot to a dropbox at your local Supervisor of Elections’ office on November 2nd and November 3rd. A final option is to vote in-person. Take your ballot to a polling site near you and it will be cancelled, allowing you to cast your vote at that site.

This election is critical in determining the future of our country. Gen Z will have a huge influence on the outcome of this election. Pine Crest students who are eligible to vote should vote in order for their voices to be heard. Being an engaged citizen is always important, but if there was ever a time to do so, it is now. Make your voice heard. Vote.