Voting is one of our greatest responsibilities as Americans. Our government cannot respond to the needs of its citizens without them having a voice in its formation. During the last presidential election, Collier County led the state with more than 90 percent of voters casting ballots in the November general election. In 2024, there will be three elections: presidential preference primary election, the primary election, and the general election.
Presidential Preference Primary Election
The deadline for voter registration/change of party affiliation will be until February 20, 2024. Election day will be March 19 of the same year. During the presidential preference primary election, voters will choose the presidential candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties. Voters who live within Naples city limits will also see a race for mayor and have the opportunity to vote for city council members.
In the state of Florida, the presidential preference primary allows voters to indirectly select who they want to represent their party during the general election in November. The outcome of this race will determine how many delegates each national convention of the state parties will receive. These delegates will then select their party's presidential candidate at each respective national convention. Because Florida is a closed primary state, voters can only vote within their party. The winning candidates from the presidential preference primary election will advance to the general election.
primary election
The deadline for voter registration/change of party affiliation will be until July 22, 2024. Election day will be held on August 20 of the same year. During the primary election, voters will elect state and federal representatives (other than the presidency) within their party affiliations. If there is opposition within their own parties, United States Senators, Representatives in Congress, State Representatives, and State Senators will be on the ballot.
Additionally, if there is opposition within your party, all five constitutional officials will appear on the ballot: the clerk of court, the property appraiser, the sheriff, the supervisor of elections, and the tax collector. Voters can also see county commissioners, school board members, and district committee members, depending on their jurisdiction.
general election
The deadline for voter registration will be until October 7, 2024. Election day will be held on November 5 of the same year. The general election ballot will include the presidential candidates and the winning candidates from the August primary election. During this election, voters will have the opportunity to vote for a candidate regardless of party affiliation. Voters will also vote on state amendments and, depending on their jurisdiction, may see judicial races, local referendums and district seats, such as the school and fire board.
We encourage voters to use the resources we offer on our website, www.CollierVotes.gov, where you will find help to prepare to vote this year. On our website, voters can check the status of their voter registration to make sure it is up to date, download their sample ballot to mark and take with them to the polls, and find their polling place if they choose to vote on Election Day. choice. We even have a checklist available on our homepage to help voters get prepared for the election.
Keep the checklist items in mind:
- I am registered to vote
- All of my voter registration information is up to date, including my name, address, my party affiliation, and my signature.
- If my vote will be by mail and in advance, I must request ballots to vote and I must know the voting schedule for the election cycle.
- When voting day arrives, I must recognize exactly my assigned voting location.
We hope to lead the state in voter turnout again!
Melissa R. Blazier
Collier Supervisor of Elections
