ST. PETERSBURG, FL - Following complaints of confusing precinct changes, 10 News looked into why some voters still didn't know where they were supposed to vote on Election Day, Nov. 6.
Local supervisors of elections tell 10 News that they are required by law to mail new voting cards, sample ballots, and precinct information to all voters following the once-a-decade redistricting. And while some voters may not recall receiving the information by mail, most will vote at the same polling place as they did four years ago.
In Pinellas County, Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark reports only 20% of the county's voters were "re-precincted" this year, and the county was able to reduce polling places from 238 to 234.
In Pasco County, Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley says simpler Congressional and legislative districts helped his staff reduce polling places from 123 to 108, while keeping 85% of voters in the same location.
Hillsborough County didn't have numbers immediately available.
All local elections offices are stressing the importance of updating your address to avoid confusion and delays when you go to the polls. They also suggest requesting a ballot by mail, which voters can do until Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m.
10 News has made the information readily-available:
Previous #ProtectYourVote coverage:
10/29/12 - How to make sure your ballot-by-mail counts
10/29/12 - Voting problems? 10 News will investigate
10/26/12 - Are 11 ballot amendments intentionally confusing?
10/24/12 - FBI investigating phony letters to Fla. Republicans
10/23/12 - Fla. Division of Elections warns about phony letters
10/11/12 - Obama campaign illicitly in Pasco schools?
10/3/12 - RPOF vendor investigated for fake registrations
10/2/12 - Supervisor warns of misleading robocalls
4/23/11 - Critics claim new voting bill will suppress voters