Clock Running Out for Republican Voters

There’s still time to register as a Republican for the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary – but not much.

According to Pasco County’s Supervisor of Elections, would-be Republican voters still have a few options available to them.

Anyone who has never registered to vote needs to get an application into the supervisor’s office by 5 p.m. today or postmarked by midnight tonight. Brian Corley, Pasco’s election chief, has offices located throughout the county to serve.

People who are currently registered to vote, but want to change their party affiliation to Republican have one other option at their disposal. Corley said those voters can fax or email party change requests to his office. They must, however, call first to get instructions. Recent changes to state law, Corley said, have enabled elections offices to accept faxed and email party change requests as long as the voter's signature is on file.

Since Florida is a closed primary state, only registered Republicans will be able to vote in the Jan. 31 primary. State law deems that anyone voting in that primary must be registered to do so by today.

With that in mind, Corley said business has been brisk at his offices today.

“The clock is ticking,” he said.

To find an elections office near you, visit the elections office online. The number to call for information is 813-929-2788 or 727-847-8162.