Politics
South Florida early voters focus on affordability, jobs and public benefits
Early voting opened across Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties, where residents cited grocery prices, housing costs, jobs and health coverage as concerns. Voting continues through Nov. 1 in Miami-Dade and Broward and through Oct. 31 in Monroe.
Early voting began Monday, Oct. 19, at 73 locations across Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties, as South Florida residents raised the cost of groceries and housing, employment and access to public benefits as election concerns.
Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia said officials hoped turnout would reach 60% to 65%, though she said they would welcome participation from every eligible voter. Garcia also said the county uses paper ballots and that its voting system is not connected to the internet.
Sharon Horne, a North Miami voter, said rising grocery and housing costs made her want to cast a ballot. Veteran Charles Symonette said worries about jobs and Medicare and Medicaid were among the reasons he was voting early.
Daniella Pierre, president of the NAACP’s Miami-Dade branch, urged residents to vote and cautioned against voter intimidation. Early voting is scheduled to continue through Nov. 1 in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and through Oct. 31 in Monroe County.