Election day alert: Flooding forces polling place changes in Brevard County — Check where to vote
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (DUANEWS) — November 3, 2026 — Voters in parts of Florida's Space Coast are being urged to double-check their assigned polling locations before heading out Tuesday, after severe flooding forced election…
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (DUANEWS) — November 3, 2026 — Voters in parts of Florida’s Space Coast are being urged to double-check their assigned polling locations before heading out Tuesday, after severe flooding forced election officials to relocate several voting sites in Melbourne and Palm Bay.
The last-minute changes come after unusually heavy rainfall inundated neighborhoods, flooded roadways and disrupted normal operations across Brevard County just ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Brevard County Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic confirmed that several precincts would temporarily operate from alternative locations to protect voters and election workers.
The changes affect voters assigned to multiple precincts, and officials warn that additional adjustments may be necessary as flooding conditions evolve.
Which Polling Locations Have Changed?
According to the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections Office, the following changes are in effect for Tuesday’s election:
Precincts 307, 512 and 525
Previously: Max K. Rodes Park Community Center
New location: New Shiloh Christian Center, 3900 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32934.
Precinct 309
Previously: Veterans Memorial Complex
New location: New Shiloh Christian Center, 3900 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32934.
Precinct 306
Previously: Eddie Lee Taylor Sr. Community Center
New location: Joseph N. Davis Community Center, 2547 Bruce D. Buggs Street, Melbourne, FL 32901.
Precincts 323 and 509
Previously: Front Street Civic Center
New location: Joseph N. Davis Community Center, 2547 Bruce D. Buggs Street, Melbourne, FL 32901.
Precinct 517
Previously: Faith Baptist Church of Palm Bay
New location: Palm Bay City Hall Council Chambers, 120 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, FL 32907.
Precincts 320, 513 and 522
Previously: Eastern Florida State College Palm Bay Community Dining Room
New location: Franklin T. DeGroodt Memorial Library.
Voters should confirm their assigned location using the county’s official voter lookup service before traveling.
Historic Rainfall Creates Election Day Challenges
Brevard County experienced extraordinary rainfall between October 31 and November 2, with some southern communities receiving an estimated 15 to 20 inches.
Floodwaters submerged vehicles, blocked roads and affected residential neighborhoods, particularly around Melbourne and Palm Bay.
Brevard Public Schools also closed campuses on Monday and Tuesday because of the dangerous conditions.
The flooding created additional challenges for election officials preparing to operate polling locations across the county.
Governor Issues Emergency Order
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-227 on Monday, November 2, allowing election officials in affected areas to make emergency polling-place adjustments.
The emergency declaration covers Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties.
Florida’s Department of State has also published emergency election resources and temporary polling-place changes affecting additional counties.
Officials are working to ensure eligible voters can still cast their ballots despite the disruptions.
Polling Hours Remain Unchanged
Despite the relocations, Election Day voting in Brevard County remains scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Voters who are already in line when polls close at 7 p.m. are permitted to vote.
Residents should allow additional travel time because some roads may remain flooded or difficult to navigate.
Importantly, voters must report to their assigned Election Day precinct location, including any officially designated temporary replacement.
How to Check Your Voting Location
Brevard County voters can confirm their polling location through the official Supervisor of Elections website:
The county’s voter information lookup reflects temporary polling-place changes.
Residents may also contact the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections Office at 321-290-VOTE (8683) for assistance.
For statewide emergency election updates, voters can visit:
https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/emergency-and-disaster-election-resources
Could More Polling Places Be Moved?
Yes. Election officials have warned that additional polling-place changes are possible if flooding worsens or access to existing locations becomes unsafe.
That means voters should not rely solely on previously printed voter information cards without checking for emergency updates.
Residents are encouraged to verify their polling place shortly before leaving home.
What Voters Need to Know
Tuesday’s election is proceeding despite the severe weather emergency.
However, some residents in Brevard County and other affected areas of Florida may need to travel to a different location than originally assigned.
The most important step is to verify your polling location before heading out to vote.
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