Politics

Planning to vote in the Florida primary? Five things to know ahead of Election Day

Early Election in Miami-Dade at the Elections Department in Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Dr. on Monday August 8th., 2022.
Early Election in Miami-Dade at the Elections Department in Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Dr. on Monday August 8th., 2022. for The Miami Herald

Early voting is over. You haven’t mailed your ballot. What can you do now?

Head to the polls, of course.

Election Day is Tuesday.

You can go cast a vote at your Miami-Dade or Broward polling place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Here are five things to know ahead of Tuesday.

Where can I vote?

To vote on Election Day, you must go to your assigned precinct, which is determined by your home address and can be found on your voter information card.

The elections department mails a new voter information card any time your polling place, precinct or registration information, such as party affiliation and name, change.

You can also find out your precinct online by inputting your first name, last name and date of birth.

What do I need to bring to a polling place?

You must bring a current and valid ID that includes your name, photograph and signature. The following are a few examples of acceptable IDs: A Florida driver’s license or ID card, debit or credit card; student, military or public assistance ID; U.S. passport; a license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm.

You don’t need to bring your voter card, but it can get you through the check-in process faster.

I haven’t mailed my ballot. What can I do to vote?

You can drop off your vote-by-mail ballot at any early voting location during voting hours or at Miami-Dade election office headquarters, 2700 NW 87th Ave. in Doral, or the Broward elections office, 1501 NW 40th Ave. in Lauderhill, no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day Tuesday.

Can I vote if I’m not a registered party member?

Though some races are limited to registered political party members, many are open to everyone — whether affiliated or not. Keep in mind that some races are dependent on where you live.

Elections open to all party members and nonpartisan voters:

  • Circuit Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit (Groups 3, 20, 34 and 52)
  • Miami-Dade County Judge (Groups 5, 19 and 42)
  • Miami-Dade County Commissioner (Districts 2, 6, 8, 10, and 12)
  • Miami-Dade School Board Member (Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8)
  • State Senator (District 34)

The following races are only open to registered Republicans:

  • State Representative (District 106, 113, 118, 119 and 120)
  • Congressional Representative (District 24)

The following races are only open to registered Democrats:

  • Governor
  • Attorney General
  • Commissioner of Agriculture
  • Congressional Representative (Districts 24, 27 and 28)
  • State Representative (Districts 106, 107, 108, 109, 113, 119 and 120)

READ MORE: Read before you vote: Candidates for the Aug. 23 primary elections in South Florida

Why should I vote?

This primary election will have a large impact — not only Miami-Dade and Broward — but across the state.

As a voter, you will elect judges, school board members and county commissioners. If you’re a registered party member, you can also choose candidates who will represent your party in upcoming state and federal races.

Among the most prominent primary races is Democrats choosing a candidate who will face incumbent Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in November.

READ MORE: Here are the Miami Herald Editorial Board’s recommendations for 2022 primary elections

This story was originally published August 22, 2022 at 5:13 AM.

Grethel Aguila
Miami Herald
Grethel covers courts and the criminal justice system for the Miami Herald. She graduated from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), speaks Spanish and Arabic and loves animals, traveling, basketball and good storytelling. Grethel also attends law school part time.
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