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Law changes Florida early voting procedures

Early voting

With the presidential election upcoming, Iowa voters have already taken to the polls to cast their early ballots. This time around, Florida voters will have to wait another month before submitting their picks for the Oval Office.

The state legislature changed voting laws last year, pushing early voting back until October 27. This action has been scrutinized ever since Gov. Rick Scott signed the plan into law.

Marion County Supervisor of Elections Dee Brown said the change has not had a significant local impact.

"It really hasn't affected it a lot," Brown said. "We have extended some hours, and we're duly notifying the public and encouraging them to vote early if they had their minds made up because the ballot is going to be quite lengthy. We're just moving ahead with the new schedule and making it work in Marion County."

There are several ways to register. The easiest is for voters to contact the supervisor of elections in their county of residence. The county office will provide all the necessary information.

Most offices offer an online registration program, but will also register voters in person or through the mail. Absentee ballots can also be requested from the county office, as well, and must be submitted before the night of the election.

Voters will have to update their registration if they have changed their name or address if they intend on casting a ballot between now and election day.

October 9 is the registration deadline for new voters.

George Pappas edited this story online. 

Julian is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.