Opinion

Get revved

BRIAN E. CORLEY
Published: June 16, 2012

With qualifying over and the races set, it's time for voters to get ready for the 2012 primary and general elections. As a result of redistricting, some voters may have new representatives in the U.S. House and Florida Legislature. Also, their precinct number, polling place or both may have been impacted. Eighty-five percent of Pasco voters, however, will use the same polling place and in accordance with Florida law, each voter will receive a new voter information card with details on this.

Get revved up by using the RPM model:

Remember, there are three ways to vote: at your assigned polling place on Election Day; at one of our six early voting sites; or by ordering a Vote by Mail ballot.

By law, Florida is a closed primary state, which means you may only vote for candidates in your party of registration. We have, however, two races — county commission districts 1 and 5 — that are Universal Primary Contests. A UPC is a primary election in which all candidates have the same party affiliation and as such, all qualified electors vote in that contest, regardless of party affiliation. We will have nonpartisan judicial and school board contests in the primary as well.

If you are unsure about your registration status, you can visit http://pascovotes.com to verify online, or telephone us at (800) 851-8754. I hope all eligible voters take advantage of our precious right to vote. We look forward to seeing you at the polls.

Brian E. Corley is Pasco supervisor of elections.