July 20, 2022, (Orange County, FL) – Some people may have thought about registering to vote or updating their voter’s registration information and it remained a thought with all that’s going on in our country and even in their own personal lives – like moving and trying to stay healthy.

The good news is the elections office is extending its hours to accommodate people who want to register or update their registration – change name, address or political party, for example, to prepare to vote in the August 23 Primary Election. The deadline to register is this Monday, July 25 so the election’s office will be open for phone calls and in person visits on this Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., election officials announced today. The office will also be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday. The elections office is typically closed on weekends and on weekdays, it’s normally open until 5 p.m.

“This is a chance for voters who cannot come in during our normal business hours to make sure they get registered or update their party affiliation before the deadline,” said Bill Cowles, Orange County Supervisor of Elections.

Throughout the state, Central Florida and the county, voters will select key positions for local public office as well as state and national public offices. Here in Orange County, Mayor Jerry L. Demings is up for re-election and has three challengers. There’s a hotly contested county commission seat, for District 6, with seven contenders. Registered voters will get a sample ballot from the elections office in early August – right around the corner from today.

Be prepared: Florida is a closed primary state, in case you did not know. Only registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic primary and only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary. There are other races in the county that are non-partisan so if you haven’t selected a party or if you selected a third party, you can still vote on those races. There are quite a few judge positions voters will select. You can always search Google to find out who they are or ask someone you know who works in the judicial system for insight on the candidates.

For more VOTING details go to the elections office website: http://www.ocfelections.gov or call (407) 836-VOTE (8683). The elections office is located at: 119 W. Kaley St., Orlando, FL 32806