Planning to vote early in Jacksonville, Florida? It’s essential to know what time it is in Jacksonville, Florida to ensure you don’t miss your chance to cast your ballot! Jacksonville, Florida, observes Eastern Time (ET), which is generally 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5) during standard time and 4 hours behind during daylight saving time (UTC-4). Knowing the current time is just the first step. Understanding when and where you can vote early is crucial for exercising your right to vote conveniently.
Early Voting offers registered voters in Duval County a flexible option to vote at various locations and times before Election Day. You can choose any Early Voting site within Duval County, making it easy to fit voting into your schedule, no matter what time it is!
To make early voting even more accessible, secure ballot intake stations, often referred to as drop boxes, are available inside every Early Voting location. This provides a secure method to submit your mail-in ballot if you prefer not to use postal services.
Prefer Not to Mail Your Ballot? Drop it Off!
If you have a vote-by-mail ballot but would rather not mail it, you have options. You can personally drop off your ballot at the Supervisor of Elections office during regular office hours. Alternatively, you can utilize the Early Voting sites during their operating hours to drop off your ballot. Keep in mind the deadline: all ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Even on Election Day, the office remains open until 7 p.m. for in-person ballot drop-offs. Time is of the essence to ensure your vote counts!
Using the ExpressVote Ballot Marking Device
Jacksonville utilizes the ExpressVote Universal Voting System, a paper-based system that incorporates user-friendly touch-screen technology. This system creates a paper record for tabulation, simplifying the ballot marking process. The ExpressVote device ensures accuracy by managing the entire marking process, removing uncertainties and potential errors from manual marking. It also prevents overvoting. For a detailed guide on using the ExpressVote, a brief video tutorial is available: ExpressVote How to Vote.
Casting Your Vote with the DS300 Tabulator
Once you have completed marking your ballot, proceed to the DS300 tabulator to officially cast your vote. Simply insert your ballot into the tabulator in any direction; the machine will automatically pull it in. A “thank you for voting” message will appear on the screen, confirming that your vote has been successfully recorded. If any other message appears, please notify a poll worker immediately for assistance. You can also watch a brief instructional video to learn more about using the DS300: DS300 How to Vote.
Remember to check what time it is in Jacksonville, Florida and plan your visit to the Early Voting sites accordingly. Early Voting in Duval County is designed to be convenient and accessible, ensuring every registered voter has the opportunity to participate in elections.
