Answers About "Closed Primaries"

ORANGE PARK – Several people have written to ask about the nature of the upcoming August 26 primary. Florida is a Closed Primary state, which means that some people will not be eligible to vote for some races, including the Clay County Commission, District 3 seat in the Primary. Below is the explanation from the Florida Secretary of State.

"In a closed primary election, voters are limited to choosing candidates of their own party. If you choose the Republican Party, you are allowed to vote only for Republican candidates. If you choose the Democratic Party, you are allowed to vote only for Democratic candidates. If you choose a minor party of no party affiliation (NPA), you are allowed to vote for non-partisan candidates and referendums in the primary election.

NOTE: A party change must be made in writing prior to the end of the 29th day before a primary election.

NOTE: An applicant who fails to designate a party affiliation will be registered without party affiliation or "NPA."

NOTE: If all candidates for a race are affiliated with one party, and the decision will be made in the primary election, everyone who is registered to vote for that election will be allowed to cast a ballot. A Write-in candidate would close the primary to only party affiliated voters.”

Because a candidate has entered the race without party affiliation, only registered Republican voters will be allowed to vote in the August 26 primary.