What is a Closed Primary?
A closed primary is a type of primary election conducted to vote for the candidates who will run in the general election.
Who Can Vote in a Closed Primary?
In partisan office contests in a primary election, a voter may only vote for the candidates of the party in which he or she is registered. That's why different ballot styles exist in a primary election. The voter's ballot style is tied to his or her party affiliation.
Voters registered with no party affiliation (NPA) are not eligible to vote for partisan candidates in a primary election unless a Universal Primary Contest (UPC) occurs.
All registered voters regardless of party affiliation are entitled to vote on non-partisan candidates and issues.
In a General Election, all registered voters receive the same ballot regardless of their party affiliation and are eligible to vote for any candidate.
What is a Universal Primary Contest (UPC)?
A Universal Primary Contest (UPC) occurs if all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the general election. In a UPC, all qualified voters regardless of party affiliation may vote in the primary election for that office.
How to Change your Party Affiliation
A voter can declare or change their party affiliation by submitting a Florida Voter Registration Application online, in person or by mail or by submitting a signed, written notice that includes the voter's date of birth or Florida voter registration number.
Information on Florida's major and minor political parties can be found on the Florida Division of Election's website.
Mail completed request to Calhoun County Supervisor of Elections, 20859 Central Avenue East, Rm 117, Blountstown, FL 32424.
Deadline to Change your Party Affiliation (Bookclosing)
All party changes for a primary election must be made by the registration deadline (bookclosing) which is 29 days before the election. If the request is made after the deadline, the change will not take effect until after the election. For a general election, a party change can be made at any time.