Today is Florida\u2019s primary election day.<\/p>\n
The results will determine which candidates advance to November in races for governor, Congress and more.<\/p>\n
Still, Florida primary elections draw fewer voters than the November general elections. But Aubrey Jewett, a University of Central Florida political science professor, said they\u2019re important.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven though it\u2019s quote, unquote, \u2018just a primary,\u2019 and I know it\u2019s flying under the radar of some listeners and viewers, it\u2019s an important election,\u201d Jewett said. \u201cAnd this is your opportunity to help steer the course of who runs the state of Florida at the state level, the national level and local level.\u201d<\/p>\n
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those still in line at the end can stay and vote.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> to see Jacksonville Today\u2018s Voter Guides<\/p>\n Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar encourages people not registered as a Republican or Democrat to go to the polls, too.<\/p>\n \u201cI know it\u2019s kind of last minute and if you haven\u2019t made a decision on who you\u2019re going to vote for in a school board election, check out your local newspaper, check out the website,\u201d Spar said.<\/p>\n Florida has closed partisan primaries, meaning voters generally have to be registered with a political party to vote in that party\u2019s primary. Nonpartisan races like school board seats and judges are open to everyone.<\/p>\n