By CHARLEY WILLIAMS, Voter Service Chair, League of Women Voters of Florida

Election laws in Florida have changed. As a result of the 2011 legislative session, new, stricter rules have been put in place by lawmakers. Many voters may not be aware of how these changes could impact their vote on Election Day. Don’t take your voting rights for granted!

The League of Women Voters of Florida reminds all voters to contact their local Supervisor of Elections and update their voter status so there are no surprises at the polls on Election Day. The League urges voters to take action now while there is plenty of time.

For smartphone users, the League has made it easy. Voters can connect to their Supervisor’s office, no matter where they live in Florida, to update their voter status. Partnering with Microsoft, the League has created a unique smartphone Tag that, when scanned, connects voters to a mobile website where they can contact their Supervisor to check their voter status.

Instructions on how to download the free Microsoft Tag reader application are easy. Go to http://gettag.mobi. Then scan the Be Ready Tag provided in our profile picture, and be connected.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Once you have scanned the Tag, all you need is your name and date of birth to access your official voter status via Florida’s unified voter database. This is an easy, reliable and valuable tool to share with friends, family members and colleagues.

Don’t have a smartphone?
No problem. The League has made it easy. Visit www.BeReadyToVote.org for the same convenient ways to update your voter status. For Spanish, go to www.vamosavotar.org

Not registered to vote?
Go to www.BeReadyToVote.org to download the voter registration application form. Be ready for all elections in 2012. Your vote is your voice! For Spanish: www.vamosavotar.org

Whether you use the website or your smartphone, be sure you:

UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS: Have you moved? Did you let your local Supervisor know? You can make your address change over the phone. Contact your Supervisor’s office and give them your new residential address. Don’t be surprised on Election Day because you forgot to update your address.

UPDATE YOUR NAME: Have you married, divorced or changed your name since you last registered to vote? One call to your Supervisor is all it takes to update. The professional staff who answer the phone will tell you what to do.

UPDATE YOUR SIGNATURE: Has your signature changed over the years? Make sure your voter status is current and up-to-date. The staff at any Supervisor’s office can walk you through the necessary steps to update your signature.

RENEW YOUR VOTE-BY-MAIL REQUEST: Are you planning to vote using a mail-in ballot? You can make sure you receive a vote-by-mail ballot for both elections in 2012. Don’t wait until the last minute. You can make this request by phone or via the website. Vote-by-mail is available to all voters; vote on your schedule.

FLORIDA’S LAWS HAVE CHANGED:
Don’t risk being handed a provisional ballot on Election Day because your voter status is out of date. Take action now. Then relax and rest assured that your vote will count.

Take the time today to contact your local Supervisor of Elections. They are ready to help, no matter what your question or specific need.

Be prepared for both elections in 2012 because democracy needs attention!

As a reminder, the League of Women Voters is strictly nonpartisan and never endorses a candidate or a political party. The League has been active in Florida for more than 72 years. More about the League of Women Voters, which welcomes both men and women, is available at www.TheFloridaVoter.org

2012 Election Dates:

Florida Primary: August 14, 2012; Registration Deadline: July 16
General Election: November 6, 2012; Registration Deadline: October 9