At least 3 key contests will be decided in the Aug. 20 primary. Here's what you need to know.
The Aug. 20 primary election will offer voters far more than just an opportunity to pick their favorite party standard-bearers or whittle down crowded fields of candidates.
At least three important contests, each with only two candidates, will be flat-out decided in the primary: Leon County property appraiser and Leon County School Board Districts 2 and 4.
Other races with more contenders could go to runoffs in the Nov. 5 general election, including Tallahassee City Commission Seats 1 and 2. In those contests, one the candidates must get more than 50% of the vote to win outright and avoid a runoff.
"A lot of voters think that primary elections are just for partisan-affiliated voters — Dems and Reps — to help choose the partisan nominee for the general election," said Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley. "It is that, but that's only part of the answer there for a primary election."
A number of races, including City Commission, School Board and County judge Seat 4, are nonpartisan and open to voters of any or no party.
"Quite a few of those races will be decided in the primary," Earley said. "Every voter in Leon County will have a ballot available if they take advantage of it. We really recommend that you do. Democracy depends on your voice being heard."
CANDIDATE FORUM REPLAYS
(Click on the links on this online story or watch the full forums on our YouTube Page)
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June 25: Tallahassee City Commission, Seat 1
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June 26: Leon County School Board District 2
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June 26: Leon County School Board District 4
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June 27: Tallahassee City Commission, Seat 2
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July 16: Leon County Property Appraiser
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July 16: Leon County Judge Seat 4
Tallahassee voters guide
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Tallahassee Democrat, WFSU, League of Women Voters hold local candidate forums for 2024 primary. Here's how to watch.
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The ultimate Leon County, Tallahassee voter's guide to the 2024 primary election. Study up to vote with confidence
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Missed our voters guide to the Tallahassee primary? Subscribers can find the e-edition here
Early voting dates, times, places
Early voting runs Saturday, Aug. 10, through Sunday, Aug. 18, at 10 locations in Leon County.
The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all sites except the Leon County Courthouse, which has hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Leon County voters can cast ballots at any of the sites regardless of their precinct.
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Dr. B.L. Perry Branch Library, 2817 S. Adams St
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Eastside Branch Library, 1583 Pedrick Road
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FAMU Student Union, 1628 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
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FSU Student Union, 75 N. Woodward Ave.
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Fort Braden Community Center, 16387 Blountstown Highway
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Leon County Elections Center, 2990-1 Apalachee Parkway
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Lake Jackson Community Center, 3840 N. Monroe St.
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Leon County Courthouse, 301 S. Monroe St.
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Northeast Branch Library, 5513 Thomasville Road
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Woodville Community Center, 8000 Old Woodville Road
Everything you need to know about Vote-by-Mail
Voters can request Vote-By-Mail ballots by visiting LeonVotes.gov and clicking on "Vote-by-Mail," calling the Supervisor of Elections Office at 850-606-VOTE (8683) or visiting the elections office in person at 2990-1 Apalachee Parkway. Voters have until 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 to request that a ballot be mailed to them.
If you miss that deadline, you can still pick up a Vote-by-Mail ballot through Election Day. But because of changes in state law, starting Aug. 10, voters who want to pick up a Vote-by-Mail ballot must complete a form declaring why they can't vote in person.
Vote-by-Mail ballots come with instructions, which voters are urged to follow. Vote-by-Mail ballots must be in the hands of the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 20, for them to count.
The U.S. Postal Service recommends that people mail their Vote-by-Mail ballots back to the Supervisor of Elections at least one week before Election Day . New this year: the elections office is covering the cost of postage for the return envelopes, which means voters don't have to worry about stamps.
Voters can also drop Vote-by-Mail ballots off at drop boxes (now known as Secure Ballot Intake Stations) during voting hours at any of the early voting locations or the elections office on Apalachee Parkway.
Election Day voting and ID requirements
Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Aug. 20. Voters can find their voting location on their Voter Information Card or by visiting LeonVotes.gov or calling the elections office at 850-606-VOTE (8683).
Voters must present a current physical address and a valid photo ID when voting in person. The ID must come from the following list: Florida driver's license, Florida identification card, U.S. passport, debit or credit card, military ID, student ID, retirement center ID, neighborhood association ID, public assistance ID, U.S. veteran health ID, concealed weapon/firearm license, employee ID issued by local, state or federal government agency. Voters who don't bring ID can still vote with a provisional ballot.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: What you need to know to vote in Leon County's Aug. 20 primary election
