IMPORTANT: Florida is a "closed primary" state. That means that only the voters registered within that political party may vote in that party's Primary Election, unless a Universal Primary Contest (UPC)* occurs. You can change your party affiliation by submitting an updated Voter Registration Application at any time, but the change must be made 29 days before a Primary Election in order to be valid for that election. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote on issues and nonpartisan races during a Primary Election. Your party does not affect your ballot for any election other than a Primary Election.
*A Universal Primary Contest (UPC) occurs if all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the General Election.
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2020 Presidential Preference Primary and Uniform Municipal Elections*
Deadline to register or change party: Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Early Voting: 10 a. m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2020 - Sunday, March 15, 2020
Vote By Mail: Due by 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Election Day: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2020**
In the state of Florida, voters registered with the Democratic or Republican parties express their preference for the presidential candidate they would like to represent their party during the General Election in November. The outcome of this race will determine the number of delegates each party's national convention will receive from the state of Florida. These delegates will then select their party's presidential nominee at each of the respective party's national convention.
For more information regarding the Presidential Preference Primary Election, visit the Florida Division of Elections website.
For more information regarding the Democratic or Republican parties, visit www.democrats.org and www.gop.com.
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2020 Primary Election
Deadline to register or change party: Monday, July 20, 2020
Early Voting: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday, August 3, 2020 - Sunday, August 16, 2020
Vote By Mail: Due by 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Election Day: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 18, 2020
During the Primary Election, electors will vote for state and federal representatives within their party affiliations.
If opposed within their own parties, United States Senators, Representatives in Congress, State Representatives, and State Senators will be on the ballot. The five Constitutional Officers: the Clerk of Courts, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, as well as Tax Collector, will also appear on the ballot if they are opposed within their party. Voters may also see County Commissioners and precinct committee men and women depending on their jurisdiction.
Because Florida is a closed primary state, voters may only vote within their party. The winning candidates of the Primary Election, who see opposition from another party, will then move on to the General Election in November.
Universal Primary: A Universal Primary is a contest in the Primary Election in which all candidates have the same party affiliation, but will not see opposition during the General Election. During a Universal Primary, all qualified electors may vote regardless of their party affiliation.
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2020 General Election
Deadline to register: Monday, October 5, 2020
Early Voting: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday, October 19, 2020 - Sunday, November 1, 2020
Vote By Mail: Due by 7 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Election Day: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Tuesday, November 3, 2020
The General Election ballot will list the candidates for the Presidency and the winning candidates of the August Primary Election. During this election, voters will have the opportunity to vote for a candidate regardless of their party affiliation.
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*More information will be provided about qualifying municipalities for the 2020 Uniform Municipal Elections after their qualifying periods have ended. The qualifying period is determined by the municipality's Code of Ordinances, in their specific Charter. However, not all municipalities in Palm Beach County are governed by this Law (Laws of Florida - Chapter 83-498).
**EXCEPT for the City of Belle Glade who will host their Uniform Municipal Election in June of 2020.