Voters need to register by July 22 if they want to participate in the upcoming August primary election.

According to an Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office release, voters have multiple options within the next four weeks to register.  

Florida, a closed primary election state, allows only voters registered with a designated political party to vote for that party’s candidates in partisan races. But all registered voters, no matter what their party affiliation, can vote on nonpartisan races and issues.

According to the release, here is how a voter’s ballot may appear for the primary election:

• A voter registered as a Republican may only vote in Republican and nonpartisan contests.
• A voter registered as a Democrat may only vote in Democratic and nonpartisan contests.
• A voter registered as No Party Affiliation (NPA) may only vote in nonpartisan contests.

Registered voters who wish to change their party affiliation must also do this by July 22 to participate in the primary election.

The following are ways to register to vote:

• Online: Florida residents can register to vote online. The online voter registration portal — found at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov — is a safe and secure option for voter registration. You will need a valid Florida State ID (Florida Driver’s License number/Florida ID Card number) and the last four digits of your social security number.
• In-person: The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections office, located at 515 N. Main St. in Gainesville on the third floor, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Voter registration forms can also be completed and turned in at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office or any Alachua County Public Library.
• By mail: Forms are available online at VoteAlachua.gov. Completed forms must be received by the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office before 5 p.m. on the July 22 deadline.

Registered voters are encouraged to verify and update their voter registration status. They can do this by going online to www.votealachua.gov/My-Registration-Status, by calling 352-374-5252 or by visiting the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office in person. Voters should make changes to their registration before Election Day as changes could impact a voter’s assigned polling place.

For more information on registering to vote or changing your party affiliation status, contact the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-374-5252.