Q: How many elections are scheduled in St. Johns County in 2024?
A: There are three: the March 19 Presidential Preference Primary Election, Aug. 20 Primary Election, and Nov. 5 General Election.
Q: What is the March 19 Presidential Preference Primary Election?
A: The Presidential Preference Primary Election (PPP) is part of the presidential nominating process for Florida’s two major political parties. Voters registered with those parties express their preference for the presidential candidate they would like to see representing their party on the General Election ballot in November.
After the PPP, designated political party delegates from Florida formally nominate the preferred presidential candidate at the respective party’s national convention. These national conventions are typically held in July or August. Based on the party rules governing delegate voting procedures, the party decides at the convention which presidential candidate will represent the party on the General Election ballot.
Q: Where do the names of the presidential candidates come from?
A: Each political party submits to the Secretary of State a list of its presidential candidates to be placed on the presidential primary ballot by Nov. 30 of the year preceding the election.
Q: When will we know the candidates’ names that will appear on the ballot in March?
A: No later than Dec. 19, 2023, the Secretary of State shall certify to the Supervisors of Elections the names of each candidate for political party nomination to be printed on the ballot.
Q: Who can vote in the Presidential Preference Primary?
A: Florida’s Presidential Preference Primary is a closed-primary election. This means that you must be registered with one of Florida’s major political parties in order to be eligible to vote in the PPP.
Q: Can I change my party so I can vote for a specific candidate on the ballot I would like to support?
A: Yes. The deadline to register to vote or change your party is 29 days prior to each election. February 20, 2024 is the deadline to register to vote or change your party for the March 19, 2024 PPP.
Q: What do I need to do to prepare for voting in 2024?
A: Register to vote and make sure your registration is up-to-date, including your address. There are tools available on our website where you can register to vote and verify your information on file with the Elections Office. Visit our website www.votesjc.gov and select My Voter Status to verify your voter information or update if needed.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Readers can email me at voakes@votesjc.gov or call the Elections Office at (904) 823-2238. Be sure to visit our website www.votesjc.gov for registration and election information.
