Rays Up the Vote

Rays Up the Vote

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What is the General Election?

Every four years, U.S. citizens vote for the country’s next president and vice president during the general election. Major political parties nominate presidential and vice-presidential candidates at their party’s national convention. The candidates’ names are listed on the general election ballot.

Candidates from smaller political parties and independent candidates might not have a national convention, but they may be on the ballot if they meet eligibility requirements, which vary by state. This usually includes collecting a certain number of signatures on a petition for that state. In Florida, an independent candidate for president must petition for access to the general election ballot and submit signatures equaling at least one percent of the total registered voters in the state. A write-in candidate must submit an oath to have their votes tallied.

Additionally, all 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives will be voted on in 2024. The United States Senate has 34 of its 100 seats up for election, including that of Republican Senator Rick Scott. A special election will be held on November 5 for the last two years of Republican Senator Ben Sasse’s open seat.

There are also a variety of state and local races, as well as ballot measures on the general election ballot. Ballot measures are a way for voters to directly decide issues. They are proposed laws that require voter approval to pass. Florida’s ballots will include measures addressing school board elections, hunting and fishing, marijuana, abortion, property taxes and campaign finance. You can preview your specific ballot at turbovote.org

Register to Vote
Register to Vote

The deadline to register to participate in a particular election is 29 days prior to Election Day. The deadline to register to vote in this year’s November 5 general election is October 7. Registration can be online or by mail postmarked by October 7. For Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) deadlines, please contact your local supervisor of elections.

To be eligible to register ONLINE in Florida, you must:

  • Be a United States citizen
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Be a Florida resident with a Florida ID and SSN
  • Only vote in Florida
  • Not be deemed mentally unfit to vote
Vote-By-Mail and Early Voting
Vote-By-Mail & Early Voting Information

Request a mail-in ballot, and let the election come to you. Florida law now requires voters who wish to request a vote-by-mail ballot to do so after every election cycle, at least 12 days before the election. A Florida vote-by-mail ballot must be requested by 5:00 p.m. on October 24 to be received before the November 5 General Election!

Early voting is required to be offered in any election that includes a federal or state office race. The early voting period must start at least on the 10th day before the election and end on the 3rd day before the election, and supervisors of elections have the option to offer more early voting. Contact your local supervisor of elections office for information about early voting in your county.

Become A Poll Worker
Become a Poll Worker

The need for poll workers is great! If you are willing and able, volunteer to be a poll worker this election season. Learn about the measures taken to ensure your safety, and do your part to help America vote. See powerthepolls.com.

Voter Intimidation is Illegal

Be aware that it is a federal crime to pressure, threaten, coerce or otherwise intimidate voters at the polls! To report any issues experienced while voting and to receive guidance on how to safely cast your ballot, call or text the Election Protection Hotline:

Election Protection Hotlines

ENGLISH 866-OUR-VOTE/866-687-8683

SPANISH/ENGLISH 888-VE-Y-VOTA/888-839-8682

ASIAN LANGUAGES/ENGLISH 888-API-VOTE/888-274-8683

ARABIC/ENGLISH 844-YALLA-US/844-925-5287

Vote-By-Mail and Early Voting
Key Dates

  • General Election: The last day to vote in the general election is Election Day, November 5.

    • REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 7

    • REQUEST VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT: October 24

    • EARLY VOTING: By law, early voting must be held at least for 8 days. The mandatory early voting period for the General Election is October 26 - November 2.

NOTE: Each county’s Supervisor of Elections may offer more days of early voting. Check with your county Supervisor of Elections for the additional days of early voting that may be offered in your county. For more information about early voting, visit the Division of Elections' webpage on Early Voting.

Additional Voting Resources
Additional Voting Resources

Check out these resources to help educate voters this election year.