Politics
Nearly 2.8 million Floridians have voted early as South Florida officials urge more participation
South Florida election supervisors say early voting and mail ballots are drawing strong participation, though Miami-Dade’s elections chief says turnout could still improve. Broward officials credit ballot drop-off stations with a jump in mail-ballot returns.
DORAL, Fla. — Nearly 2.8 million Floridians had voted by mail or in person by Monday, as South Florida election officials said early participation could put the 2026 midterm election on track to outpace previous midterms.
At the Miami-Dade elections office in Doral, voter Johana Padilla celebrated after casting her ballot. “It’s very important to vote,” she said.
Registered Democrats had a narrow lead among ballots cast, with about 1.109 million. Republicans had slightly more than 1.1 million, while voters with no party affiliation accounted for a little more than 500,000 ballots, according to the figures reported Monday.
“Voter turnout has been good; it could be better,” Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia said, urging more residents to vote.
Garcia pointed to secure ballot intake stations at early voting locations. Voters can drive up and hand a mail ballot to a poll worker, who verifies their identity.
Broward County also has intake stations. Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott said the county saw mail-ballot returns rise sharply after installing stations at 30 locations.
Participation in the Florida Keys has been stronger by one measure: Monroe County officials said about 23% of voters had returned mail ballots.
The early numbers offer an initial snapshot, but officials said more voters still need to cast ballots before the election to achieve the turnout they hope to see.