Early Voting Explained

Early voting is when a voter casts their ballot prior to Election Day at a location designated by the Supervisor or Elections. These locations are chosen in the most convenient places for state residents. Most states have early voting and we happen to live in one of these states- Florida. 

Can I do early voting?

As long as you’re an eligible registered voter and your county allows early voting, you can vote in an early voting site that is open in your area. If you are an out-of-state student, you cannot vote here in Florida unless you apply and complete your Florida residency.

When can I do early voting? 

Florida voters can vote before Election Day. The early voting period runs from Monday, October 19, 2020 to Sunday, November 1, 2020, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live. For Palm Beach County, early voting will run from these dates between 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Where can I vote early if I live on or near campus?

Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus has an early voting site! FAU Housing and Residential Education bldg., RM 109 is where the early voting takes place from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 

Is it safe to do in-person voting on campus?

Strict social distancing guidelines are in place at the FAU early voting site. Guests are required to wear face masks, use hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing of six feet. It is safer for you to bring your own black ballpoint pen to stop the spread of germs. 

After your arrival, you will be directed to a volunteer who will check to confirm that you are a registered voter, then they will prepare the ballot. At this time, you will be divided by a clear plastic screen to separate you from the volunteer. All volunteers are also required to wear masks and have hand sanitizer readily available at each station. 

Once they have confirmed all the information is correct, they will hand you a ballot where you will go to a private, social distanced voting booth. When you have completed your voting, you will be directed to submit or scan your ballot, grab your “I Voted” sticker and be on your way. This process is safe and follows all health guidelines. At no point should you or will you be in contact with another person or volunteer, or wearing your mask below the nose.

Can I drop off my Vote-by-Mail Ballot?

Drop it off at one of the Early Voting locations during early voting hours. Each Early Voting location will have a secure drop box for voters who have voted their Vote-by-Mail ballot and prefer to drop it off instead of sending it in the mail! The Boca Raton Campus FAU Housing and Residential Education bldg., RM 109 are taking Vote-by-Mail ballots for drop-off.

What should I bring to the Early Voting Site?

Please bring one or two forms of valid and current identification that include your signature and photo.

Acceptable Photo ID Florida Voters:

• Florida Driver License
• Florida ID Card (issued by DHSMV)
• U.S. Passport
• Debit or Credit Card
• Military ID
• Student ID
• Retirement Center ID
• Neighborhood Association ID
• Public Assistance ID
• Veteran Health ID (issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs)
• Concealed Weapon License (issued pursuant to F.S. 790.06)
• Employee ID card issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the Federal Government, the state, a county, or a municipality.

If your photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide another ID that has your signature. If you do not bring your ID, you may still vote, however, you will be required to vote a provisional ballot, which will later be evaluated by a canvassing board for eligibility.

November 3, 2020 is Election Day for the 2020 General Election.

Please check this page to find the most convenient Early Voting location for you!