Early voting begins in Miami-Dade: Everything you need to know before casting your ballot

MIAMI, Fla. — October 19, 2026 — Early voting begins Monday in Miami-Dade County, giving registered voters an opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Florida’s November 3 general election.

Residents who want to avoid Election Day crowds can vote in person at designated early voting locations throughout the county.

Here is what Miami-Dade voters need to know about voting dates, identification requirements, polling locations and mail-in ballots.

When and Where Can You Vote?

Early voting in Miami-Dade County runs from Monday, October 19, through Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Voting locations are scheduled to operate daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., including weekends.

Unlike Election Day, when voters generally must report to their assigned precinct, registered Miami-Dade voters can cast their ballots at any designated early voting location within the county.

Voters should confirm their preferred location and operating hours through the Miami-Dade County Elections Department before leaving home.

What Identification Do You Need?

Florida requires voters to present a valid photo identification that includes a signature.

Acceptable identification includes a Florida driver’s license, Florida identification card, U.S. passport, military identification or another form of identification accepted under Florida election law.

If a photo ID does not include a signature, voters may present a second approved identification document containing their signature.

Voters who cannot provide the required identification may generally cast a provisional ballot rather than being turned away without an opportunity to vote.

Can You Vote Without Registering First?

Only eligible voters who registered by Florida’s deadline can participate in the November 3 general election.

The registration deadline was October 5, 2026.

Residents who are unsure about their registration status should check with the Miami-Dade County Elections Department before visiting an early voting location.

What About Vote-by-Mail Ballots?

Miami-Dade voters who prefer to vote by mail can request a ballot through the county elections office.

The deadline for the elections office to receive a request to mail a ballot for this election is 5 p.m. on October 22.

Completed vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. A postmark alone does not satisfy this deadline.

Voters who already have a mail ballot can also check its status through the county’s official election website.

What Will Voters Decide?

The November election includes contests for federal, state and local offices, along with ballot questions that may affect Florida residents.

The exact races and measures appearing on a ballot depend on the voter’s residential address.

Election officials encourage residents to review their sample ballots before arriving at the polls.

Election Day Is November 3

For those who do not participate in early voting or vote by mail, Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Election Day polling places in Florida are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters should remember that Election Day precinct assignments may differ from early voting locations.

For official voting information, registration checks, sample ballots and polling locations, visit the Miami-Dade County Elections Department at www.miamidade.gov/elections.

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