NEWS RELEASE: If You Are Not Registered to Vote or Want to Change Party Affiliation, the Deadline is July 16

Naples, FL – In just one week, the voter registration books close for the August 14^th Primary Election. If you have not registered to vote or want to change party affiliation, July 16^th is the deadline. Once the registration books close, new voter registrations and party affiliation changes are accepted for subsequent elections only.

Florida is a ‘Closed Primary’ state and only registered Democrats and Republicans may vote for their respective party’s candidate in the August 14^th Primary unless all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and will not face opposition in the General Election. In this case, all registered voters may vote in the Primary Election for that office. All eligible registered voters may always vote in a Primary Election on issues and nonpartisan candidates.

To register to vote or to change party affiliation, you must complete a voter registration application form. Voter registration application forms are available at the Supervisor of Elections Office, driver license offices, public libraries, government satellite offices, recruitment offices of the armed forces, and state agencies that provide public assistance and services to disabled residents. Voter registration application forms are also available at www.CollierVotes.com. Online forms must be printed, signed and returned to the Supervisor of Elections Office. Registered voters may also use the website – www.CollierVotes.com – to verify their voter registration status. To check voter status click on the link under the heading ‘Am I Registered,’ and follow the online instructions.

For more information visit www.CollierVotes.com or contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (239) 252-8450.