FAQs

FAQS

We realize we can't answer all questions on our website. So please feel free to call us at 407.585.VOTE (8683) or email any specific questions to elections@voteseminole.gov.
How do I register to vote?
You may request a registration application be mailed to you by calling us at 407-585-VOTE or you may register online. A Florida Voter Registration Application form can also be obtained from any of Florida’s mandated sites, including public libraries, DHSMV drivers license offices, centers for independent living, offices providing public assistance or serving persons with disabilities, armed forces recruiting offices, and supervisor of elections offices.
Do I have to be a United States Citizen?
Yes. You must be a United States Citizen to be a registered voter. If you have a Green Card, that indicates that you are not a United States citizen.
What identification do I need in order to register to vote
You do not need to show any identification to register to vote. You sign an oath attesting to the accuracy of all information given.
Can I use a nickname when I register to vote?
No. You should use your legal name just as you would for any legal document.
Can I register here if I live here part of the year and in another state part of the year?
Yes. However, you must determine which place you want to be your legal residence. You cannot be registered and voting in two places at once.
If I have citizenship in the U.S. and another country, can I still register to vote?
Yes, as long as you are a U.S. citizen and satisfy the other requirements for registration.
How do I change my voter registration?
You may change your address by calling 407.585.VOTE, submitting a completed voter registration application, or in writing by mailing a signed, written request that indicates your date of birth or your voter registration number to:

P.O. Box 1479
Sanford, FL 32772

Changes to your name or party affiliation must be made in writing, preferably using the voter registration application. If you are already a registered voter in Florida there is no deadline for changing your name or address. You can even do so at the polls during early voting or on Election Day. Party affiliation changes for a Primary Election must be done by 29 days prior to Election Day.
Can I choose which address to use for registering?
No. Because your elected representatives are determined by your residence address, you must use the address where you live. It is not permissible to register using a business address, a former address, or a piece of property that you simply own. You must register where you live.
Do I have to register prior to each election?
No. Once you become a registered voter in Seminole County your name will remain on our records until such time as we receive notification that you have moved from this county or that you have lost your civil rights.
Will my information become public record?
Yes. All information on your registration application form (other than your drivers license number, social security number, and signature) become public record. Voters in certain occupations may request their data be exempt from public record.
How do I know where I vote?
That information is provided to you on your voter information card. You may lookup your record on our website or call our voter hotline at 407.585.VOTE (8683).
What hours are the polls open in Seminole County?
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. We also have early voting for all countywide elections. For information about which locations will be available and dates/hours open for the next election, visit the Scheduled Elections page of our site.
What are the identification requirements for voting?
Florida law requires two forms of identification at the polls. In order to vote you must present both signature and photo identification. It can be one form of identification, such as a Florida driver license, or two separate forms of identification. For example, you may have a VA ID with your photograph on it but not your signature. You would then need to present a second form of identification with your signature on it.

Examples of Picture Identification:
  •  Florida drivers license
  •  Florida identification card
  •  U.S. passport
  •  Military ID
  •  Debit or Credit Card
  •  Retirement Center ID
  •  Student ID
  •  Neighborhood Association ID
  •  Public Assistance ID
  •  Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License
  •  Veteran Health Identification Card
  •  Government Employee Identification Card
If you do not have proper ID, you must vote a Provisional Ballot, which is a paper ballot issued at the polling place or at the early voting site to a voter who does not provide photo and signature identification or whose eligibility to vote cannot be determined. Additionally, it will take you longer to be processed to vote. A person casting a provisional ballot shall have the right to present written evidence supporting his or her eligibility to vote to the supervisor of elections by not later than 5 p.m. on the second day following the election.

VOTER INFORMATION CARDS

Per Florida law, Voter Information Cards are sent to all voters upon validation of their initial voter registration application or to currently registered voters when making a name, address, or party affiliation change. New information cards will be sent to all voters who are in a precinct in which there has been a change in their polling location.

