NEWS RELEASE: Collier County 2010 Primary Election Commentary

NAPLES, FL – Planning to vote in the August 24th Primary Election? Then make sure you are a registered voter and remember to check your political party affiliation!

Florida is a closed Primary state and the District 2 race for County Commission is a closed race. Accordingly, only registered Republicans in District 2 will be eligible to vote in this party nominating Primary Election. The winning Republican will face a write-in candidate in the November General Election.

The District 4 County Commission race is open, and all registered District 4 voters are eligible to participate regardless of party affiliation. The Florida Constitution provides that if all candidates have the same party affiliation, and the winner will not face opposition in the General Election, all qualified voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in the Primary for that office. In this race, the winner will be determined in the Primary Election.

If you need to register to vote or change your party affiliation to vote in the August 24th Primary Election, you must do so before the July 26th deadline. In accordance with Florida Statutes 97.053, any applicant who failed to designate a political party affiliation is registered without party affiliation.

To verify your registration and party affiliation, visit the Supervisor of Elections office website at www.CollierVotes.com. Under the voter information tab, select ‘review my registration status’ from the pull down menu and follow the online instructions.

Voters without a party affiliation, or those registered with a minor political party, are always eligible to vote for nonpartisan judicial and school board race candidates, issues, and referendums in a Primary Election.

In the General Election, all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, receive the same district ballot and may vote for any candidate or issue on that ballot.

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