Florida Primaries: Nearly 2 Million Ballots Already Cast on Eve of Election Day

By Monday at 11 a.m., just a day before the Florida primary, nearly two million people had already voted. That’s 1,913,737 Floridians, or about 14.2% of registered voters. Republicans cast 870,850 of these ballots, while 806,561 went to Democrats. Voters not tied to either major party, those registered with no party or with a minor party, accounted for more than 236,000 ballots.

Breaking that down further, Republicans led in early in-person voting, turning out nearly 143,000 more people at the polls. Democrats leaned toward voting by mail, returning 78,745 more ballots than Republicans did that way. Still, over 852,000 mail-in ballots were out there as of Sunday, with county offices accepting them until the polls close on Tuesday.

Some of Florida’s biggest counties, like Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, and Duval, kept early voting open an extra day, giving more people a shot at voting. On Tuesday, polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Because Florida holds a closed primary, you can only choose candidates from your own party, plus any nonpartisan races.

In Orange County, tens of thousands showed up to vote early. With 27 early-voting sites open, voters could cast their ballots anywhere, no need to stick to their assigned polling place for early voting. People at the Winter Park Library said the entire processs was quick and easy.

For some, early voting’s convenience is a major draw. Still, others like voting in person on Election Day, saying it feels more communal and gives a stronger sense of civic duty.

Now that early voting’s done, everyone needs to go to their specific assigned polling place. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and if you’re in line by closing time, you’ll still be allowed to vote. Don’t forget your photo ID with a signature, Florida’s strict on that.

Since the primaries are closed, you’ll vote within your registered party, with nonpartisan races available to everyone. Do your homework before heading in, study the candidates, look up resources available in your area, and talk with people you trust. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel casting your ballot. That’s a big part of what civic responsibility is all about.

Confirm your polling location before you leave the house. Poll sites sometimes change, and it’s easy to check your assigned spot on your sample ballot.

Don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID. There’s a full list of accepted IDs and details on the Florida Division of Elections website.