Voter Information Cards are not necessary to vote. They serve as confirmation of your voter registration and provide information on your precinct and polling location. If you have lost your information card and would like a new one, you must request one in writing or complete a voter registration application.
I am in the military. Where is my legal voting residence?
For voting purposes, your "legal voting residence" can be the state or territory where you last resided prior to entering military service or the state or territory that you have since claimed as your legal residence. To claim a new legal residence you must have simultaneous physical presence and the intent to return to that location as your primary residence. Military and family members may change their legal residence every time they change permanent duty stations or they may retain their legal residence without change. Family members may have a different legal voting residence from the member. A legal officer should be consulted before legal residence is changed because there are usually other factors that should be considered besides voting.

Military personnel may apply for voter registration or request vote-by-mail ballots with a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) which may be obtained by clicking the link below.


Additional military election information is available from:
Director of Federal Voting Assistance Program
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Washington Headquarters Services
1155 Defense Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301-1155

FVAP Fax: 703-588-0108
Toll-free: 800-438-8683
I am in the military. However, my family members are not in the military; can they also vote vote-by-mail?
The law entitles eligible family members of military personnel to vote vote-by-mail. Family members are considered to be in the same category of vote-by-mail voter as military members and generally should follow the same procedures. Family members of military personnel residing overseas, who are U.S. citizens and who have never resided in the U.S., usually claim a U.S. citizen parent's legal state of residence as their own. As an overseas civilian or member of the Uniformed Services, if you are stationed outside of the United States or its territories, you may request that your ballot be transmitted to you via mail, email, or fax. Only overseas military or civilian voters may return a ballot via fax. Domestic military voters, regardless of the manner in which the ballot was received (mail, email, or fax), must return the ballot by mail or in person.
I am an overseas citizen. If I do not maintain a legal residence in the U.S., what is my legal state of residence?
Your "legal state of residence" for voting purposes is the state or territory where you last resided immediately prior to your departure from the United States. This right extends to overseas citizens even though they may not have property or other ties in their last state or territory of residence and their intent to return to that state or territory may be uncertain. When completing the FPCA's Voting Residence section, be sure to enter the entire mailing address of your last residence, including street or rural route and number.

POLITICAL PARTIES

Why do I have to declare a political party?
You are not required to declare a party preference. In Florida’s partisan elections, members of each political party can field a candidate for the general election to represent their party. To select a political party’s nominee, voters need to have been a member of that political party for at least 29 days before the primary election. In the general election voters of any political affiliation, including those with no party, may vote for any candidate on their ballot regardless of the candidate’s party
When and how do I change my party preference?
A party affiliation may be changed at any time. However, when the registration books are closed for an election (29 days prior to each election), the party change will not take place until after the election. Party changes may be submitted on a Florida voter registration application or by signed, written request which includes either your date of birth or your voter identification number. Requests should be mailed to:

