Glyndell Presley, Ph.D.
Contributor
Jefferson County registered voters are encouraged to exercise the power of your right to vote! Join the Legacy Generation “Souls to the Polls” Caravan on the last day of Early Voting, Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is one of many nationwide initiatives to encourage eligible voters to show up and cast their ballot for the candidates of their choice. The meeting location is the Jefferson County Teen Center, 555 Tiger Lane. There will be free food, family fun, games and entertainment, beginning at 11 a.m. A walking “caravan” to the Elections Office will head out at 2 p.m.
If you are unable to be a part of this fun-filled gathering, please make sure that you Get Ready, Get Set, and Go Vote.
Early voting for the General Election is underway now, Oct. 24-Nov. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Supervisor of Elections Office, located at 1175 W. Washington Street. For more information, call (850) 997-3348.
The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 8, at your designated precinct/polling place, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Remember, voting is not only your choice; it is your right. Meanwhile, please mark your calendars for the upcoming deadline dates:
(October 30) - First day that voter’s designee can pick up a vote-by-mail ballot for the General Election (§101.62, F.S. - On election day or up to 9 days prior to the date of the election).
(October 31) - Last day for Supervisors of Elections to mail vote-by-mail ballots requested for the General Election (§101.62, F.S. – No later than 8 days before the election).
Each registered voter in this state has the right to:
• vote and have his or her vote accurately counted;
• cast a vote if he or she is in line when the polls are closing;
• ask for and receive assistance in voting;
• receive up to two replacement ballots if he or she makes a mistake prior to ballots being cast;
• receive an explanation if his or her registration is in question; cast a provisional ballot if his or her registration is in question;
• prove his or her identification by signing an affidavit if election officials doubt voter's identity;
• receive written instructions to use when voting and, upon request, oral instructions in voting from an elections officer;
• vote free from coercion or intimidation by election officials or any other person;
• vote on a voting system that is in working condition and that allows votes to be accurately cast.