February 7, 2008
Charlene Casoria Gagnier
Public Information Manager

SUPERVISOR MCFALL ASKS VOTERS TO UPDATE VOTER RECORDS

With the Presidential Preference Primary election complete and preparations for the August 26, 2008 Primary Election in process, Supervisor Ann McFall urges voters to use this opportunity to update voter records with the Department of Elections prior to book closing July 28, 2008.

“The two most consistent challenges we had on Election Day were voters upset because they could not vote the ballot of their choice. Many also were unsure of where to vote because they had recently moved and had not made an address change with the Department of Elections.” stated Supervisor McFall.

Frustration at the polls can be significantly reduced if voters would use this opportunity prior to the August 26 election to make necessary updates to voter registration records. Another issue that is a constant frustration for voters is Florida being a closed primary state. Many voters do not understand or agree with a voter not being able to vote a ballot of their choice. However, Florida law is clear that a voter will be given a ballot that is consistent with the party affiliation that is registered on file.

“Some voters may not be aware of what is listed on their voter file or may not recall ever having made a party affiliation change. If in doubt, a voter should contact the Department to verify the information on file and make changes as necessary.” stated McFall.

The best solution is for a voter to make all of the changes they would like to make prior to the book closing deadline of July 28, 2008. Voters can make all changes on a Florida Voter Registration Application which can be found at all Volusia County public libraries, post offices, drivers license bureaus, city halls, chambers of commerce, many Volusia County offices or you may contact the Department of Elections in the following ways:

West Volusia 736-5930
Northeast Volusia 254-4690
Southeast Volusia 423-3311
Osteen Area 574-0598 x5930
Website: www.volusia.org/elections
General Info: elections@co.volusia.fl.us
FAX: 386-822-5715