219,376
225,626
163,628
608,630
Frequently Asked Questions
- Civil Rights Restoration
- Closed Primary
- Early Voting
- Election Day and General Voting Questions
- Miscellaneous
- Polling Places
- Precincts and Districts
- Redistricting
- Spanish Materials
- Voter Information Cards
- Voter Registration
- Voters with Disabilities or Special Needs
- Voting Technology
- Two-Card Ballots
Civil Rights Restoration
How can I get my rights restored if I’ve been convicted of a felony?
The Rules for Executive Clemency were amended 3/9/11, and restoration of civil rights will no longer be granted automatically.
Felons who have completed their sentences may seek to have their civil rights restored by submitting an application to the state’s Board of Executive Clemency. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, applicants will be eligible to apply either five OR seven years after completion of their sentences, provided they have been crime-free and arrest-free.
The Florida Parole Commission's Web site offers a Civil Rights Restoration Search for its database, so you can determine whether or not your rights have been restored. Be sure to search under all variations of your name, including nicknames.
For more information, use the contact information below to reach the Florida Office of Executive Clemency:
4070 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2450
Phone: (850) 488-2952
Toll-free (800) 435-8286
Fax: (850) 488-0695
This information is confidential and will only be discussed with the individual directly affected.
After confirming that your rights have been restored, you must register or re-register to vote by completing a Voter Registration Application.
Closed Primary
What is a “closed primary state”?
Florida is a “closed primary state,” which means that a qualified voter is entitled to vote the ballot of the political party with which the voter is registered. The voter's party with which he/she was registered 29 days before the election is the party affiliation recognized at the polls during Early Voting and on Election Day. The political party noted in the precinct register is the voter's party affiliation. Voters may only change their party affiliation at the polls for FUTURE ELECTIONS.
For example, in a Primary Election:
When all of the candidates running for an office are registered with the same political party, the race becomes a Universal Primary Election and all eligible voters regardless of party affiliation may vote in that race.
Party changes may be made at any time by completing a Voter Registration Application and checking "Record Update/Change" in the top box, or by sending the Supervisor of Elections a signed written notice that contains the voter's date of birth or voter registration number. However, state law requires that party changes be made at least 29 days prior to a partisan primary election in order to be valid for that election.
All eligiible voters may vote in a General Election for all candidates, issues, referenda and amendments. Party affiliation of the candidate is still indicated on the ballot, but voters may vote for any candidate and are not restricted by party.
Confirm your current political party online now.
Early Voting
What is early voting?
Early voting is a convenience for voters approved by the Florida Legislature in 2004. Statewide, early voting currently begins 10 days before and ends 3 days before an election in all Supervisor of Elections offices. Early voting must be open at least 6 hours per day and no more than 12 hours per day. Supervisors may also designate additional early voting sites in public libraries or city halls as their budgets and logistics permit. Days and times vary among counties.
In Pinellas County, early voting will be held in all Supervisor of Elections offices and will be open 12 HOURS PER DAY during the designated eight-day period, Saturday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the 2012 Primary and General Elections. (Times to be determined for the Presidential Preference Primary.)Municipalities are not legally required to provide early voting for their elections.
Election Day and General Voting Questions
When do polls open and close on Election Day?
Polls are always open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day by state law.
What is an overvote? What is an undervote?
An overvote occurs when a voter marks or designates more selections than are eligible for a given race or question on the ballot. An undervote occurs when a voter does not mark or designate any selection for a given race or question on the ballot. No vote is recorded for either an overvote or an undervote.
What is a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot is a conditional ballot, whose validity is determined by the canvassing board. Anyone voting a provisional ballot may present evidence of his/her eligibility to the canvassing board by 5 p.m. the second day after an election. Elections staff also present evidence to the canvassing board from the voter database, such as signatures on file, which assists the board in determining voter eligibility.
What are the reasons that would require a voter to vote a provisional ballot?
Reasons to vote a provisional ballot include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Precinct register indicates voter has already voted and the voter does not agree
What is a poll watcher?
Political candidates, political parties and certain political committees may designate one poll watcher per precinct or early voting location prior to the election. Please see the Poll Watcher Information and Form section of this Web site for details on poll watcher designation deadlines and other guidelines for poll watchers.
What is a poll observer?
Anyone can enter the polling place to observe the closing procedures after the polls have closed and the last voter has left the polling place. No photography, audio or video recording is allowed in the polling place, and observers may not touch voting equipment or ballots. No prior request is required to be an observer.
When does the Supervisor of Elections do a recount?
Florida law requires a machine recount when the margin between candidates or ballot questions is less than ½ percent in unofficial results. A manual recount is automatically required when the margin between candidates or ballot questions is less than ¼ percent in unofficial results. For details, please see Division of Elections Administrative Rule 1S-2.031.
How do I write in a candidate who is not on the ballot?
Only races with certified write-in candidates will include a space for a write-in candidate on the ballot. The voter must write in the candidate's name and fill in the oval next to the write-in blank. Only votes for qualified write-in candidates will be tallied.
Miscellaneous
What is the Presidential Preference Primary and when is it held?
The Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) is an election in which the political parties select their presidential candidates for the next General Election ballot. This election is scheduled for January 31 for the 2012 presidential election cycle. New legislation in 2011 provided for a date selection committee to meet prior to October 1 in the year preceding a presidential election and set the date of the PPP election. The date must be no earlier than the first Tuesday in January and no later than the first Tuesday in March.
How are election dates chosen?
Some elections, such as presidential and gubernatorial, are set by federal law. Other elections are set by state law, such as the presidential preference primary and legislative referendums. Municipal elections are either placed on regularly scheduled state or federal election dates or set by municipal charter or ordinance on dates supported by the Supervisor of Elections.
What does the canvassing board do and who sits on it?
Each county’s canvassing board is responsible for the overall conduct of the election, canvassing mail and provisional ballots, certifying election results and conducting a manual post-election audit. The canvassing board also conducts logic and accuracy tests on voting and tabulation equipment before each election. A county canvassing board is made up of a county judge, who is appointed by the chief judge, the chair of the board of county commissioners (BCC) and the supervisor of elections. If the chair of the BCC is unable to serve on the canvassing board, an alternate is selected by the BCC. No member can serve on the canvassing board if he/she is on the ballot.
What is the Florida Elections Commission?
The Florida Elections Commission was created in 1973 by the Florida Legislature to enforce campaign finance laws. The commission investigates alleged violations of these laws when a complaint is filed. If the commission finds that a violation has occurred, it can levy fines of up to $1,000 per count. For information on how to file a complaint with the Florida Elections Commission or call (850) 922-4539.
Where can I find voter statistics?
The Supervisor of Elections Web site has a comprehensive Voter Statistics section in the left menu bar. You can find past election results, voter history demographics and even the latest month-end voter registration reports.
Can you vote on the Internet?
There is currently no certified voting system that provides Internet voting in the United States; however, the U.S. Department of Defense is exploring the use of Internet voting for its Federal Voter Assistance Program. Primary users would be voters living overseas and military voters.
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Polling Places
How can I find my polling place?
The easiest way to find your polling place is to call the Election Service Center at (727) 464-VOTE (8683). You may also use the Precinct Finder online, an interactive Web page that allows a voter to key in his/her address to find his/her polling place. Sample ballots mailed to households of registered voters for general elections also contain polling place information. Be sure to update your address with the Supervisor of Elections to avoid delays at the polls and ensure that you vote in the correct precinct.
How does the Supervisor of Elections determine if a location is suitable for a polling place?
Several criteria are considered in selecting a polling place: the number of registered voters in the precinct, the size of the facility, whether the facility meets the accessible requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, whether the facility will be available for future elections and other considerations as needed.
How does the Supervisor of Elections notify voters that their polling place has changed?
State law requires that legal ads be published in a countywide newspaper and that all registered voters in a precinct be notified by mail if the precinct’s polling place has changed since the previous election. The Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections office publishes a legal ad and sends postcards as required every time a polling place is changed for countywide elections. Poll workers are also instructed to place signs at the former polling place on Election Day to notify voters of the new polling place and give directions.
Can voters suggest a possible polling place location to the Supervisor of Elections?
Return to TopThe Supervisor of Elections welcomes suggestions for any aspect of the elections process, including polling place selection.
Precincts and Districts
Where can I find a Pinellas precinct map?
All Elections Offices provide large county precinct maps for a small fee. They are published in even years. There are also a variety of district maps with precincts posted on our District Maps Web page.
How many precincts do we have in Pinellas County? 299
How many cities are in Pinellas County? 24, as listed below:
Belleair | Indian Shores | Redington Shores | |
| Belleair Beach | Kenneth City | Safety Harbor | |
| Belleair Bluffs | Largo | St. Pete Beach | |
| Belleair Shore | Madeira Beach | St. Petersburg | |
| Clearwater | North Redington Beach | Seminole | |
| Dunedin | Oldsmar | South Pasadena | |
| Gulfport | Pinellas Park | Tarpon Springs | |
| Indian Rocks Beach | Redington Beach | Treasure Island |
How many special districts are in Pinellas County?
There are four fire districts and four community development districts in Pinellas County:
East Lake Tarpon Fire Control District
Lealman Fire Control District
Palm Harbor Fire Control District
Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue District
Clearwater Cay Community Development District
Eastlake Oaks Community Development District
Entrada Community Development District
Snug Harbor Community Development District
What Florida Senate and House districts cover Pinellas County?
What Congressional Districts cover Pinellas County?There are currently three Senate Districts - 19, 20 and 22; and seven House Districts – 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70.
There are currently three Congressional Districts that cover Pinellas County – 12, 13 and 14.
Is it true that the School Board and County Commissioner Districts are exactly the same?
Yes. Their boundaries are identical. Districts 1, 2 and 3 are at-large; Districts 4, 5, 6 and 7 are single-member.
What is redistricting and how does it affect you as a voter?
Visit our Redistricting Web page for more information.
Spanish Materials
Are election materials available in Spanish? Are they available in other languages?
Return to TopThe Division of Elections provides some of its election materials in Spanish, and the Pinellas Supervisor of Elections Web site is available in Spanish by clicking on En Español at the top of any page.
Voter Information Cards
Do I need to have my Voter Information Card with me in order to vote?
No. Voter Information Cards are provided for informational purposes. They provide useful information such as your precinct, party affiliation and voting districts. By state law, they are no longer called Voter Registration Cards.
What type of ID do I need with me in order to vote?
Return to TopBoth photo and signature identification is required to vote a regular ballot in Florida. Acceptable forms of ID include Florida driver license, Florida identification card, U.S. passport, student or military ID, debit or credit card, retirement center ID, neighborhood association ID or public assistance ID. If the photo identification does not have a signature, another form of identification is required with a signature. Voters without acceptable identification may still vote a provisional ballot, which will later be evaluated by a canvassing board for eligibility. To avoid delays at the polling place, voters should bring acceptable identification.
Voter Registration
Who can register to vote?
To register to vote, you must be an American citizen and a Florida resident. You must also be at least 18 years of age; however, any 16- or 17-year-old may pre-register. You may not register if you’ve been adjudicated mentally incapacitated or if you have been convicted of a felony and have not had your civil rights restored.
I’m eligible. What do I need to register?
To register, complete a Voter Registration Application. You will need to provide one of the following on your application: your valid Florida driver license number, your Florida ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have any of these forms of ID, mark “NONE” in Box E of the application.
Where can I pick up a voter registration application?
Online applications are available on this Web site. Tax collector offices, public libraries and social services agencies or disability services agencies also have voter registration applications. In Pinellas County, you can also find applications at city or town halls, and chambers of commerce.
You may also call (727) 464-VOTE (8683) to request an application by mail or visit any of the three elections offices to pick up an application.
Can I register online?
Yes. Online applications are available on this Web site. You can complete the application online, print it, sign it and mail or deliver it to any elections office or voter registration agency. The application requires an original signature.
I am currently serving overseas in the military. Can I register to vote in Pinellas County?
Yes. As a U.S. citizen serving in the military, you may register to vote in your home county. Complete a Voter Registration Application online or contact an elections office to request an application by mail. You may also choose to use the Federal Post Card Application to register.
I am living away from home while I attend college. Can I register to vote in Pinellas County?
Yes. You may register to vote in your home county while you are away at college, as long as you are not registered to vote elsewhere. For your convenience, you may want to request mail ballots for each election. To request a ballot be mailed to you, call (727) 464-VOTE (8683) or click on Request a Mail Ballot in the menu bar above.
What is the voter registration deadline to vote in a particular election?
Florida law requires that you must be registered to vote at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
Do I have to register with a party affiliation?
No. You may register with no party affiliation by checking the "No party affiliation" box under Party Affiliation if you do not wish to designate a political party. However, if you wish to vote in partisan races in primary elections, you must be registered with that political party at least 29 days prior to the election.
How do I change my party affiliation?
Party affiliations may be changed by submitting a Voter Registration Application with the changes noted or by sending the Supervisor of Elections a signed written notice that contains the voter's date of birth or voter registration number. Party changes must be received no later than 29 days before a partisan primary election to be eligible to vote in that party’s primary.
I was a registered voter elsewhere in Florida and I just moved to Pinellas County. Do I have to re-register to vote?
No. The statewide Florida Voter Registration System allows a registered voter to change his/her address within the state by notifying the Supervisor of Elections of an address change by phone or email and providing the voter's date of birth. A voter can also update his/her address on a Voter Registration Application with the changes noted. A voter who changes his/her address at the polling place on Election Day will be required to vote a provisional ballot if moving here from another county.
What if I just moved within the county? How do I update my address?
Call the Supervisor of Elections Office at (727) 464-VOTE (8683) to update your address.
Why are signature updates recommended?
Voters are encouraged to update their signatures in their voter records periodically to ensure it has not changed significantly. A signature comparison is one means of identifying a voter who does not have photo identification at the polls, so it is very important to keep it updated. The signature on your voter file is also used to verify your signature on your mail ballot certificate envelope or any candidate or initiative petition you sign.
I did not vote in the last election. Does that mean I’m inactive and have to re-register?
No. You do not become inactive if you miss voting in one election. However, Florida statutes require Supervisors of Elections to follow certain list maintenance procedures that cause some voters to be designated inactive. For instance, a voter whose address confirmation notice is returned to the elections office as undeliverable is designated inactive.
If I am designated inactive, how to I return to active voter status?
An inactive voter may return to active voter status by voting in an election, requesting a mail ballot or contacting an elections office to update his/her address. (View List Maintenance Definitions and Procedures)
Is a voter ever completely removed from the voter registration list?
Yes. A voter who has been designated inactive and does not vote in two consecutive federal elections is removed from the voter registration list. Once removed, a voter must reregister to become eligible to vote. Federal law prohibits any list maintenance activities within 90 days before a federal election. (View List Maintenance Definitions and Procedures)
Who is qualified for protected address in the voter records?
Voters in law enforcement, child services or health services; firefighters; judges; state and U.S. attorneys may qualify for protected addresses. See the Protected Addresses page for details.
How do I get my address protected in the voter records?
Download and complete a protected address request form, complete it and fax or mail it to the Supervisor of Elections.
How do I register to vote if I am in the Witness Protection Program?
Return to TopPlease call (727) 464-VOTE (8683) for special instructions.
Voters with Disabilities or Special Needs
Can I request assistance at the polls?
Yes. A voter who requires assistance at the polling place can either indicate a request for assistance on his/her Voter Registration Application or call (727) 464-VOTE (8683) to request assistance before any election. A notation will be made on the precinct register to alert poll workers to a voter’s need for assistance. A voter may also bring someone with him/her to assist at the polls if preferred.
What provisions are made for blind or visually impaired voters?
Sample ballots for all countywide elections are printed in Braille for blind or visually impaired voters to examine before they vote. These are available in all elections offices, the Lighthouse of Pinellas at Watson Center, the Pinellas Talking Book Library, the Pinellas Council for the Blind, and the National Federation for the Blind local chapter.
Blind or visually impaired voters may vote on the AutoMARK, a ballot-marking device available at every polling place, which features audio headsets, Braille keypads, large type and reverse type options.
Braille Voter Registration Applications are available for use in any Supervisor of Elections Office. These are also being distributed to the Lighthouse of Pinellas at Watson Center, the Pinellas Talking Book Library, the Pinellas Council for the Blind, and the National Federation for the Blind local chapter. A large-print Voter Registration Application is also available as a downloadable file here and in each Elections Office.
How can hearing-impaired voters communicate with the Supervisor of Elections?
The Supervisor of Elections can be reached through the TDD relay system: 1-800-955-8771; or through email: election@votepinellas.com.
Are all polling places accessible to voters with disabilities?
Return to TopYes. All polling places meet current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Voting Technology
Do Pinellas County’s voting machines have a “paper trail”?
State legislation in 2007 required the use of optical scan voting systems in all Florida counties for all elections after July 1, 2008. Pinellas County purchased an Election Systems & Software voting system. Optical scanners process paper ballots completed by voters and tabulate the results. The original paper ballot is available for recounts, if needed.
How did the 2007 election laws about voting systems affect voters in Pinellas County?
Pinellas County, along with all Florida counties, uses paper ballots and optical scan voting systems for all elections to meet the requirements of state law. An AutoMark ballot-marking device is also available in each precinct and early voting site to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What is “ballot on demand” and how does it work in Pinellas County?
Pinellas County was the first in Florida to use “ballot on demand.” This system prints ballots as needed, eliminating the need to order ballots in large quantities and then discarding all unused ballots after each election. In Pinellas County, a primary election can have more than a thousand ballot styles, which requires a lot of storage space if ballots are preprinted for each precinct. The ballot-on-demand system stores PDF (portable document format) files of each ballot style and uses information about the voter to generate the correct ballot style. Pinellas County uses ballot-on-demand equipment made by Runbeck Election Systems for mail ballots, provisional ballots and early voting, but does not use it at the precinct level.
Who makes the voting equipment used in Pinellas County?
Pinellas County uses an Election Systems & Software voting system.
How does Pinellas County protect its voting equipment from tampering or hacking?
Many safeguards are in place to protect the integrity of the electoral process in Pinellas County. Poll workers are trained before each election how to maintain the security of the voting machines at each precinct, and Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies assist in protecting precincts, election offices and transports election materials to the Election Service Center.
What voting equipment does Pinellas County use?
Pinellas County voters currently use the Election Systems & Software optical scan voting system. Paper ballots are processed by DS 200 optical scanners at the precincts and during early voting. Mail ballots are processed by an M650 ballot tabulator. AutoMark ballot-marking devices are also available at each precinct and early voting site for voters with disabilities.
Where can I learn how to use the current voting machines?
Return to TopYou can view a video or photo page demonstration online or drop by one of the three Supervisor of Elections offices to try out the optical scanners.
Additional FAQs can be found in Ballots by Mail, Candidates, Voting System, Election Laws/Rules and Civil Rights Restoration sections of this Web site.