Florida voters: Check your ID status to ensure your vote counts

ABELLE, Fla. (WINK)—Long-time voters could face unexpected hurdles at the polls this election year if their identification isn't properly on file with their county elections office.

 

Hendry County Supervisor of Elections Sherry Taylor appeared at a WINK Listens event to warn voters across Southwest Florida about a critical issue that could prevent their ballots from being counted. The problem affects voters who registered before election offices began tracking identification numbers.

 

"When I was going through our database and our list, there was a lot of names that were probably registered back in 1996, and they voted in every election," Taylor said.

 

Many voters assume showing their driver's license at the polls is sufficient, but that's not the same as having identification information stored in the elections system. Taylor clarified common misconceptions through a series of true-or-false questions.

 

Chris Cifatte, WINK News Anchor: "If I've been voting here for years and years, I'm good."

 

Sherry Taylor, Hendry County Supervisor of Elections: "False."

 

Chris Cifatte, WINK News Anchor: "If I've been showing my driver's license at the voting place, I'm okay." 

 

Sherry Taylor, Hendry County Supervisor of Elections: "False."

 

Voters who registered before approximately 2003, or anyone unsure of their status, should verify their information with their county elections office. 

 

Elections offices need either a driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number on file to verify voter identity.

 

"You can call on the phone, or you can go online and check and see if your identifying numbers are there," added Taylor.

Florida law requires voters to complete registration 29 days before an election, meaning the deadline is July 20 for the Aug. 18 primary and Oct. 5 for the Nov. 3 midterm election.

 

Taylor confirmed that voters who verify their information (Driver's license or official Florida ID) with their elections office and receive confirmation are cleared to vote.