While it may not be a presidential or midterm election, several cities and counties across Florida are set to hold local elections on Tuesday, November 4. Residents will cast their votes to elect mayors, council members, and other municipal representatives.
According to reports from USA Today and WESH, polling stations in Florida will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All voters in line at closing time will be allowed to vote.
Key Areas for Local Elections
Among the locations where local elections will take place are:
Miami-Dade County: Voters will choose representatives for the Miami Commission (districts 3 and 5), the mayor of the city of Miami, and members of the Homestead Council (positions 1 and 5).
Orange County: Elections for the Orlando City Council will occur in districts 1, 3, and 5.
Polk County: Auburndale, Fort Meade, Lakeland (including a mayoral election), and Winter Haven will have several council seats contested.
Brevard County: Indialantic Council and Melbourne Beach Commission seats are up for grabs, along with a referendum on building new pickleball courts.
Lake County: Clermont, Groveland, Mascotte, Montverde, and Tavares will hold local elections.
Volusia County: Voters will elect the mayor of Lake Helen and a district 3 commissioner.
Additional elections are scheduled in Manatee, Martin, Lee, Charlotte, Madison, Monroe, and St. Lucie counties, among others.
Early Voting Turnout
As reported by Telemundo 51, approximately 40,000 people voted early in Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah, and Homestead, within Miami-Dade County. This figure represents only 11.8% of the 337,000 registered voters.
In Miami, 20,132 out of 174,462 registered voters participated, with 12,005 voting by mail and 8,127 in person. Hialeah saw 9,044 out of 90,167 voters, with 5,082 ballots mailed and 3,962 cast in person. Miami Beach recorded 9,302 votes from 42,114 eligible voters (4,383 by mail and 4,929 early). Homestead had the lowest turnout, with 1,407 votes from 30,254 potential voters (1,018 by mail and 389 early).
Local authorities are optimistic that voter participation will increase on election day. These elections are crucial for determining mayors and council members who will shape policies on housing, safety, transportation, and public services.
Voter Identification Requirements
Officials remind voters that a photo ID with a signature is necessary to vote. Accepted forms of identification include driver's licenses, U.S. passports, student IDs, veteran IDs, or government employee cards, among others. Voters do not need to bring their voter registration card if they are registered and can present valid identification.
Those unable to provide ID can submit a provisional ballot, which will be counted if the signature matches the official record.
While national attention often focuses on presidential elections, these local elections will decide leaders who directly impact daily life, from managing city budgets to addressing security, transportation, and public spaces.
The November 4 elections present an opportunity for residents, including thousands of naturalized or resident Cubans in Florida, to actively participate in shaping their communities.
Florida Local Elections: Key Details
What are the voting hours for the local elections in Florida?
Polling stations in Florida will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on election day.
What identification is required to vote in Florida?
Voters must present a photo ID with a signature, such as a driver's license, U.S. passport, student ID, veteran ID, or government employee card.
What happens if a voter in Florida does not have an ID on election day?
Voters without ID can cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted if the signature matches the official record.