Miami, Florida – All polling locations in Miami-Dade County opened their doors at 7 a.m., ready to welcome voters for this election. Already, over 55,000 residents have made their voices heard through mail-in ballots or by taking advantage of early voting opportunities. As the day progresses, those intending to vote in person should be aware of several crucial points to ensure a smooth and effective voting process.
Essential Information for Voters
Individuals are encouraged to review the customized sample ballot before heading to the polls. This election marks the first countywide vote after reprecincting, requiring that every voter attend their designated polling location. To avoid confusion, voters are urged to verify their polling place using their voter information card, the Elections Department’s website, or by simply calling 311.
Polling stations will remain open until 7 p.m. Anyone in line at this time is guaranteed the right to vote, regardless of whether the polls have officially closed. Voters are required to present valid and current identification featuring both a photo and signature. Acceptable forms of ID include a Florida Driver License, United States Passport, various types of identification cards (e.g., military, student, public assistance), and more. Those without an ID will be asked to cast a provisional ballot, and while the voter information card is not mandatory, it can facilitate a quicker check-in process.
Special Instructions for Mail-in Ballots
It’s crucial for voters to note that Florida law prohibits the return of vote-by-mail ballots at precincts on Election Day. However, there are two designated drop-off locations available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for those who still need to submit their mail-in ballots: the Miami-Dade Elections Department and the Stephen P. Clark Center.
Understanding Florida’s Closed Primary System
Florida operates under a closed primary system, meaning that participation in a party’s primary election is limited to registered members of that party. The Republican Party is holding a Presidential Preference Primary Election on March 19th to select their presidential nominee. Since the Florida Democratic Party has only one candidate for the presidential nomination, there will not be a Democratic primary ballot. As a result, Democrats and non-affiliated voters will not participate in the Presidential Preference Primary Election. However, all registered voters in South Miami and Surfside have the opportunity to vote on municipal ballot content during this election, irrespective of their party affiliation.
For those seeking additional information or needing clarification on the March 19th Presidential Preference Primary Election, resources are available at the Miami-Dade County Elections Department website or by contacting 311.
