Today is the deadline to register to vote in Florida’s presidential preference primary

Florida voters who want a say in the presidential preference primary on March 17 must be registered to vote as either a Republican or Democrat by the end of today.

Because Florida is a closed primary state, only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican presidential primary, and only registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic presidential primary.

However, some local nonpartisan elections may be held on the same day as the presidential primary. Any registered voters in those area, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in those elections. Check with your local supervisor of elections office for more information.

To register, change your party affiliation or check your registration status, you can go to the state’s official online site at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov and register before midnight.

If you plan to mail in your registration, it must be postmarked by Feb. 18 for you to be eligible to vote in the March 17 elections.

For more information, visit the Florida Division of Elections website or your local supervisor of elections.