You've done your civic duty and voted for your candidates, but did you know others can find out when you cast a ballot — and it's legal?
News 13 talked to a voter who was shocked when a flier with her information showed up in her mailbox.
"Registering to vote is something people want to do. But registering to vote and then having your name distributed, is scary," says Cindy Roloff, of Melbourne.
Roloff was taken aback when she opened her mailbox just the other day.
Inside this flier — and on it — was her name and address, plus the names and addresses of seven others who live on her street.
"My name is out there for neighbors to see. They could decide to come knock on my door, or call my name," said Roloff.
Roloff says she and her family are very private, and don't know many of their neighbors.
The flier says it's sponsored by the Citizens for a Better Florida, Inc, based in Orlando.
Along with the names and addresses, a question is posed in big, bold letters — "Cynthia, Why haven't you voted yet".
"I felt very intimidated," she says.
On the front it clearly states "Don't Throw Away Your Vote", and "your neighbors will know — it's public record."
Which in fact, is true.
Anyone can find out the method registered voters used to cast their ballots — absentee, early or on election day itself.
We asked the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections Office about the fliers.
Officials told News 13 it's the same data candidates and organizations use to target voters with direct mail and other methods, and that it's well within Florida law.
"Per Florida law, your participation in an election is public record. However, the votes on your ballot remain entirely confidential and are not associated with your voting record," said Lori Scott, Supervisor of Elections.
The flier does mention how a person voted is not public record and will not be disclosed.
Roloff adds she wants to find out if a particular political party backs Citizens for a Better Florida — as that will affect how she votes November 4.
According to the Florida Division of Elections, "Citizens for a Better Florida" is is affiliated with the Florida Association of Realtors. The organization is headed by Chairperson Richard Darling, Treasurer John Sebree, and Registered Agent Dave Garrison.
The Florida Division of Elections said the group has paid for the postage on mailers for Gov. Rick Scott and several other Republican Candidates across the state.
We also researched the members voting record. Here is what we found on the Florida Division of Elections:
JOHN MORTON SEBREE
Lives in TALLAHASSEE, Leon County, Florida, U.S.A. He registered to vote 23 January 2004 and he is registered in the Republican Party of Florida.
- LEO 105186731 09/05/2006 PRI E
- LEO 105186731 11/07/2006 GEN E
- LEO 105186731 01/29/2008 PPP E
- LEO 105186731 08/26/2008 PRI E
- LEO 105186731 11/04/2008 GEN E
- LEO 105186731 08/24/2010 PRI E
- LEO 105186731 11/02/2010 GEN E
- LEO 105186731 01/31/2012 PPP E
- LEO 105186731 08/14/2012 PRI Y
- LEO 105186731 11/06/2012 GEN E
- LEO 105186731 08/26/2014 PRI E
DAVID B. GARRISON
Lives in ORLANDO, Orange County, Florida, U.S.A. He registered to vote 20 August 1991 and he is registered in the Republican Party of Florida.
- ORA 113175771 09/05/2006 PRI Y
- ORA 113175771 11/07/2006 GEN Y
- ORA 113175771 01/29/2008 PPP Y
- ORA 113175771 08/26/2008 PRI Y
- ORA 113175771 11/04/2008 GEN A
- ORA 113175771 08/24/2010 PRI Y
- ORA 113175771 11/02/2010 GEN A
- ORA 113175771 01/31/2012 PPP Y
- ORA 113175771 08/14/2012 PRI Y
- ORA 113175771 11/06/2012 GEN Y
RICHARD N. DARLING
Lives in Orange City, Volusia County, Florida, U.S.A. He registered to vote 29 January 1980 and he is registered with no party affiliation.
- VOL 108400236 09/05/2006 PRI N
- VOL 108400236 11/07/2006 GEN Y
- VOL 108400236 01/29/2008 PPP Y
- VOL 108400236 11/04/2008 GEN Y
- VOL 108400236 11/02/2010 GEN Y
- VOL 108400236 11/06/2012 GEN Y
Key:
- OTH Other Election (municipal)
- PRI Primary Election
- GEN General Election
- PPP Presidential Primary
- Y Voted on Election Day
- E Voted Early
- A Voted Absentee
- N Did not vote