The deadline for Florida voters to re-request vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming special primary election is today, January 16. This primary election, scheduled for January 28, will decide candidates for Congressional Districts 1 and 6. Voters wishing to participate by mail must submit new requests by 5 p.m. today.
This requirement stems from a 2021 law passed by the Florida legislature that canceled all previous vote-by-mail ballot requests at the end of 2022. Consequently, over 1.1 million Floridians who received mail ballots in the past did not reapply for them in time for the current election cycle.
Amy Keith, executive director of Common Cause Florida, emphasized the importance of voter awareness regarding this change. "We — and election protection partners across the state — are working to let voters know about the need to re-request their vote-by-mail ballot and help them sign up," she said. Keith further highlighted that many voters remain unaware they must submit a new request for elections in 2025.
Keith urged eligible voters in Congressional Districts 1 and 6 to ensure they cast their votes. "Every election is important," she stated.
The special primary is open to registered Republican voters in Congressional District 1, which includes Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and part of Walton County. Additionally, both Democrat and Republican registered voters can participate in Congressional District 6 covering Flagler, Putnam, Lake (part), Marion (part), St. Johns (part), and Volusia (part). As Florida operates under a closed primary system, only party-affiliated voters may vote within their respective primaries.
Voters with questions or issues regarding voting can reach out to the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.