Q: The Presidential Preference Primary Election is just ahead on March 19. Who is eligible to vote in this election?
A: The March 19 election is only open to registered Republican voters to vote for their presidential nominee.
Q: I am registered with no party affiliation. Can I vote in this election?
A: No. Florida is a closed primary state, which means only voters who are registered members of a political party may vote for their respective party’s candidate in a primary election. The deadline to change your party affiliation for this election was Feb. 20, 2024.
Q: I am a registered Democrat, why don’t I get to vote?
A: Since Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is the only name submitted by the Democratic Party of Florida for their Presidential Preference, there will not be a Democratic ballot in this election.
Q: If a presidential candidate has suspended their campaign, why are they still on the ballot?
A: The deadline for presidential candidates to withdraw from Florida’s Presidential Preference Primary Election ballot was Dec. 12, 2023. If a presidential candidate suspends their campaign after that date, their name remains on the ballot. All votes will be counted, and results certified to the State as required by law.
Q: Almost all candidates have dropped out of the race, why are we still having an election?
A: Florida law requires an election be held to determine which candidate will receive Florida’s delegate votes at the party’s National Convention in the summer.
Q: Are the delegate votes awarded proportionally for each candidate?
A: No. Florida is a “winner take all” state, so the candidate who wins will be awarded Florida’s delegate vote at the convention.
Q: How do I get a vote-by-mail ballot?
A: Voters who want to vote-by-mail must have a request on file with the Supervisor of Elections Office. All requests from 2022 expired after the 2022 General Election. Simply call the Elections Office at (904) 823-2238 or visit our website www.votesjc.gov to request a vote-by-mail ballot. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail to be mailed for this election is March 7, 2024, by 5 p.m.
Voted ballots can be returned by mail, in person to the Elections Office, or to a Secure Ballot Intake Station available at all early voting locations from March 9 through March 16 during the hours of voting. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
Q: When is early voting for the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary Election?
A: Early voting is from March 9 through March 16, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at all locations, which includes two Saturdays and one Sunday. Eligible St. Johns County voters can vote early at any of the six locations. For early voting locations, see our ad in this paper or visit www.votesjc.gov.
Q: When is Election Day for the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary Election?
A: Election Day is Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must vote at their assigned precinct on Election Day. I would like to remind voters that several polling places have changed since the last election. Affected voters were mailed new voter information cards. Please check your polling place before heading to the polls — this can be a real time saver! Visit www.votesjc.gov and use the “Find My Polling Place” tool or call the Elections Office at (904) 823-2238 to confirm your polling place.
