Early voting locations near me in Florida: how to find where to vote
Early voting in Florida started today, Monday 19 October. How, where and when to get your vote in, and tips on staying safe at the polls.
All eyes are on Florida this election; it’s a key swing state and as ever, predictably unpredictable. There's been record turnout so far for mail voting and early voting in person, so it pays to be prepared to cast your vote early this year. Donald Trump won Florida in 2016 by fewer than 113,000 votes over Hillary Clinton, or 1.2% of the vote.
The 3 November US presidential election between Republican incumbent Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden is looming and voting is already in full swing. The unprecedented number of early ballots in this year’s is testament to how hotly contested the race is.
Americans all over the country are preparing like never before due to the covid-19 pandemic, the political stand-off over mail-in ballots and question marks over the ability of the US Postal Service to deliver on time.
According to data from the US Election Project 26 million votes have been cast already in this year’s race, representing almost 19% of all the ballots cast in 2016. Of the 10.6 million mail ballots cast, 5.8 million have been cast by Democrats.
Absentee voting by mail Florida
The deadline to request an absentee mail in ballot in Florida is Saturday, 24 October.
The absentee voting returns deadline is Election Day, Tuesday 3 November at 7pm EST meaning that the ballot needs to be received by the election office by this date, whether you cast your absentee ballot by mail or in person.
Absentee voting in-person in Florida
If you’re absentee voting in-person, the deadline to request your ballot is Saturday, 31 October.
The absentee voting return deadline is Election Day, Tuesday 3 November at 7pm EST meaning that the ballot needs to be received by the election office by this date, whether you cast your absentee ballot by mail or in person.
When is best to vote in Florida?
Early voting in-person
All early voting locations and specific times by polling place in Florida are listed alphabetically by county in this handy document. Alternatively you can also find out by entering your information into this search engine.
When does early voting finish?
The early voting period runs from Monday, October 19 to Sunday, November 1 but dates and hours may vary based on where you live.
What to bring to the polling station on voting day
You will be asked to show a valid photo ID with signature. If your photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide another ID that has your signature.
If you are unable to provide ID, you should not be turned away from the poll. You will be able to vote a provisional ballot. Your ballot will count if the signature on your ballot matches the signature on your voter registration record.
You have the right to request a provisional ballot if your voter eligibility is questioned on any other grounds.
Since the pandemic is threatening a surge in cases this month, a good idea to bring a buddy, wear a good mask and bring your own pen, too. More tips on safe in person voting this year here.
Focus on Florida
The Sunshine State has been at the centre of several controversies on voter rights this year. An appeals court ruled in September that ex-felons need to pay all fines related to their offence before their right to vote is restored. An estimated 1.4 million voters will be disenfranchised by this decision.
And in September, the voter registration site in for Florida crashed after over 1.1million requests were received…per hour. The state subsequently extended the registration deadline.
Am I eligible to vote in Florida?
To be eligible to vote in Floriday you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States of America (a lawful permanent resident, commonly referred to as a "green card holder," does not have the right to register or vote in Florida);
- Be a Florida resident;
- Be at least 18 years old (you may pre-register to vote if you are 16 years old);
- Not be adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state without having the right to vote restored;
- Not have been convicted of a felony without your voting rights having been restored.
If you have any other questions, contact your county Supervisor of Elections or call the Division of Elections’ Voter Assistance Hotline at 1.866.308.6739.