P.O. Box 1479
Sanford, FL 32772.
What is an election worker?
Election workers are people that work at the polling places on Election Day.
How can I become an election worker?
You must complete and submit an online application. Qualified applicants will be added to our election worker file and notified by phone or email if any position becomes available. 
How much do election workers earn?
Election workers earn between $195 and $140 on Election Day, depending on the position worked.
Fifteen hours is a long time to work. Can I work part of that time?
Election workers are to remain at the polling place throughout the entire day. Because of the importance and security of the election, election workers are not allowed to leave the polling place until the election is completed and all poll-closing duties have been performed. The clerk will inform the election workers when all tasks are completed and everyone is allowed to leave. You should plan to have with you any food, drinks, snacks and medication which you may need for the day. 
What are the different types of election team members?
  1. CLERK: 
    The clerk is in charge of the precinct and responsible for ensuring all election workers perform their duties as instructed. The clerk’s pre-election responsibilities include assisting with recruitment of election workers for their precinct, picking up precinct supplies prior to election day, contacting the polling location and arranging for access on election morning, calling all election workers assigned to the precinct before the election and taking care of any last minute updates as provided by the SOE before the polls open at 7:00 a.m. Post-election responsibilities include, with the help of one other election worker, dropping off election materials to a drop site on election night once all duties at the precinct have been completed.
  2. ASSISTANT CLERK:
    The assistant clerk is someone who trains as a clerk, but works as a VotePass assistant. This is the “clerk-in-training” position for election workers who wish to move into a clerk position in the future. The assistant clerk can step in to serve as clerk in the case of an emergency. May be required to travel with the clerk to drop off election materials to a designated drop site after the polls close.
  3. VOTEPASS ASSISTANT:
    VotePass assistants check in voters using the electronic database in the VotePass unit, issue the appropriate ballot to each voter, and also assist voters who are unable to be processed through standard voter check-in procedures. VotePass assistants, with the help of the clerk, also issue provisional ballots. May be required to travel with the clerk to drop off election materials to a designated drop site after the polls close.
  4. VOTING EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN:
    The voting equipment technician is responsible for preparing the DS200 scanner and the ExpressVote for voters on Election Day, assisting voters in casting their ballots using the voting equipment, and for closing the machines and transmitting election results. May be required to travel with the clerk to drop off election materials to a designated drop site after the polls close.
  5. DEPUTY:
    The deputy is responsible for maintaining order outside the polling place and is the first election worker with whom voters come in contact. All voters are greeted by the deputy as they approach the building. Deputies also monitor the 150-foot Campaign Free Zone.
What type of conduct is expected of an election worker?
It is important to remember that even if there are no voters in the polling room, you are still working. You are expected to treat all voters, regardless of political affiliation, disability, language proficiency, etc., with respect and courtesy and do whatever is necessary to assist them in the voting process. Also remember we are “borrowing” the polling place facility for Election Day and should always take care of the location with courtesy and respect.

The following activities are either limited or prohibited, as indicated:
  • Smoking is PROHIBITED on Election Day. Polling places do not allow smoking inside, some not on the property at all. You are not allowed to leave the polling place during the day, which means there will be no opportunity or location for a smoke break. (Deputies who are on duty outside the polling location are also prohibited from smoking.)
  • Election workers may take reading materials to the polling place for use during slow times (when no voters are present). However, these materials CANNOT be political in nature, which would include most sections of newspapers on Election Day. Electronic readers are not allowed (see next bullet).  
  • No personal electronic devices are allowed. This includes personal laptops, music players of any kind, iPads/Nooks/Kindles, other e-readers, portable TVs, etc.
  1. Personal cell phones should be turned OFF or placed on silent for use in emergencies only. Your job is to work for the elections office on Election Day, and you should not use your personal cell phone (for phone calls, texting, email messages, etc.) while on duty. If you must use your cell phone, such as while on a break, make sure you notify the clerk and walk away from the voting area (but remain in the polling room as required) so as not to disturb voters or your fellow election workers.
  2. Election workers must remain non-political on Election Day and may not discuss any candidate, issue or related topic with other workers or voters. In addition, election workers cannot wear political advertisements or any other items that are politically oriented.
The clerk will manage break times and lunch times as necessary. However, these are not guaranteed and may be limited depending upon the level of voter turnout during an election. Notify the clerk any time you need to take a break so that your duties can be covered. Realize, however, that you may be called back to your position at any time if turnout demands it.
Is there a dress code?
Although voters are allowed to wear whatever they like on Election Day, election worker dress code has a few rules. Election workers cannot wear anything that is political in nature, such as shirts supporting a candidate, buttons supporting a political party, etc. Essentially, nothing you wear should let any voter know anything about your political beliefs. Patriotic clothing, however, such as a shirt with an American flag, red, white and blue attire or an eagle pin, is perfectly acceptable. You want to dress so that you are presentable to the public, but at the same time comfortable for your long day. Although you do not have to “dress up” we do ask that you refrain from wearing jeans, shorts or flip-flops.

