Early voting begins in Miami-Dade, Monroe; Miami-Dade elections chief reminds voters of flexibility and security

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Early voting is now underway in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, and Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia is encouraging voters to take advantage of the opportunity while reminding them they have flexibility in where they cast their ballots.

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Garcia reminded voters that during the early voting period, they are not limited to their assigned precinct.

“People need to know that they can go to any of our early voting sites,” she said. “They don’t have to go to their specific precinct. And they can go this week between 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

Some voters said they attended a candidate forum before voting to learn more about the judicial candidates on the ballot.

Kendra Howard said hearing directly from the candidates helped her better understand their qualifications and priorities.

“I wanted a chance to get to know them — get to know a little more about their background,” Howard said. “It’s one thing to read about the person’s background online, and read on their campaign site. But it’s another thing to hear them answer the questions and hear the passion.”

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Howard said she planned to take time to reflect before making her final choices.

“I’m not going to tell you that I know exactly who I’m going to vote for just yet, but I’m going to consider everything that was said here today,” she said. “I’m going to think about it. I’m gonna go home and then I’m going to make my decision.”

Garcia also sought to reassure voters about the integrity of the election process, emphasizing that Miami-Dade County uses paper ballots.

“I want to remind everyone that we do vote on paper,” she said. “We don’t vote connected to any internet or anything like that. It’s very safe.”

Early voting is available daily during the designated voting period, allowing registered voters to cast their ballots at any Miami-Dade County early voting location during operating hours.

VIEW LOCAL 10’S 2026 VOTING GUIDEfor more information about early voting in South Florida. Early voting in Broward County begins Saturday.

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