Early voting begins in Miami-Dade for the U.S. midterm elections: here's what you need to know

Mailbox in Miami-Dade for early voting ballots (Reference image)Photo © YouTube/Screenshot-Telemundo 51

The early voting in Miami-Dade for the general elections on November 3, 2026 will begin this Monday, October 19, and will run through Sunday, November 1, with 28 designated centers throughout the county, open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., according to the official statement from the Supervisor of Elections.

When and where to vote early?

During the early voting period, any registered voter in Miami-Dade can go to any of the 28 designated centers, regardless of their assigned voting precinct.

On election day, Tuesday, November 3, voters must go to the polling place corresponding to their residence, which they can check in their voter registration information.

Some polling places have been temporarily relocated, so authorities recommend checking the updated addresses on the official Miami-Dade Elections site before heading out to vote.

Among the authorized centers are the John F. Kennedy Library (190 W 49th Street, Hialeah), the International Mall Library (10315 NW 12th Street, Doral), the West Kendall Regional Library (10201 Hammocks Boulevard), the Westchester Regional Library (9445 SW 24th Street), and the main office of the Department of Elections (2700 NW 87th Avenue, Doral).

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 22

Voters who prefer to vote by mail have until Thursday, October 22 at 5:00 p.m. to request that a ballot be sent to them. The request must arrive at the election office before that time, so it is not sufficient to simply mail it on that same day.

The deadline to request mail-in voting is one of the dates that must be considered by those who do not plan to go to the polls in person.

Mail-in ballots that have already been received can be submitted at designated drop-off locations at early voting centers between October 19 and November 1, during the established hours.

They can also be returned at the Department of Elections office in Doral or at the Stephen P. Clark Center (111 NW 1st Street, Downtown Miami), according to official hours and procedures, until 7:00 p.m. on November 3.

What documents are needed to vote?

To vote in person, it is necessary to present a valid identification that includes a photo and signature. Accepted documents include the Florida driver's license, state identification card, U.S. passport, and certain military, student, or government employee IDs.

If the document with a photo does not contain the voter's signature, another accepted form of identification that does include the signature must be presented.

Those who do not possess an acceptable form of identification may issue a provisional ballot, which will be assessed according to electoral regulations.

Only United States citizens who meet the electoral requirements and are properly registered may vote. Permanent residents who only possess a green card do not have the right to vote. The regular registration deadline for this election was October 5.

What is being decided in the elections on November 3rd?

Midterm elections include important federal and state contests. In Florida, voters will elect the next governor between Byron Donalds and David Jolly, while the federal Senate race pits Ashley Moody against Angie Nixon.

In Congressional District 27, which includes areas of Miami-Dade, María Elvira Salazar and Eliott Rodríguez are competing for a seat in the United States House of Representatives.

The voters of Miami-Dade will also decide on seven local referendums, in addition to statewide proposals.

Among them is the Amendment 3, related to the expansion of the tax exemption on the primary residence, known as homestead exemption. The proposal aims to raise the exemption to 150,000 dollars in 2027 and 250,000 dollars in 2028 for certain property taxes other than school taxes. To be approved, it requires at least 60% of the votes.

Security of the electoral process

The Elections Supervisor of Miami-Dade, Alina García, assured that the systems used to tally the votes are not connected to the internet.

In statements gathered by CBS Miami, García stated: "I want to reiterate that we are not connected to the internet, and there is no way to hack our system because we are not connected to the internet."

The official also explained that the signatures on the ballots received by mail are verified individually as part of the electoral security measures.

García encouraged citizens to plan ahead for their participation in the elections: "Every election is an opportunity for your voice to be heard. Whether you vote during early voting, by mail, or on Election Day, make your plan now and make your voice count."

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.