By St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes
For this month’s article, I would like to address some frequently asked questions we receive on a regular basis at the Supervisor of Elections Office:
Can I register to vote or update my registration at my local public library?
Yes. All St. Johns County public libraries are voter registration agencies. Unlike most governmental agencies, they have business hours on Saturdays and in the evenings. Visit www.sjcpl.org for a listing of your local library branches and hours.
If I request a vote-by-mail ballot for the upcoming election and then move, will my ballot be automatically forwarded to my new address?
No. Vote-by-mail ballots are non-forwardable. They are returned to the Elections Office, and all future requests are canceled. It is your responsibility to keep the Elections Office up-to-date on your address.
My neighbor moved away and her husband died. If I call your office can I just tell you to take them off the voter rolls since they do not live here anymore?
No. Federal and state laws govern the removal of voters from the rolls. We cannot remove anyone from the rolls based on someone’s word.
There are a number of military bases in NE Florida and many St. Johns County residents are military or military dependents. How do members of our military and their families vote if they maintain their residence in St. Johns County, but are transferred elsewhere?
If they lived here, own property, and intend to return to the county, they are permitted to use their permanent St. Johns County address. Vote-by-mail ballots are sent to their (other/separate) mailing address upon request.
Are homeless people allowed to register to vote?
Yes. It is against Florida and federal laws to discriminate against a homeless person. A person who is homeless, or without a permanent “traditional” home, but intends to permanently remain in the county, can register using an address where their mail is received, including the post office, a church, or a shelter.
What about people who live on boats and in RVs? What can they use for their voter registration residence address?
A resident with a nontraditional abode who have or had physical presence in the county and intend for the county to be his or her permanent residence address for voter registration purposes could use the following addresses: 1) a place where mail is regularly received, 2) the general delivery address at a specific post office, or 3) the address for the campground or docking site if mail is received there.
I recently moved within the State of Florida. What do I need to do to update my address?
You may use the online voter registration system at www.registertovoteflorida.gov or simply call the Elections Office to make your change by phone. If updating your driver license, you can also update your voter registration at the same time. Additionally, you may complete a registration application at your local public library.
Sign up for my monthly e-newsletter to receive additional information from the Office of the Supervisor of Elections. Use the sign up link on the front page of the website votesjc.gov and submit your email address to subscribe. The best way to reach me is by email at voakes@votesjc.gov or call the office, (904) 823-2238. Don’t forget, our website is also a great resource, so visit it often.
