When can i vote by mail in florida
In Florida, you can vote by mail, also known as absentee voting, in certain circumstances. Here are the details:
Who can vote by mail in Florida?
In Florida, any registered voter can request an absentee ballot, but there are some restrictions:
- Permanent Absentee Voters: You can request to become a permanent absentee voter, which means you'll automatically receive an absentee ballot for every election. To do this, you'll need to fill out a request form and submit it to your county elections office.
- Temporary Absentee Voters: You can also request an absentee ballot for a specific election or for a limited period of time. This is often used by voters who are traveling, have a disability, or are unable to vote in person.
- Military and Overseas Voters: If you're a member of the military or a U.S. citizen living overseas, you may be eligible to vote absentee under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
When can I request an absentee ballot in Florida?
In Florida, you can request an absentee ballot for an upcoming election at any time, but the deadline to request one varies depending on the election:
- Federal Elections: For federal elections, such as presidential elections, you can request an absentee ballot up to 11 days before the election.
- State and Local Elections: For state and local elections, you can request an absentee ballot up to 5 days before the election.
How do I request an absentee ballot in Florida?
To request an absentee ballot in Florida, you'll need to fill out a request form and submit it to your county elections office. You can do this:
- Online: Visit the Florida Department of State's website and fill out the online request form.
- By Mail: Download and print the request form from the Florida Department of State's website, fill it out, and mail it to your county elections office.
- In Person: Visit your county elections office and fill out the request form in person.
Important deadlines and details
- Make sure to request your absentee ballot well in advance of the election to ensure it arrives in time.
- The deadline to return your completed absentee ballot varies depending on the election, but it's usually 3-5 days after the election.
- If you're a permanent absentee voter, you'll need to reapply every 2 years to maintain your status.