Voter Eligibility
To qualify as a voter, a person must be:
- A citizen of the United States
- At least 18 years old
- A resident of the Florida Union Free School District for at least 30 days immediately preceding the vote (Education Law § 2012)
- Registered to vote with the district or the county Board of Elections
Voter Registration
If you meet the first three qualifications above but have not registered to vote, you must register in order to vote in the School Budget Vote.
Voter Registration Options
- Register with the Orange County Board of Elections
- Register online at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website
- Florida School District Only Registration
- It is not necessary to register with the School District if you are already a registered voter.
- If you are not a registered voter with the County/State, but want to participate only in the School Budget Vote please visit the District Office at 51 North Main Street to complete “District Only” registration. Note: To register with the district, you must provide a valid ID (driver’s license, military ID or passport) and proof of residency (i.e. a valid current lease or utility bill).
- Members of the military who are currently living in the district (for 30 days immediately preceding the vote) and are not registered voters with the Orange County Board of Elections may register to vote in the Florida School District Budget Vote by completing the above steps for “Florida School District Only Registration”.
Please note: all registrations MUST be completed before the 5th day preceding the vote.
Absentee Ballots
Absentee ballots are available to registered voters who will not be in the district on the day of the budget vote for specific reasons set forth by the New York State Board of Elections as listed on the Absentee Ballot Application. A District voter must request an application for an absentee ballot in advance of the vote date. The voter must complete the application and state the reason they will not be able to appear in person on the day of the District election/vote for which the absentee ballot is requested. A registered voter in the district may use an absentee ballot if, on voting day, they are a patient in a hospital or unable to appear personally because of illness or physical disability; is required to be outside the country because of duties, occupation or studies; is planning to be out of the area on vacation outside the country; or is detained in jail awaiting conviction of an offense other than a felony. The application must be delivered by mail or in person to the District Clerk at 51 North Main Street, Florida, NY 10921 at least seven (7) days before the election/vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election/vote if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Please note – applications may not be submitted more than thirty (30) days prior to the vote.
Upon receipt and approval of the application, a ballot will be mailed. The completed ballot must be received by the District Clerk by 5 p.m. on the day of the vote.
New! Early Voting Ballots
A qualified voter may vote as an early mail voter. Each person entitled to vote as an early mail voter and wanting to obtain an early mail ballot must submit a written application to the district clerk. Contact the District Clerk’s Office at (845) 651-3095, Ext. 40011 for an Early Voting Application. The application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election/vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election/vote if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.
Upon receipt and approval of the application, a ballot will be mailed. The completed ballot must be received by the District Clerk by 5 p.m. on the day of the vote.
Board of Education Seats
Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the Florida Union Free School District, shall state the name and residence address of each signer and the name and residence address of the candidate. Petition forms may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk at 51 North Main Street, Florida, NY on weekdays when school is in session, during regular business hours, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or at the Public Library.
Budget and Election Timeline
March 1 – BOE nominating petitions available
April 22 – BOE nominating petitions deadline at 5 p.m.
April 23 – BOE ballot positions selection
May 9 – Budget Hearing, 7:00 pm, SS Seward Institute
May 10 – Budget newsletter/ budget notice mailed to voters
May 21 – Budget vote and board member election