BALLOT TABULATION

What type of voting system does Seminole County use?
Seminole County uses a paper ballot where votes are cast by filling in ovals.

POLITICAL POLLWATCHERS

What is a political pollwatcher?
A political pollwatcher is a person designated by a candidate, political party, or political committee to watch and observe the conduct of elections. Political pollwatchers are not in any way associated with our office. 
What are the solicitation boundaries at the polls?
Per F.S. 102.031(4)(a): 

No person, political committee, or other group or organization may solicit voters inside the polling place or within 150 feet of the entrance to any polling place, a polling room where the polling place is also a polling room, an early voting site, or an office of the supervisor where vote-by-mail ballots are requested and printed on demand for the convenience of electors who appear in person to request them. Before the opening of the polling place or early voting site, the clerk or supervisor shall designate the no-solicitation zone and mark the boundaries.

We will have signs at the polling location indicating the boundary. If anyone violates the boundary please let an election worker know.
What is a Write-In Candidate?
This is a candidate who qualified in a manner that does not allow for his/her name to appear on the ballot. However, a space is provided for the candidate's name to be written on the general election ballot. A person qualifying as a write-in candidate is not required to pay a filing fee, election assessment, or party assessment.
How are candidates listed on the ballot?
In a primary election, candidates are listed alphabetically (except for circuit court judges who are determined by lot conducted by the State Director of the Division of Elections). In a general election, the names of the candidates of the party that received the highest number of votes for governor in the last election shall be placed first under the heading for each office; then, the names of the candidates of the party that received the second highest vote for Governor shall be second. Minor political party candidates and candidates with no party affiliation shall have their names appear on the general election ballot following the names of recognized political parties, in the same order as they were certified.
How much money can I donate to a candidate?
Up to $1,000 per election. This amount includes in-kind contributions.
How can I get a county charter question on the ballot?
Seminole County’s Charter provides a mechanism for residents to add an initiative amendment to an upcoming election ballot. Below is the text of the charter, which outlines the process.

Section 4.2 Home Rule Charter Amendments.

A. Amendments Proposed by Petition.

(1) Amendments to the Home Rule Charter may be proposed by petition signed by a number of electors residing in at least three-fifths (3/5) of the County Commission election districts and of the County as a whole equal to seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of electors qualified to vote in the last preceding general election. Each such proposed amendment shall embrace but one subject and matter directly connected therewith. Each Charter amendment proposed by petition shall be placed on the ballot by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners for the general election occurring in excess of 90 days from the certification by the Supervisor of Elections that the requisite number of signatures has been verified.

(2) The sponsor of a petition amendment shall, prior to obtaining any signatures, submit the text of the proposed amendment to the Supervisor of Elections, with the form on which the signatures will be affixed, and shall obtain the approval of the Supervisor of Elections of such form. The style and requirements of such form shall be specified by ordinance. The beginning date of any petition drive shall commence upon the date of approval by the Supervisor of Elections of the form on which signatures will be affixed, and said drive shall terminate six (6) months after that date. In the event sufficient signatures are not acquired during that six (6) month period, the petition initiative shall be rendered null and void and none of the signatures may be carried over onto another identical or similar petition. The sponsor shall submit signed and dated forms to the Supervisor of Elections and upon submission pay all fees as required by general law. The Supervisor of Elections shall within 60 days verify the signatures thereon.

(3) If approved by a majority of those electors voting on the amendment at the general election, the amendment shall become effective on the date specified in the amendment, or, if not so specified, on January 1 of the succeeding year.
 
FORMS (Ord. No. 90-6, § 1, 3-13-90)

(a) The petition form which shall be used for proposed amendments to the Home Rule Charter of Seminole County by the initiative process is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”.(b) The petition form which shall be used for proposing, by initiative, that an ordinance be enacted is attached hereto as Exhibit “B”.

