Election Day is right around the corner and early voting has already kicked off, with many Floridians already having headed to the polls. There’s important races up and down the ballot so it’s important to look into what they could be and how to make sure you have a say in who will be making decisions that could directly affect you.
Here’s what you need to know to perform your civic duty when the day comes:
Am I eligible to vote?
To vote in the general election, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a Florida resident
- Be at least 18 years old (pre-registration can happen at 16 or 17, but you must be 18 to vote)
The deadline to register to vote in the general election has passed. If you want to be sure you’re eligible to vote in the next election, however, you can register now by clicking here.
When can I vote?
Early voting in Miami-Dade County takes place Oct. 24 – Nov. 6. Sites are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you’re voting in person and have not cast your ballot by the end of early voting, polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m on Election Day, Nov. 8. Voters waiting in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot, but if you arrive at your precinct later than 7, you will not be able to vote.
Where do I vote?
You can find your local precinct on your voter information card or by clicking here.
What should I bring to the polling place?
A current and valid photo ID with signature, like your Florida driver’s license, a Florida ID card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, a U.S. passport and a government-issued employee ID.
So, what’s on the ballot?
Your vote can decide everything from who will be Florida governor and will represent you in the U.S. Senate and House to referendums and local offices. You can find a customized sample ballot through the Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach election websites.
State Governor:
- Ron DeSantis (R)
- Charlie Crist (D)
- Hector Roos (L)
- Carmen Jackie Gimenez (NPA)
Lieutenant Governor:
- Jeanette Nuñez (R)
- Karla Hernandez (D)
- Jerry Rorabaugh (L)
- Kyle Gibson (NPA)
U.S. Senate:
- Marco Rubio (R)
- Val Demings (D)
- Dennis Misigoy (L)
- Steven B. Grant (NPA)
- Tuan TQ Nguyen (NPA)
Attorney General:
- Ashley Moody (R)
- Aramis Ayala (D)
Chief Financial Officer:
- Jimmy Patronis (R)
- Adam Hattersley (D)
Commissioner of Agriculture:
- Naomi Blemur (D)
- Wilton Simpson (R)
In addition to filling the positions above, there will be municipal elections in some cities, local referendums and amendments, as well as whether to retain state Supreme Court Judges.
Now that you have a pretty good idea on what to expect, head out to the polls and make your voice heard!