Your Vote is Your Voice

Election season is upon us, and to pursue our shared aspiration of connecting with people, organizations, and communities, The Patterson Foundation created its Voter Education initiative to make election information easily accessible to eligible and potential voters through local and national resources.

Our goal is to invigorate a vibrant electorate amongst our community of TPFers and to inform and inspire our greater community to be engaged in making their voices heard. TPF will make strides to increase voter knowledge by:

1. Building election awareness through strategic outreach via printed materials, social media, and the presence of our Community Engagement Team at various events.
2. Encouraging electorates to gain knowledge of the voting process, including where, how, and when to vote.
3. Educating the public on how to become informed voters by providing accessibility to candidate information, explanation of bills, and information regarding amendments and local referenda.

Voting is a fundamental principle of our American democracy. All Americans deserve easy access and an equal opportunity to have a say in the outcome of our elections. Election outcomes affect our daily lives: employment, taxes, public education, healthcare, etc.

Primary Election: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 | General Election: Tuesday, November 25, 2024

As we approach Election Day, here are a few key points to remember:

• Know Your Ballot: Educate yourself about the candidates and issues on the ballot. There are many resources available. Check out Vote411 for more information.
  
  
• Early Voting and Mail-in Ballots: Did you know Florida's voting laws, specifically about vote-by-mail ballots, have changed? Under the new law, voters requesting a vote-by-mail ballot must do so after every election cycle. This means that every voter who requested a vote-by-mail ballot before November 8, 2022, must reapply to receive their mail ballots for the upcoming primaries and the 2024 general election.
  • If you cannot make it to the polls on Election Day, consider early voting or requesting a mail-in ballot by 8/8/24. Click the relevant link to check the deadlines and procedures for your county: Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, Sarasota.

• Election Day Logistics: Plan your visit to the polling place. Polls are typically open from 7 AM to 7 PM, but it's a good idea to check the exact hours for your location in your county's "Where Do I Vote?"
  
  
• Encourage Others: Remind your friends and family to vote. Every vote counts, and collective participation strengthens our democracy.

Reminder: As long as you are in line before the polls close, you have the right to vote. 

Before you cast your ballot or head to the polls, it's important to know your voting rights.

All Florida voters have key rights and responsibilities related to voting as required by law (see below). Read the Florida Division of Elections Voter Guide for more information about voting in Florida.
 
Voter's Bill of Rights
Each registered voter in this state has the right to:

1. Vote and have his or her vote accurately counted.
2. Cast a vote if he or she is in line at the official closing of the polls in that county.
3. Ask for and receive assistance in voting.
4. Receive up to two replacement ballots if he or she makes a mistake before the ballot is cast.
5. An explanation of whether his or her registration or identity is in question.
6. If his or her identity is in question, cast a provisional ballot.
7. Written instructions for voting and, upon request, oral instructions from election officers.
8. Vote free from coercion or intimidation by elections officers or any other person.
9. Vote on a voting system that is in working condition and that will allow votes to be accurately cast.

Voter Responsibilities

1. Each registered voter in this state should:
2. Familiarize himself or herself with the candidates and issues.
3. Maintain a current address with the office of the supervisor of elections.
4. Know the location of his or her polling place and its hours of operation.
5. Bring proper identification to the polling station.
6. Familiarize himself or herself with the operation of the voting equipment in his or her precinct.
7. Treat precinct workers with courtesy.
8. Respect the privacy of other voters.
9. Report any problems or violations of election laws to the supervisor of elections.
10. Ask questions, if needed.
11. Make sure that his or her completed ballot is correct before leaving the polling station.

Choosing to be actively engaged in the civic responsibility of voting is powerful. Every vote counts…and we're counting on yours! Your vote is your voice, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our community, state, and nation.