Early Voting Kicks Off in Miami-Dade for U.S. Midterm Elections: Key Information You Need

Early voting in Miami-Dade for the upcoming general elections on November 3, 2026, is set to commence this Monday, October 19, and will continue through Sunday, November 1. A total of 28 locations across the county will be accessible from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day, as confirmed by the official statement from the Supervisor of Elections.

This guide provides essential information for the Cuban-American communities in Hialeah, Doral, Westchester, Kendall, and Little Havana to ensure a smooth voting process.

How and Where to Vote Early?

During the early voting period, any registered voter in Miami-Dade can cast their vote at any of the 28 centers in the county, regardless of their assigned precinct.

However, this flexibility is not available on Election Day, November 3. On that day, voters must go to the polling station listed on their voter information card.

Some locations have been temporarily relocated, so it is advisable to check the updated addresses at votemiamidade.gov before heading out. Notable sites include 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 Elections Office (2700 NW 87th Avenue, Doral).

Important Deadline for Mail-In Voting

For those opting to vote by mail, requests for ballots must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22. No exceptions will be made; the request must physically arrive at the office before this time, as postmarking by that date is insufficient.

Mail-in ballots already received can be returned at any early voting site from October 19 to November 1, or at the Doral headquarters or the Stephen P. Clark Center (111 NW 1st Street, Downtown Miami) by 7:00 p.m. on November 3.

What to Bring and Voter Eligibility

To vote in person, a valid ID with a photo and signature is required. Acceptable forms include a Florida driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, and military, student, or government employee IDs, among others.

If an ID with a photo lacks a signature, it must be accompanied by another document that includes one. Voters without proper identification may submit a provisional ballot.

Only duly registered U.S. citizens are eligible to vote. Permanent residents with green cards cannot vote. The registration deadline was October 5.

What's at Stake for Cuban-Americans?

The November 3 ballot will feature races for the Florida governorship (Byron Donalds vs. David Jolly), the federal Senate (Ashley Moody vs. Angie Nixon), and the 27th Congressional District (María Elvira Salazar vs. Eliott Rodríguez), with polls indicating a close race.

Miami-Dade voters will also decide on seven local referendums and State Amendment 3, which proposes expanding the homestead tax exemption to $250,000 starting in 2028, requiring 60% voter approval to pass.

Cuban-American voters are caught between supporting stringent measures against the Cuban regime and opposing ICE immigration raids in South Florida. Guillermo Grenier, a sociologist at Florida International University, noted that the real threat to Republicans is not a shift of votes to the Democrats, but rather Cuban voters' potential abstention due to dissatisfaction.

Ensuring Election Security

Supervisor Alina García addressed concerns about the integrity of the voting process in a statement to CBS Miami: "I want to emphasize that we are not connected to the internet, and there is no way to hack our system because we are not online."

García also mentioned that all mail-in ballot signatures are individually verified and that Florida implements security measures that other states do not require: "Every election is an opportunity for your voice to be heard. Whether you vote early, by mail, or on Election Day, make a plan now and ensure your voice counts."