IT’S ELECTION TIME!

Are you registered to vote yet? If you are not,

then I suggest you do so quickly. All you need to be is an American citizen and a Florida resident. You should also be at least 18 years of age. But, a 16 or 17-year-old can still pre-register. You can’t register if you’ve been judged to be mentally incapacitated or if you have been convicted of a felony and have not had your civil rights restored. If you meet the requirements, you simply should complete a Voter Registration Application. Just provide your valid Florida driver license number, your Florida ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have any of these forms of ID, mark “NONE” on your application. According to communications director, Nancy Whitlock, you can pick up an application or “online applications are available at www.votepinellas.com.” Driver license offices, public libraries and social services agencies or disability services agencies also have voter registration applications, according to Nancy. In Pinellas County, you can also find applications at city or town halls, and chambers of commerce. You may also call (727) 464-VOTE (8683) to request an application by mail or visit any of the three elections offices to pick up an application. See below for some more fun facts.

• I am moving away from home to attend college next fall. Can I still register to vote in Pinellas County?

Yes. You may register to vote in your home county while you are away at college, as long as you are not registered to vote elsewhere. For your convenience, you may want to request mail ballots for each election. To request a ballot to be mailed to you, call (727) 464-VOTE (8683) or visit www.votepinellas.com. NOTE: BALLOTS CANNOT BE FORWARDED – Be sure to provide your mailing address.

• What is the voter registration deadline to vote in a particular election?

Florida law requires that you must be registered to vote at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.

• Do I have to register with a party affiliation?

No. You may register with no party affiliation by checking the “NONE” box under Party Affiliation if you do not wish to designate a political party. However, if you wish to vote in partisan races in primary elections, you must be registered with that political party at least 29 days prior to the election.

• When are the upcoming elections in 2012?

August 14: Primary Election. Registration deadline: July 16.  This is a closed primary for any partisan races; all eligible voters regardless of party affiliation may vote in nonpartisan races – judicial, school board and municipal races. (The Florida Legislature has proposed legislation to change this date. Please check www.votepinellas.com under Current Elections to confirm the election date after the legislative session ends in March.)

November 6: General Election. Registration deadline: October 9. All eligible voters may vote in General Elections on all candidates, issues, referenda and amendments.