Deadline to register to vote in Florida extended to Oct. 12

Thanks to the effects of Hurricane Matthew, a federal court ruled Monday to extend the Florida voter registration deadline by a day, to Oct. 12.

The original deadline was Oct. 11, but U.S. District Court Judge Mark Walker ruled that it be extended in order to hear a case brought on by the Florida Democratic Party. The party argued that due to the effects of the recent storm, Florida voters needed more time to register.

The last time such an extension was granted was back in 2004, in the wake of Hurricane Charley when then-Gov. Jeb Bush allowed some counties to combine precincts and delay early voting for the primaries. 

The Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office is open with extended hours Tuesday, Oct. 11 until 7 p.m., and will be open Wednesday, Oct. 12 to register voters until 5 p.m.

To register before the new deadline, visit the office by 5 p.m. Wednesday at 119 W. Kaley St., Orlando and fill out an application. For questions, call (407) 836-2070.

Contact Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].