Long ballots make need for voter study and preparation in November election

September 12, 2024

By Garland Pollard

Because of a complex ballot in November and the possibility of longer lines, local election officials are asking citizens to check their registration online immediately. They’re also reminding voters that Florida voter registration deadline is Oct. 7.

“We are urging folks to go on the website,” said Leah Valenti, Charlotte County’s Supervisor of Elections. She suggests that, with larger than usual crowds at the polls and long descriptions of Florida constitutional amendments, voters should prepare ahead of time for what is ahead, in addition to the main attraction, the national election.

Above, results from the August primary on the door of the Woman’s Club Room at the Community Center. For the November election, there is a long list of amendments to read ahead of time. File photo

This year, there are Florida constitutional amendments regarding the election of school boards, the right to fish and hunt, the use of marijuana, the limits of abortion, the value of homestead exemptions and the repeal of public-campaign financing. Many of the amendments have already been the subject of television ads and news discussions and the repercussions of the amendments are not always easily understood with a quick review, particularly when time is short in the voting booth.

“Read the six constitutional amendments,” said Valenti.

In both counties, sample ballots are not yet ready. But in each jurisdiction, you can go online and check your name, address and precinct now. Vote by mail ballots will be mailed Oct. 1 in Lee County, according to Gaby Aguirre of Lee County Elections Office.

Citizens have until 7 p.m. on Election Day to return vote by mail ballots, according to Aguirre.

Sample ballots are sent out after vote by mail ballots are mailed. Each county’s voting website can generate a ballot, however.

Visit soecharlottecountyfl.gov or lee.vote. The Florida Division of Elections includes all voter information, at dos.fl.gov/elections

*Amendments to Florida’s Constitution will be on the ballot in November. Already, Our Lady of Mercy has staked out a clear position on 4. Photo by Garland*

Voting Key Dates

Vote-by-mail ballots to Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act voters: Sept. 21, 2024

Vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters: Sept. 26, 2024 – Oct. 3, 2024

Register to vote: Oct. 7, 2024 (no deadline to change party affiliation)

Request that ballot be mailed: Oct. 24, 2024

Early voting period: Oct. 26 – Nov. 2, 2024

Election Day: Nov. 5, 2024