MIAMI-DADE – It's all systems go in Miami-Dade County as every voting precinct flung open their doors at 7 a.m. sharp to voters ready to make their mark in today's elections. With a considerable tally already in the bag – over 55,000 votes cast via early voting or mail-in ballots – the day promises to bring out the civic spirit in droves. Those looking to join the ranks of early voters should bring along a photo ID and double-check their voting location, reports suggest.
Voters are encouraged to check their precinct details – especially given the recent reshuffling of voting territories – by dipping into their voter information cards or the Elections Department's website, or by making a quick call to 311. This tidbit comes from the official Miami-Dade government announcement. Should voters find themselves queued up by 7 p.m. when polls close, they'll still get to cast their ballot, so long as their patience holds.
As for the nitty-gritty, Floridians are reminded to carry current and valid ID. Options on the table include a slew of choices from Florida Driver Licenses to student IDs and even neighborhood association identification. Those empty-handed, fear not – a provisional ballot will be your salvation, though the check-in process can breeze by if you've got your voter info card handy. Do note that handing in your mail-in ballot at your precinct isn't how it rolls in Florida, the county caveats.
For the procrastinators, vote-by-mail ballots can still be a game changer as long as they land at two designated locations by 7 p.m. – the Miami-Dade Elections Department or the Stephen P. Clark Center. And just so we're clear, depending on your party affiliation, there might be a limitation on your ballot options. "This year, only the Republican Party will hold a Presidential Preference Primary Election to select their presidential nominee on March 19th," according to Miami-Dade press release, adding that Democrats and non-party folks won't get a say in the matter due to the uncontested Democratic nominee.
But politics, like weather, can change local depending on where you're standing. All registered voters from South Miami to Surfside have their municipal duties to attend to regardless of their allegiance to party lines. So, whether you're casting your ballot for the Presidential Preference or for the local hot seats, Miami-Dade is ready for you. Make sure you're equally prepared. More details, like the sample ballot, are up for grabs at the county's elections website or for the analog at heart, just dial 311 and get in the know, the county's release advises.
