High School Students
In Florida, you can pre-register to vote at age 16, and you will become eligible to vote once you turn 18. The Orange County Supervisor of Elections partners with local schools and participates in student voter engagement events to help future voters get ready, but you don’t need to wait for a school visit to take action.
To pre-register, visit RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov and complete the Florida Voter Registration Application.
- If you have a Florida driver’s license or state ID, you can submit your application online.
- If not, you may print the form, complete it, and return it to our office by mail or in person.
College Students
If you’re a college student, whether you’re studying here in Orange County, commuting from home, or living elsewhere, you have important choices when it comes to voting. This page walks you through your options and shows you how to get registered and cast your ballot.
Where Should You Register and Vote?
Option A: Register locally in Orange County
If you live in Orange County while attending college (on-campus or off-campus), you may register here and vote in Orange County elections, including local races.
Your residence address can be your campus dorm address, off-campus rental, or other living space in Orange County. Your mailing address may be the same or your campus mail center address.
Option B: Register in your “home” county
If your permanent residence remains in another Florida county (or outside Florida) and you prefer to vote there:
- Use your “home” county address as your residence for registration.
- You may still live in Orange County while attending school, but your ballot will reflect the
races in your “home” county. - To vote locally in Orange County, you’d need to change your registration to Orange County.
How to Register to Vote
Visit Florida’s official voter registration portal to complete a Florida Voter Registration Application.
- On the form, provide your residence address. For students living locally this could be your dorm, apartment, or other local address.
- If you are not a Florida resident and already registered in another state, contact your home state election office for guidance.
Registration Deadlines
You may apply to register or update your registration at any time; however, to vote in an upcoming election, your application must be received at least 29 days before that election.
If you’re already registered in Florida and move from one county to another, you can typically update your registration up to and including on Election Day (be sure to vote in your correct precinct).
We strongly recommend updating ahead of time to avoid issues on Election Day.
Voting Options for Students
Once you’re registered in Orange County, there are multiple ways to cast your ballot:
Vote-by-Mail
Request your ballot, mark it, and return it per instructions.
Early Voting
Available at designated sites.
Election Day Voting
Visit your assigned precinct and vote in person on Election Day.
Civic Advisory Council
Supervisor Karen Castor Dentel’s Civic Advisory Council is an overarching outreach initiative that serves as a hub for voter engagement and education across Orange County. The council is composed of different focus groups; each designed to address the unique needs of specific communities and demographics.
By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, the Civic Advisory Council helps ensure that every community has a voice in shaping an informed electorate. If you’re interested in gaining leadership experience and getting involved, check out our Civic Advisory Council.
Civic Advisory Council
High School Leaders
Learn about the Civic Advisory Council High School Leaders Group here.
Young Adults
Learn about the Civic Advisory Council Young Adults Group here.
Connect & Get Involved
Have a question or need assistance? Our team is here to help. Reach out and we’ll make sure you get the information or support you’re looking for.
To report a security issue or vulnerability, please email us at reporting@ocfelections.gov