News Release

Florida Division of Elections Issues Two Emergency Rules

Indian River County, FL – The Florida Division of Elections has issued two Emergency Rules regarding candidate qualifying and petition collection. The first rule modifies the need to have qualifying papers submitted in person, and the second rule relaxes the requirements for candidates to submit original signatures on petition forms. These Emergency Rules are in response to the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 virus.

Emergency Rule 1SER20-1 removes the requirement that a candidate’s qualifying documents be “original(s) and signatures thereon be made in ink”. All candidates who qualify with the Indian River County Supervisor of Elections can now submit their qualifying documents via email. Notary statements on required forms will be revised accordingly. This new rule allows qualifying documents to be collected, notarized, and submitted with limited person-to-person contact.

The qualifying week for candidates who qualify with the Indian River County Supervisor of Elections is noon, June 8 through noon, June 12. Candidates can begin submitting their qualifying documents during the pre-qualifying period beginning May 25 through June 7. Candidates are encouraged to submit their qualifying papers during the pre-qualifying week so in the event any required paperwork is missing, the candidate has time to provide the necessary qualifying documents. The candidate qualifying deadline is noon, on June 12.

Emergency Rule 1SER20-02 removes the requirement that the voter’s signature on a candidate petition be an “original, ink signature” so that signed petitions can be collected without person-to-person contact. Under the Emergency Rule 1SER20-02, a registered voter is allowed to return their signed candidate petition via email, fax, or scan to the candidate. Candidate petitions must not be returned directly to the Election Office.

Emergency Rule 1SER20-1 and 1SER20-2 are available for review at the Florida Division of Elections website at https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/. For further information regarding candidate qualifying and petition collection contact the Indian River County Supervisor of Elections at 772-226-3440.

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