GREEN COVE SPRINGS – You may have heard “Florida is a Closed Primary State,” over and over again, but have you ever stopped to consider what it means?

A Primary Election helps to narrow the field of candidates for a given office. In a Closed Primary, voters are limited to choosing candidates of their own party:

• If you chose the Republican Party, you’re allowed to vote only for Republican candidates.

• If you chose the Democratic Party, you’re allowed to vote only for Democratic candidates.

• If you’re registered as No Party Affiliation, you’re allowed to vote in non-partisan contests and referendums in a Primary Election.

If a voter is registered as NPA, or with a minor party, this may be a potential problem for the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary on March 17. In the PPP, Florida voters in the two major parties, Democrat and Republican, will select their representative for president. If you are registered as either NPA, or with one of the minor parties, you won’t be able to vote for a presidential candidate in the PPP.

If you wish to change your party affiliation to vote in the PPP, it must be done by Feb. 18. This is the deadline for new registration or party changes for the PPP. Florida has made it easier than ever with online voter registration at RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov.

You can register to vote, make party changes, and even update your signature- all from your computer.

Of course, you can pick up a paper application at the Elections Office, a public library, the post office, or Tax Collector’s office, if you prefer. The 2020 election season will be unprecedented. Make sure your voice is heard.

“The stakes have never been higher,” states Clay County Supervisor of Elections Chris H. Chambless. “I encourage everyone to follow our Five Steps to Secure Your Vote, ahead of the 2020 Election Season.”

Be prepared. First, Feb. 18 is the last day you can register to vote or change your party affiliation for the PPP.

Second, vote-by-mail – order your VBN ballot today at ClayElections.com, or in person, over the phone or in writing, email included. You must sign the envelope and return to our office by 7 PM on March 17.

Third, vote early – vote at any of our six locations in Clay County. Visit us at ClayElections.com to find dates, hours.

Fourth, vote on election day. Bring your picture and signature ID with you to your assigned precinct to vote. You can find acceptable forms of ID and look up your precinct online at ClayElections.com.

And fifth, visit ClayElections.com to stay up to date with the latest news and for all your election needs. This and all press releases can be found at www.ClayElections.com Like us on Facebook.