close
close

Yiamastaverna

Trusted News & Timely Insights

    • Absentee Voting, Absentee Voting Florida Info
    Utah

    Absentee Voting, Absentee Voting Florida Info

    Caradoc Wyn Posted on

    Election day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

    With many parts of the state still working to restore power and repair the widespread damage left by Hurricane Milton, Floridians could face unexpected obstacles as they cast their ballots in a general election just weeks away.

    The Florida Supervisors of Elections Association sent a letter to Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Tuesday, Oct. 15, requesting certain exemptions and changes to alleviate hardship in counties hardest hit by the storm.

    The requests include moving or consolidating polling locations and suspending early voting requirements at election supervisors’ offices in Charlotte County and Orange County, Florida.

    “Implementing these provisions will ensure that each supervisor can efficiently and properly carry out their duties while maintaining the security and integrity of the November 5 general election,” the letter said.

    A request to extend voter registration beyond the Oct. 7 deadline was rejected by a federal judge last week.

    Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 storm, producing multiple tropical tornadoes, flooding, and storm surges on the state’s west and east coasts. As of October 15, the death toll from Hurricane Milton in Florida was up to 24.

    Here’s what we know about Hurricane Milton and the storm’s impact on early voting in Florida.

    Did Hurricane Milton close early voting sites in Orange County, Florida?

    Christopher Heath, chief election administrator for the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, said Wednesday, Oct. 9 – the day of landfall – that there was localized flooding in Orange County due to Hurricane Milton, but major catastrophic damage elsewhere of the state had been avoided.

    Heath said all 22 early voting sites in the county are ready to go Oct. 21, when voters can begin submitting their ballots via absentee ballots, formerly known as absentee ballots. Orange County residents have until Oct. 24 to request a new mail-in ballot if their original ballot is damaged or otherwise unusable.

    How will damage from Hurricane Milton impact in-person voting on Election Day 2024 in Orange County, Florida?

    Heath said the agency is still reviewing its 216 precincts where Orange County, Florida residents could cast their absentee ballot (formerly known as mail-in ballots) or vote in person on Election Day, November 5, 2024, noting that for some accommodations may be required.

    “Given that most of them survived relatively unscathed, we don’t expect it. But of course we’ll have to see how we look at it and see, you know, because it’s 216 counties – that’s a lot.”

    What impact will early voting have in Charlotte County, Florida?

    The Charlotte County elections director posted on

    Charlotte County’s three area code locations in their respective cities continue to be listed as available on the agency’s website, although the area code for the Punta Gorda location was moved from the historic courthouse to the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center due to Hurricane Milton.

    The agency did not respond to inquiries as of Tuesday, Oct. 15 about how else the aftermath of Hurricane Milton might affect early voting.

    What should I do if I have questions or concerns about voting?

    Heath encouraged people in each of Florida’s 67 counties to get information about how to vote by calling or visiting their county’s election official.

    “This is the best thing you can do because in every single office there are people who know this, have been through storms and can answer these questions,” Heath said. “If you have any doubts, pick up the phone and call your manager or – if you have time and everything – come by and speak to us in person.”

    Contributor: Jennifer Sangalang, USA TODAY Network-Florida

    Tagged:

    LEAVE A RESPONSE

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Caradoc Wyn
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like

    ads