Herald endorsement: Coral Gables Referendum 7 | Opinion

By the Miami Herald Editorial Board

Updated April 17, 2026 6:08 PM

Original street light commissioned 100 years ago by Coral Gables’s founder, George Merrick.

Editorial Board’s endorsements for Coral Gables election

Coral Gables registered voters will receive mail ballots for eight referendums April 21. Read the Miami Herald Editorial Board’s recommendations on each measure.

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Here is the Herald Editorial Board’s recommendation on Coral Gables’ Referendum 7:

Question: Should the city’s charter be amended to no longer require a runoff election between the two highest vote-getters in an election where no one won the race with at least 50% plus one of the vote?

Recommendation: NO

Voting for this provision would mean eliminating runoff elections in Coral Gables. That would open up the dangerous possibility of a candidate winning a city election with a small portion of total votes — especially in a race with a lot of candidates.

Should someone who receives 20% or 25% of the vote be considered the winner without having a majority of voters choose them? How does that fit in with the idea of a representative democracy?

We understand that runoff elections generally have low voter turnout and entail a lot more work and fundraising for candidates. A runoff might favor the candidate with the most money. That’s not fair, but these races are too important to eliminate.

Runoffs also help bolster the legitimacy of the outcome: When a candidate has received more than 50% of the vote, they can say they genuinely represent the majority of voters. Coral Gables should keep this system.

The Coral Gables special election is April 21. It is a mail-ballot-only election. All registered voters will receive ballots in the mail. Ballots must be received by the elections office by 7 p.m. on April 21.

BEHIND THE STORY

Who decides the political endorsements?

In advance of local and state elections, Miami Herald Editorial Board members interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The Editorial Board is composed of experienced opinion journalists and is independent of the Herald’s newsroom. Members of the Miami Herald Editorial Board are: Amy Driscoll, editorial page editor; and editorial writers Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.

What does the endorsement process look like?

The Miami Herald Editorial Board interviews political candidates to better understand their views on public policy and how their policies will affect their constituents. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates before making an endorsement. The Editorial Board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. Candidates who decline to be interviewed will not receive an endorsement.

Is the Editorial Board partisan?

No. In making endorsements, members of the Editorial Board consider which candidates are better prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with our editorial stances or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, readiness for office, depth of knowledge of key issues and understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points.

This story was originally published March 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM.