North Central Florida (352today.com) – The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary is almost here.

You have until 5 p.m., Thursday, March 7, to make your request for a mail-in ballot.

This year, only registered Republicans can vote in the March 19 primary.

That’s because Florida is a closed primary state, meaning only people registered with the party can vote in that party’s primary election. For example, if you’re a Democrat, you can only vote in a Democratic primary. If you’re a Republican, you can only vote in a Republican primary.

There will only be a Republican presidential primary in Florida on March 19. The Florida Democratic Party opted to only put President Joe Biden’s name on the 2024 primary ballot, effectively canceling the party’s primary.

The deadline to register to vote or switch party affiliation has already passed for the upcoming election. It was February 20.

Mail-in ballots must reach your county’s Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. on the Primary Election Day. Elections supervisors say you should plan to mail yours a week in advance to make sure that it arrives on time.

For more details or assistance, visit your county’s supervisor of elections website:

Of course, you can vote in-person on Election Day. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.