Millions of ballots cast: Here is how many Floridians have already voted

FLORIDA — October 26, 2026 — Millions of Floridians have already made their voices heard ahead of the November 3 general election, with early voting and mail-in ballots pushing statewide participation toward a major milestone.

According to figures reported Monday by NBC 6 South Florida, nearly 2.8 million ballots have already been cast across the Sunshine State, more than a week before Election Day.

The figures include approximately 1.38 million in-person early votes, along with ballots submitted through Florida’s vote-by-mail system.

The numbers highlight the scale of voter participation as Florida enters the final stretch of an election that will determine several important state and federal offices.

Millions of Voters Are Not Waiting Until Election Day

Florida allows eligible voters to cast ballots before Election Day, either at designated early voting locations or through vote-by-mail.

Early voting gives residents the opportunity to avoid potential Election Day lines and select a voting time that fits their schedules.

Mail voting provides another option for voters who prefer to complete their ballots away from polling locations.

The combined total of nearly 2.8 million ballots represents votes already submitted, not the final turnout for the election.

Millions of additional Floridians may still participate before polls close on November 3.

What the Numbers Tell Us — and What They Don’t

The high number of early ballots demonstrates that a substantial share of Florida’s electorate is participating before Election Day.

However, early turnout alone does not establish which political party or candidate will win.

Voter registration figures and party affiliations can help analysts understand participation patterns, but they do not reveal how individual voters marked their ballots.

Florida voters may also make different choices across races and ballot measures, meaning party registration should not be treated as a prediction of election results.

The statewide totals will continue changing as election officials process additional ballots and more residents visit early voting sites.

Important Decisions on the Ballot

Floridians are voting in contests that will shape the state’s political direction, including the race for governor and other elected offices.

Voters are also considering ballot measures involving public policy and taxation.

Local elections and referendums could have significant consequences for schools, public services, and household finances.

In Miami-Dade County, for example, voters are deciding whether to renew an existing property tax that provides funding for public schools, including teacher compensation and school safety.

These local questions are separate from statewide races and constitutional amendments, making it important for voters to review their full ballots.

Election Day Is November 3

Although millions of ballots have already been submitted, eligible Florida voters who have not yet participated still have opportunities to vote.

Early voting schedules vary by county, and voters should confirm the locations and operating hours published by their county supervisor of elections.

Those voting by mail should pay close attention to ballot return deadlines. In Florida, completed vote-by-mail ballots generally must reach the supervisor of elections by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted, subject to applicable legal exceptions.

On November 3, Election Day polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

As Florida moves toward the final week of the election, the nearly 2.8 million ballots already cast show that many residents are choosing not to wait until November 3 to participate.

The ultimate outcome, however, will depend on the votes counted after polls close.

DUANEWS — Your News. Your Voice.