Your Right to Vote
"Voting is not only our right—it is our power."
|
Voting is an important part of any democratic system. Your right to vote is one of your most important and fundamental political rights. It is your chance to influence who represents you and what policies government makes. GAU encourages all eligible graduate employees to cast their votes this election; every vote counts.
Before each election, you should check your voter registration status or register to vote if you are eligible and have not previously done so. If you have recently moved, you need to update your address in order to vote at your local polling place on Election Day. Some states, such as Florida, allow you to vote-by-mail. To check your registration, register to vote, request a vote-by-mail ballot, or view frequently asked election questions, please visit our Voter Information Center below. Para información en Español, haga clic aquí. |
|
Voter Information Center
Find a Ballot Dropbox
Register to Vote
|
Find Your Polling Place
Check Your Registration
|
The information below was applicable for the 2020 General Election and is no longer updated.
GAU Endorsements |
GOTV Guide |
Voting Questions
When is Election Day?
In 2020, Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd. Florida voters will select a president and vice president, representative in Congress, and state and local offices.
Can I vote early?
Yes, in Florida a voter may cast a ballot in-person prior to Election Day. By state law, the minimum period for early voting in Florida is October 24th to 31st. In Alachua County, early voting will also be held from October 19th to 23rd. For early voting dates in other states, visit vote.org.
Can I vote-by-mail?
Yes, in Florida any voter can request a vote-by-mail ballot from their Supervisor of Elections (SOE) without providing an excuse for why you wish to vote-by-mail. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Sunday, October 24th. For your vote-by-mail ballot to count, it must be received by the SOE by 7:00PM (EST) on Election Day. Due to a recent slowdown in mail delivery, we recommend returning your ballot as soon as possible. Mailing your ballot ten business days before the election, which is October 22nd, is highly encouraged. You may also drop off completed vote-by-mail ballots at the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections office during business hours or in the secure drop-box located outside the Supervisor's office.
How do I check the status of my vote-by-mail ballot?
If you have already mailed your ballot to the SOE, or dropped it off in person or through a drop-box, you can check the status of your vote-by-mail ballot by visiting the SOE's website. You should check to make sure that your ballot is "received" and "counted." If your ballot has not been counted, you should contact the SOE.
Can I vote if I am outside the country?
Yes, U.S. Citizens can vote by absentee ballot while abroad. For instructions on how to complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), visit the U.S. Department of State's website.
Who is eligible to vote?
To vote in a presidential or congressional election, you must be at least eighteen years old and a United States Citizen.
When is the deadline to register to vote?
The deadline to register to vote to participate in the November 2020 general election in Florida is Monday, October 5th. In Florida, you cannot register to vote on Election Day.
Where can I find my polling place?
You can find your polling place (where you vote) for Election Day through the Florida Department of State's website.
Where can I find a sample ballot?
Sample ballots are available on the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website.
What identification do I need to vote?
Voters are required under state law to provide a valid photo ID with signature, such as a Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card, debit or credit card, military or student identification card, public assistance identification, concealed weapon or firearms permit, or state or local government employee identification card. If a photo ID does not include a signature, you can provide another ID that includes a signature. If you do not provide proper identification, you can still vote a provisional ballot (which is verified after voting by matching the signature on your ballot to the signature on your voter registration).
How do I change my address, name, signature, or party affiliation?
Voters can update their personal information and party affiliation at registertovoteflorida.gov.
In 2020, Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd. Florida voters will select a president and vice president, representative in Congress, and state and local offices.
Can I vote early?
Yes, in Florida a voter may cast a ballot in-person prior to Election Day. By state law, the minimum period for early voting in Florida is October 24th to 31st. In Alachua County, early voting will also be held from October 19th to 23rd. For early voting dates in other states, visit vote.org.
Can I vote-by-mail?
Yes, in Florida any voter can request a vote-by-mail ballot from their Supervisor of Elections (SOE) without providing an excuse for why you wish to vote-by-mail. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Sunday, October 24th. For your vote-by-mail ballot to count, it must be received by the SOE by 7:00PM (EST) on Election Day. Due to a recent slowdown in mail delivery, we recommend returning your ballot as soon as possible. Mailing your ballot ten business days before the election, which is October 22nd, is highly encouraged. You may also drop off completed vote-by-mail ballots at the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections office during business hours or in the secure drop-box located outside the Supervisor's office.
How do I check the status of my vote-by-mail ballot?
If you have already mailed your ballot to the SOE, or dropped it off in person or through a drop-box, you can check the status of your vote-by-mail ballot by visiting the SOE's website. You should check to make sure that your ballot is "received" and "counted." If your ballot has not been counted, you should contact the SOE.
Can I vote if I am outside the country?
Yes, U.S. Citizens can vote by absentee ballot while abroad. For instructions on how to complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), visit the U.S. Department of State's website.
Who is eligible to vote?
To vote in a presidential or congressional election, you must be at least eighteen years old and a United States Citizen.
When is the deadline to register to vote?
The deadline to register to vote to participate in the November 2020 general election in Florida is Monday, October 5th. In Florida, you cannot register to vote on Election Day.
Where can I find my polling place?
You can find your polling place (where you vote) for Election Day through the Florida Department of State's website.
Where can I find a sample ballot?
Sample ballots are available on the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website.
What identification do I need to vote?
Voters are required under state law to provide a valid photo ID with signature, such as a Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card, debit or credit card, military or student identification card, public assistance identification, concealed weapon or firearms permit, or state or local government employee identification card. If a photo ID does not include a signature, you can provide another ID that includes a signature. If you do not provide proper identification, you can still vote a provisional ballot (which is verified after voting by matching the signature on your ballot to the signature on your voter registration).
How do I change my address, name, signature, or party affiliation?
Voters can update their personal information and party affiliation at registertovoteflorida.gov.
