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Feb. 19 last day to register to vote in Gainesville city election

Tuesday is the last day for Gainesville residents to register to vote in the March 19 city election.

"Just take advantage of being able to get registered today," Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Pam Carpenter said.

Residents can pick up voter registration forms at several locations, including public libraries and the University of Florida. Forms are also available online at the Supervisor of Elections' website.

"You have the form right there in your living room, and you don't have to go out and look for it," Carpenter said.

All forms — whether residents download the form off the website or pick one up at a voter registration site — must be received by the Supervisor of Elections Office in person or by mail. The office is located downtown at 111 SE 1st Ave.

Residents can return forms to the office before 5 p.m. or put them in the mail drop at the door by midnight. Forms returned by mail must be postmarked by the Feb. 19 deadline to be processed for the March 19 election.

Carpenter said those already registered to vote should make sure the information on file with the office is current.

"Florida law does require you to vote in the precinct of your legal residence," she said. "This is very important in the city election because of single-member districts." A single-member district is an electoral district that has a single representative in a legislative body rather than two or more.

In the March 19 election, Gainesville residents can vote in the mayoral raceand on the charter amendment. Residents in District 4 can also vote in the City Commission District 4 race.

"We'd love to see (voters) at the polls," Carpenter said.

Lauren Rautenkranz contributed video reporting.

Emily is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.