Registration closes Tuesday for upcoming primary election

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The deadline to register to vote or change parties for the upcoming March 15 presidential preferential primary election is next Tuesday.

Since Florida is a closed primary state, only registered Republican and Democratic voters are eligible to vote March 15. 

Voters registered with a minor party or no party affiliation are not eligible to vote in this election.

It's a reminder that only registered republicans or democrats can vote in the presidential primary.

News4Jax spoke with Clay County Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless about why the state operates this way.

“In looking at the primaries where the voters are selecting their representation within the primary is the best choice for the primary,” Chambless said. 

As with most issues pertaining to politics-- there are differing opinions on Florida’s "closed primary" status. In some states, registered voters who choose to affiliate with a minor political party or none at all may vote in a presidential primary, but not in Florida.

Proponents of the state's "closed primaries" said it prevents members of the opposing party from influencing their election and ultimately their nomination.

Critics argue that it encourages radicalization and said that candidates would be forced to appeal to a broader voter base, if the primary were open.

No matter how people may feel, Chambless said it's part of the state's constitution.

“Presidential preference primary is open only to republicans and to democrats and that's by the Florida constitution with that. So, unless there's a constitutional change to open it up to minor parties, then it is closed to those two major parties,” said Chambless.

Chambless also emphasized that non-affiliated voters can still cast their ballot in other non-presidential primary elections.

If people wish to change their party affiliation to vote in the primary, the deadline is Feb 16.

Registration applications are available on www.votesjc.com and are also available and accepted at the Elections Office, all driver’s license offices and all public libraries.

As a reminder, the public libraries are open on Saturday and some have evening hours.  Applications can also be mailed to the Elections Office, but must be postmarked by Feb. 16.

The Elections Office and all government offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Presidents Day.