TAMPA, Fla. — As we head into the primary election season, there have been some important changes to consider before requesting a ballot or heading out to the polls.
A Florida law now requires a vote-by-mail ballot application after each general election cycle. So, if you want to vote by mail, you likely need to renew that request.
Also, check your voter registration card. Some district and precinct lines have been redrawn.
And if you plan to vote in a primary, make sure you weren’t switched to NPA, also known as “no party affiliation,” without your knowledge.
A state lawmaker in Palm Beach County says it's because of a glitch in the Department of Motor Vehicles software.
For years, folks changing the address on their driver’s license were also given the option to change it on their voter registration at the same time, but if they didn't specify a political party, the software defaulted to NPA.
The glitch, they say, has since been fixed, but a proposed law would require any change in party affiliation to be specifically requested and require a voter's signature.
“Look yourself up," Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer said. "Make sure your name is correct, your address is correct and your party affiliation is correct. If there's a problem, you can take care of it there."
The same issues are taking place in districts across the state.
So, if you want to check your voter registration, ballot status, party affiliation or precinct, you can do so by heading to the supervisor of elections website in the county where you are registered to vote.