Florida's Secretary of State, Cord Byrd, reminded registered voters on Monday to get ready for the upcoming August 18 primaries. Voters can participate via mail-in ballots, early voting, or in-person voting on the election day.
In an official statement, Byrd encouraged voters to explore their county's voting options ahead of time to avoid any last-minute issues.
Choices for Early Voting
"Registered voters in Florida have the opportunity to cast their votes at designated early voting sites before election day," Byrd emphasized.
He also noted that all 67 counties in the state are required to offer early voting from August 8 to August 15, with some counties voluntarily extending this period. Detailed information regarding locations and schedules for each center is available on the Florida Division of Elections website.
Mail-In Ballot Instructions
For those opting to vote by mail, quick action is essential. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Thursday, August 6.
After receiving the ballot, voters must follow the provided instructions to ensure their votes are counted on election day.
Miami-Dade County started early voting this Monday, ahead of the state-mandated minimum period. Voting centers will remain open until August 16, with varying hours depending on the date. Key locations include the Coral Gables Branch Library, Florida International University's Student Academic Success Center, Miami Beach City Hall, Joseph Caleb Center, and Hialeah's John F. Kennedy Library.
In Broward County, early voting will begin on August 8 and continue through August 16, maintaining consistent hours from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Significance of the Primaries
The August 18 primaries will determine the Democratic and Republican candidates for the November general election, covering positions such as the Governor of Florida, federal Senate, House of Representatives, and numerous state and local offices.
The gubernatorial race is drawing significant attention, as Governor Ron DeSantis is ineligible for reelection due to state constitutional term limits.
In the Republican primary, Congressman Byron Donalds, who has the backing of President Donald Trump, is the frontrunner. A poll conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates from July 14 to July 16 shows Donalds with 53% support, far ahead of State Senator Jay Collins, who has 10%.
On the Democratic side, David Jolly is leading the race for the nomination.
The Florida Division of Elections will provide daily updates on participation rates for early voting and mail-in voting, allowing the public to monitor turnout leading up to the August 18 election day.
Key Information for Florida Voters
When is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot in Florida?
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Thursday, August 6.
What are the early voting dates in Florida for the August 18 primaries?
Early voting in Florida is scheduled from August 8 to August 15, with some counties extending the period voluntarily.
Who is leading in the Republican primary for the Florida gubernatorial race?
Congressman Byron Donalds, backed by President Donald Trump, is currently leading in the Republican primary.