NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA (352today.com) – Voters all across Florida will head to the polls today, Tuesday, Aug. 20, to vote in the state’s primary election.

Florida is a closed primary state which means only people registered with a specific political party can vote in that party’s primary election. By declaring a party affiliation before election day, the goal is to prevent members of other parties influencing the nomination process.

In the 352, republicans and democrats will make choices on who to nominate in federal and state races. Party nominees will then advance to the November general election. In cases where there is no opposition for the general election, the outcome of the races will be decided today.

Regardless of party, all voters will be able to cast ballots in nonpartisan races like mayor, city council, county commission and sheriff. Those races will also be decided today.

|ELECTION RESOURCE: What to expect in Florida’s state primaries on Tuesday

Hours
The polls will be open today, Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you arrive before 7 p.m. but are in line past the deadline, you will still be able to cast your vote. Voter turnout is not expected to be heavy so long lines should not be an issue.

|ELECTION DAY WEATHER: Rain in the forecast for Tuesday’s election

View sample ballots
You can review the sample ballot before you head to the polls. Doing so helps you know what races to expect and the candidates running. This allows you time to do last-minute research, if necessary, on a candidate before you’re at your precinct.

Presidential candidates will not appear on the primary ballot. Florida held its presidential preference primary on March 19, 2024.

Where to vote
On Election Day, you can only vote in person at your assigned precinct. If you are unsure where your voting precinct is, the Florida Division of Elections website allows you to look up your precinct number

Once there, all you’ll have to do is select the county where you live. Then enter your first and last name, as well as your date of birth. The page will give you your precinct number and address for your polling location.

What to bring
To vote in person, you must bring a valid form of ID that shows your photo and signature. It is acceptable to bring two forms of ID that show your photo and signature separately.

Valid forms of ID include:

  • Florida Driver’s License
  • Florida ID Card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • United States Passport
  • Debit or Credit Card
  • Military ID
  • Student ID
  • Retirement Center ID
  • Neighborhood Association ID
  • Public Assistance ID (Social Security or other social services)
  • Veteran Health ID issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • A license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm issued pursuant to S. 790.06.
  • Employee ID issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the Federal Government, the state, a county, or a municipality.

If you do not bring any valid forms of ID, you will be given a provisional ballot. The provisional ballot will provide you with instructions on how to submit evidence to your county’s canvassing board that supports your eligibility to vote.

Vote-by-mail ballots
Voters who will be submitting their ballots through the mail must get those ballots in by 7 p.m. today. If you have not already sent in your ballot at a post office, you should drop it off at your county’s supervisor of elections office.

Election Results
The unofficial results of the election will be available after the polls close at 7 p.m. 352today will report election results as soon as they start coming in this evening.