The deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation for the 2026 primary election is Monday, July 20, giving eligible voters less than two weeks to prepare for the Aug. 18 election.
According to an Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office press release, Florida is a closed primary state, meaning only voters registered with a political party may vote for that party’s candidates in partisan primary races. However, two Universal Primary Contests will appear on the Aug. 18 ballot, allowing all registered voters to participate regardless of party affiliation.
The Universal Primary Contests are:
- Alachua County Commission District 2, which will appear on all ballots regardless of party affiliation.
- Florida House District 21, which will appear on the ballots of all voters residing in House District 21, regardless of party affiliation.
A Universal Primary Contest occurs when all candidates for an office belong to the same political party and the winner will face no opposition in the general election.
All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, may also vote in nonpartisan races and on ballot measures.
Residents who are not yet registered to vote must complete their registration by July 20 to be eligible to participate in the primary election. Voters wishing to change their party affiliation must also do so by the July 20 deadline for the change to take effect for this year’s primary.
Eligible voters may register in several ways:
- Online: Florida residents may register through RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov using a valid Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card number and the last four digits of their Social Security number.
- In person: Registration is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office located at 515 N. Main St., third floor, in Gainesville. Voter registration is also available at Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offices and Alachua County Public Library branches.
- By mail: Registration forms are available at VoteAlachua.gov. Completed forms must be postmarked no later than July 20.
The Supervisor of Elections Office also encourages registered voters to verify and update their voter registration information before Election Day. Changes to a voter’s address or other registration information may affect their assigned polling place.
Voters may review their registration status online by going to www.votealachua.gov/256/My-Registration-Status, by calling the Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-374-5252 or by visiting the office in person.
For more information about voter registration, party affiliation changes or the 2026 primary election, contact the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-374-5252.