(c) The forms referred in this Section are hereby incorporated herein as operative parts of and provisions of this Part.

EXHIBIT “A”

HOME RULE CHARTER OF SEMINOLE COUNTY AMENDMENT PETITION FORM

I am a registered voter of Seminole County and hereby petition the Supervisor of Elections to place substantially the following ballot title and summary relating to the text of the following proposed charter amendment on the ballot in the next election available for such purpose pursuant to Section 4.2A [2] of the Home Rule Charter of Seminole County after final verification of the full number of signatures necessary by the Supervisor of Elections.

A. TITLE: (Insert TITLE of Amendment/title not to exceed 15 words)

B. SUMMARY: (Insert summary of measure to be voted upon. Said summary not to exceed 75 words.) (EXAMPLE: Shall there be an amendment to the Home Rule Charter of Seminole County as follows: …?)

C. TEXT: (The full text of the Amendment should be inserted here or attached to the petition.)
Voter’s Name as registered in Supervisor of Election’s Residence Precinct of Office
Place of Residence
Street
City, Zip Code
Voting Precinct Number
Date of Signature
Printed Name
Signature
EXHIBIT “B”SEMINOLE COUNTY INITIATED ORDINANCE PETITION FORM

I am a registered voter of Seminole County and hereby petition, pursuant to Section 2.2H [4] of the Home Rule Charter of Seminole County, the Board of County Commissioners of Seminole County to enact the ordinance on file with the Supervisor of Elections for Seminole County or amend or repeal an existing ordinance of Seminole County as detailed in a proposed ordinance on file with the Supervisor of Elections for Seminole County said new, amending or repealing ordinance relating to the following subject and matter:

A. TITLE: (Insert TITLE of Ordinance)

B. TEXT: (The full text of the Ordinance should be inserted here or attached to the petition.)

If the Board of County Commissioners does not enact the Ordinance after a sufficient number of electors have signed the petition, then I petition the Board of County Commissioners to call a referendum election on the Ordinance in accordance with Section 2.2H of the Home Rule Charter of Seminole County.
Voter’s Name as registered in Supervisor of Election’s Residence Precinct of Office
Place of Residence
Street
City, Zip Code
Voting Precinct Number
Date of Signature
Printed Name
Signature

VOTER BILL OF RIGHTS

Each registered voter in Seminole County has the right to:
  • Vote and have his or her vote accurately counted.
  • Cast a vote if he or she is in line at the official closing of the polls in that county.
  • Ask for and receive assistance in voting.
  • Receive up to two replacement ballots if he or she makes a mistake prior to the ballot being cast.
  • An explanation if his or her registration, or identity, is in question.
  • If his or her registration, or identity, is in question, cast a provisional ballot.
  • Written instructions to use when voting, and, upon request, oral instructions in voting from elections officers.
  • Vote free from coercion or intimidation by elections officers or any other person.
  • Vote on a voting system that is in working condition and that will allow votes to be accurately cast.

VOTER RESPONSIBILITIES

Each registered voter in this state should:
  • Familiarize himself or herself with the candidates and issues.
  • Maintain with the office of the supervisor of elections a current address.
  • Know the location of his or her polling place and its hours of operation.
  • Bring proper identification to the polling station.
  • Familiarize himself or herself with the operation of the voting equipment in his or her precinct.
  • Treat precinct workers with courtesy.
  • Respect the privacy of other voters.
  • Report any problems or violations of election laws to the supervisor of elections.
  • Ask questions, if needed.
Make sure that his or her completed ballot is correct before leaving the polling station.
NOTE TO VOTER: Failure to perform any of these responsibilities does not prohibit a voter from voting.
I love the voter guide! How can I get a few copies?

PETITIONS AND AMENDMENTS

What is the cost to verify signatures for constitutional initiative petitions?
Pursuant to Florida Statute 100.371(11)(b), Seminole County’s actual cost of signature verification of an initiative petition is $0.97 per signature.
Share by: