What is the Primary Election?

• The 2018 Primary Election is held 10 weeks before the General Election. In the Primary Election, voters registered with one of Florida’s political parties express their preference for the candidates they would like to see representing their party on the General Election ballot in November. In addition, all voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in nonpartisan races on the ballot.

When is the Primary Election?

• Florida’s Primary Election is held on August 28, 2018. Eligible voters can vote-by-mail (absentee), vote during early voting, or vote at the polls on Election Day.

Who can vote in the Primary Election?

• Florida is a closed primary state. In the Primary Election, voters registered with one of Florida’s political parties may vote for party races on the Primary Election ballot. However, all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation or no affiliation, may vote in a Primary Election for races in which all nominees have the same party affiliation and the winner would face no opposition in the General Election, for nonpartisan races (e.g., judicial and school board), and for local issues.

How do voters get notified if a party candidate officially withdraws or is ordered removed from the ballot?

• If a candidate withdraws or is ordered removed from the ballot after the ballots have already been printed, the name remains on the ballot. However, the Supervisor of Elections will post withdrawal notices in the voters' booths at the polling location and include a notice with all vote-by-mail ballots subsequently prepared after the notice of withdrawal or court order.

Can I change my party affiliation for the Primary Election?

• The deadline for voters to update their party affiliation for the 2018 Primary Election was July 30, 2018. For additional information on voter registration in Florida, please visit the Division of Elections website.

How many registered voters are there in Florida?

• The Department of State prepares statistical reports (bookclosing reports) that show the total number of active registered voters statewide as of the registration deadline for the Primary Election. The total number of active registered voters in Florida as of July 30, 2018 was 13,013,657. For other voter registration data, please visit the Division of Elections website.