The introvert’s guide to voting in the 2024 election

In Florida, you can register to vote and cast your ballot without ever leaving the comfort of your home.

If you’re an introvert, the idea of waiting in long lines with a bunch of strangers to cast your vote is probably not your cup of tea. And let’s be honest, you don’t have to be an introvert to dislike crowds. But don’t let your aversion to people deter you from exercising your right to vote.

In Florida, you can register to vote and cast your ballot without ever leaving the comfort of your home.

How to register to vote from home

You can register to vote online or by mail. To register online, fill out and submit this application form from the Florida Department of State website. You will be asked to provide a Florida driver’s license or state ID and your Social Security number.

To register by mail, you can download, print, and complete this voter registration application form. A Spanish version is available here. Once complete, return your application by mail to your local Supervisor of Elections, the Division of Elections, any office that issues driver’s licenses, or any voter registration agency below by the registration deadline. Local office addresses are listed on the form. Read more about how to register to vote here.

How to vote without leaving the house

To cast your vote from home, you can request that a vote-by-mail ballot be sent to your address. All registered Florida voters have the right to vote by mail (also known as absentee voting) without providing a reason or proof that they’ll be out of town. 

Request your ballot by filling out the Statewide Vote-by-Mail ballot Request Form (DS-DE 160), (available in both English and Spanish), and return it to Supervisor of Elections by mail, fax, or scanned attachment to an email. You can also request the absentee ballot by phone. 

You can return a vote-by-mail ballot by mailing it or delivering it in person. If mailing, you can use the USPS or another private or commercial carrier, if it is received by the specified deadline.

A vote-by-mail ballot cannot be returned online, by fax, or by email, with one exception. Overseas voters, both civilian and military, can return their ballots by mail or fax.

Read more about voting by mail here.

How to avoid crowds when voting in person

If you decide to vote in person, one of the best ways to avoid lots of people and long lines is to vote early.

Early voting allows voters to cast their ballot ahead of time at a polling place, much like they would on Election Day. This differs from absentee voting in that voters physically show up to a polling site, enter a voting booth, and fill out their ballots in person. 

To find specific early voting dates in Florida, click here. 

On Election Day, the polls are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Your best chance at steering clear of crowds is to avoid going during peak times, which are usually 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.