Doubting whether you can vote or how? Maybe we have the answers.
Q: When can I vote?
A: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are in line at 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: All voters need to bring a photo and signature ID. Examples of acceptable IDs include passports, driver's licenses, student ID cards, employee badges, credit cards and debit cards with photographs and signatures.
Q: How can I find out where I'm supposed to vote?
A: Go to the Precinct Finder at the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Web site and search for your polling place by typing in your address.
Q: Can I see a sample ballot before I vote?
A: Yes. You can get a copy of a sample ballot at the same Web site.
Q: What will I be voting for?
A: You can vote either for or against a property tax amendment, for either a Democratic or Republican presidential nominee and for at least one city commissioner, depending on which district you are from.
Q: Do I have to be registered with a party affiliation in order to vote for a presidential candidate?
A: Yes. Florida has closed primaries, so you must be a registered Democrat or Republican in order to vote for a presidential nominee. You do not need to be registered with a party in order to vote for commissioners and for or against the amendment.
Q: Which commissioners can I vote for?
A: All Gainesville residents can vote in the District 2 At Large election, a race between Robert Agrusa and Thomas Hawkins Jr. If you live in northwest Gainesville, you are probably in District 2, a race between Bryan Harman, Lauren Poe and Bonnie Mott. If you live in southwest Gainesville, you are probably in District 3, a race between Armando Grundy, Jack Donovan and Christopher Salazar.
Q: If I am registered to vote in another Florida county, or at another address in Alachua County where I no longer live, can I still vote?
A: Yes. If you are not registered to vote at your current Gainesville address, but have been registered to vote at a different Florida address for at least 29 days, you can change you legal permanent address to your current Gainesville address today and still vote.
Q: How do I do that?
A: You need to look up the polling place for your address, go there with a photo and signature ID and speak with the clerk about changing your address. He or she will call the Supervisor of Elections Office to confirm the change, have you fill out paperwork and then allow you to vote. However, this should not be taken lightly. Before changing your permanent address, you should seriously consider the implications. And, if soon after the election you change your permanent address back to what it was before, someone might question you for voter fraud.
