This Monday, Miami-Dade County launched its early voting centers for the Florida primaries scheduled for August 18, making it the first county in the southern part of the state to offer this option ahead of the mandatory period set by law.
Florida's election regulations stipulate compulsory early voting between August 8 and 15, but counties have the discretion to extend this timeframe.
Taking advantage of this flexibility, Miami-Dade will extend its early voting period from August 3 to August 16, while Broward County will commence on August 8 and also conclude on August 16.
Early Voting Schedules
In Miami-Dade, the hours vary by week: from August 3 to 7, polling stations are open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; from August 8 to 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; from August 10 to 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and from August 15 to 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In contrast, Broward maintains consistent hours throughout the period, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day.
Key Voting Locations
Among the designated centers in Miami-Dade are the Coral Gables Branch Library, the Student Academic Success Center at Florida International University (FIU), the Miami Beach City Hall, the Joseph Caleb Center, and the John F. Kennedy Library in Hialeah, along with over a dozen other locations spread across the county.
Significance of the Primaries
The primaries on August 18 will determine party candidates for the gubernatorial race in Florida, the most high-profile contest in this state election cycle. Current Governor Ron DeSantis is unable to seek re-election due to term limits.
In addition to selecting party candidates, this election process will also determine representatives for both state and federal positions, including:
- U.S. Senator for Florida
- Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (based on the voter's congressional district)
- Governor of Florida
- Lieutenant Governor of Florida
- Florida Chief Financial Officer
- Florida Commissioner of Agriculture
- State Senator of Florida (according to the corresponding district)
- State Representative in the Florida House of Representatives (according to the corresponding district)
- Miami-Dade County Commissioner (districts 2, 5, and 8)
- Miami-Dade School Board Member (districts 1 and 8)
- Judges of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit (five groups)
- County Court Judge (Group 25)
- Members of the Miami Gardens City Council (seats 2 and 4, only for residents of that city)
The deadline to request mail-in ballots is August 6. Voters who do not secure this option must either vote in person at one of the early voting centers or wait for the primary election day.
FAQs on Early Voting in Florida Primaries
When does early voting start in Miami-Dade County?
Early voting in Miami-Dade County begins on August 3 and continues through August 16.
What are the early voting hours in Broward County?
In Broward County, early voting hours are consistent each day from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
What positions are being elected during the Florida primaries?
The Florida primaries will elect candidates for several positions, including Governor, U.S. Senator, U.S. House Representative, and various state and local offices.