Politics & Government

Where Do I Vote Aug. 14? And Other Primary Election Day Reminders

Polls for the 2012 Primary Election in Hillsborough County open 7 a.m. Aug. 14. Who's on the ballot? Where do I vote? What counts as valid identification? What does it mean to be a "closed-primary state?" Use this Election Day Guide and get ready to vote.

 

The 2012 Primary Election gets under way Aug. 14 with polls opening at 7 a.m. and closing 12 hours later, with questions posed and answered online by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Here's a quick look at what you need to know in the hours leading up to the opening of the polls. (For more information, visit www.HillsboroughVotes.com.)

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What Does It Mean To Be a 'Closed-Primary' State

Florida is a closed-primary state, which means only voters registered with a political party can vote in that party's primary election.

Find out what's happening in Brandonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For example, only Republicans can vote to advance the race of either State Rep. Rachel Burgin (R-59) or former state Senate president Tom Lee. Burgin and Lee are the sole Republican candidates for the District 24 state Senate seat. The winner in tomorrow's primary election will face off against Democrat Elizabeth Belcher and write-in candidate Randolph Link.

As for Burgin's House seat, the Republican primary face-off is between Michael "Mike" Floyd, Ross Spano, Betty Jo Tompkins and Joe Wicker. The primary winner will face Democrat Gail Gottlieb in the General Election.

In the race for Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, Republican incumbent Rob Turner faces Republican challenger Ronda Storms, who currently fills the District 24 state Senate seat.

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Earl Lennard is not running for reelection. State Rep. Richard "Rich" Glorioso, who faces term limits, is the sole Republican candidate for Lennard's office, so he automatically advances to the November election. Democrats will select in the primary election one of two candidates to face Glorioso, either Craig Latimer or Thomas Scott.

Can I Vote If I'm Not Republican Or Democrat?

All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in non-partisan races. So, whether you are Republican, Democrat or othewise registered, including with no-party affiliation, plan to vote for your district candidates for the Hillsborough County School Board and for judicial seats.

Applicable for Greater Brandon voters, the District 7 race for the Hillsborough County School Board is the most-crowded race. Candidates are Joseph W. Jordan-Robinson Jr., Terry Kemple, Carl Francis "Captain Carl" Kosierowski, Carol Kurdell, Robert McElheny and Michael Weston. Kurdell is the incumbent candidate.

In contests where all the candidates have the same-party affiliation, the race will be decided Aug. 14, at the 2012 Primary Election. For example, some parts of the Greater Brandon area are involved in one such race. In the District 2 seat for the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, incumbent Republican Victor Crist faces off against his lone opponenent, Republican Sharon Calvert.

Where Do I Vote, And Who's On My Ballot?

The Hillsborough County Elections Office has an online Precinct Finder. Enter your address (street number and street name) to find your polling place and other information, including a "Republican Sample Ballot," a "Democrat Sample Ballot" and a "Minor/NPA Sample Ballot" as well as election dates, times and polling places.

If, for example, you were a resident of Hawthorne Inn Assisted Living, at 859 West Lumsden Road, you would be casting your ballot at Precinct No. 834, Hawthorne Estates, at 861 West Lumsden Road. If you are Republican, your choices for U.S. Senator would be Republicans George LeMieux, Connie Mack, Mike McCalister, Marielena Stuart or Dave Weldon. If you are a Democrat, your choices for the same seat would be Glenn A. Burkett or Bill Nelson.

When Will The Polls Be Open?

  • Polls are open Aug. 14 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What Should I Bring To The Polls?

  • Both photo and signature identification are required to vote a regular ballot in Florida. Voters without acceptable identification may still vote a provisional ballot, which will later be evaluated by a canvassing board for eligibility. To avoid delays at the polling place, voters should bring acceptable identification.

What Is Acceptable Identification?

Acceptable valid and current forms of photo ID include:

  • Florida Driver License
  • United States Passport
  • Florida ID Card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • Debit or Credit Card
  • Military ID
  • Student ID
  • Retirement Center ID
  • Neighborhood Association ID
  • Public Assistance ID

 


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