Jacksonville elections: First Unitary Election

There are two election days coming up: March 19 and May 14.

March is not considered a primary; rather, it's the First Unitary Election.

It's an important difference from what you generally consider a primary because, in Florida, partisan primary elections are open only to voters registered in the party on the ballot.

This First Unitary Election is open to all voters regardless of party registration, and you will be able to vote in all of the races that are relevant for you based on where you live -- and therefore which City Council District you're in -- not your party affiliation. You can get a sample ballot, which lists all the races that you will vote on, through the 'Duval County Supervisor of Elections' website.

Some races will be settled in the March election. If in a race, a candidate does not get 50% plus one of the votes, then the top two vote-getters advance to the General Unitary Election in May, where a winner will be decided.

While you do not have to be registered with any specific party to participate in these elections, you do have to be registered to vote.

The deadline for that is Feb.19 for the March election and April 15 for the May election. The Duval Supervisor of Elections website has more information about how to register to vote.

Cox Media Group