What to Expect When You Vote

Washington County uses a paper-based optical scan voting system for both early voting and precinct voting.The Election Systems & Software M-100 optical scan tabulator is used to tabulate the ballots as they are cast.Voters with disabilities may opt to use a touchscreen voting terminal with audio ballot capabilities; one is available at each polling place and early voting site.We use the Election Systems & Software AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal that allows voters with disabilities and other special needs to mark a ballot privately and independently when using an optical scan voting system. This technology satisfies the Help America Vote Act and Americans With Disabilities Act requirements for accessible voting equipment. It also provides language assistance to voters who are more comfortable speaking a different language or who need help to better understand written instructions.

Whether you vote early or you vote at the polls, you will be required to show current and valid picture and signature identification.The following forms of identification are acceptable:

  • Florida Driver’s License
  • Florida Identification Card
  • U. S. Passport
  • Debit or Credit Card
  • Military Identification
  • Student Identification
  • Retirement Center Identification
  • Neighborhood Association Identification
  • Public Assistance Identification

If you do not provide current and valid picture and signature identification, or if your eligibility to vote cannot be determined, you will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot.If the signature on record at the Supervisor of Elections office matches that on the Provisional Ballot Certificate, the ballot will be counted.

Once your identity and your address have been verified, you will be asked to sign the precinct register or electronic device and then you will be issued a ballot to vote. Ballots are issued based on the party affiliation of the voter (during a primary) and the residence address that the voter gives.

Using the pen provided, completely fill in the oval next to the name of the candidates or the issue choices you prefer. If you need assistance in marking your ballot, please inform the pollworker before you enter the voting booth. If you make a mistake when voting a paper ballot, ask for a replacement.You may receive up to two replacements (three ballots total).

Once you have filled in the ballot, take it to the optical scan machine and slide it in. If you have left the ballot blank, or if you have marked more choices than are allowed in a particular race, you will be given the opportunity to receive a new ballot.

Voters with disabilities have the option of voting on the touchscreen voting terminal. If you have a disability and wish to utilize the touchscreen to vote, let the registration attendant know. A pollworker will assist you with inserting your ballot into the Automark touchscreen system which will allow you to make selections on the touchscreen based on your precinct and party affiliation (if applicable).The touchscreen also has audio and visual ballot capabilities to assist hearing or sight impaired voters. To vote your ballot, you simply touch the screen next to the name of the candidate or the issue choice of your preference. You will be given the opportunity to review and make changes toyour ballot before the Automark prints your marked ballot. Once your ballot has been marked and printed, you will take it to the Election Systems & Software M-100 optical scan tabulator which is used to tabulate the ballots as they are cast.

 

TheWashington County Supervisor of Elections office is a public entity subject to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes concerning public records. E-mail messages are covered under such laws and arethus subject to disclosure. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.