Early Voting Is Open Now: How to Vote Early in the Miami Gardens Election (August 3 to 16)
Early voting is open now, starting today, Monday August 3, and running through Sunday, August 16. You can vote at any of 23 locations across Miami-Dade County.
The wait is over: early voting officially opens today, Monday, August 3, for the August 18 election. If you're a registered Miami Gardens voter, you now have two full weeks to cast your ballot before Election Day, on your own schedule, at any early voting site in Miami-Dade County. We covered what's on your ballot in our voter guide. Now here's exactly how and when to vote early.
Early voting dates and hours
According to the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections, the hours change during the two-week window, so check the day you plan to go:
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon Aug 3 to Fri Aug 7 | 7:00 am to 3:00 pm |
| Sat Aug 8 and Sun Aug 9 | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Mon Aug 10 to Fri Aug 14 | 11:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Sat Aug 15 and Sun Aug 16 | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Notice the shift in the second week: from August 10 to 14, sites are open until 7:00 pm, which is ideal if you work during the day and need an evening option.
Where to vote early
The Supervisor of Elections has opened 23 early voting locations across Miami-Dade County. The single most important thing to know: during early voting, you can go to any of the 23 sites, not just the one closest to your home or your assigned precinct. Pick whichever is most convenient, near work, near home, or on your daily route.
Because site lists can be updated, always confirm the current locations and find the one nearest you at the official source: miamidade.gov/elections. Look for the August 18 Primary Election early voting schedule, which lists all 23 sites with addresses. If you'd rather ask a person, call the Elections Department for the closest site to Miami Gardens.
What to bring
Florida law requires a current and valid photo ID that includes your signature. A Florida driver license or state ID card is the most common. If your photo ID doesn't include your signature, bring a second ID that does. Other acceptable IDs include a U.S. passport, a military or government employee ID, and certain other government-issued cards. When in doubt, bring your driver license and you'll be fine.
Voting by mail? Watch this deadline
Completed mail ballots can be returned by mail with no postage required, or dropped off at any early voting location during hours of operation at the secure ballot intake stations, or at the Elections Department headquarters in Doral or the downtown branch. Mail ballots must be received by 7:00 pm on Election Day, August 18. Received, not postmarked, so don't wait until the last day to mail it.
Your three ways to vote, recapped
| Method | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Early voting | Aug 3 to 16, any of 23 sites, hours vary by day |
| Vote by mail | Request by Aug 6, ballot must arrive by 7 pm Aug 18 |
| Election Day | Aug 18, vote at your assigned precinct only |
Remember the key difference: during early voting you can go anywhere, but on Election Day you must vote at your specific assigned precinct. If you're not sure where that is, confirm it now at miamidade.gov/elections.
Why voting early is worth it
Early voting exists to make your life easier. You skip the Election Day lines, you choose a day and time that fits your schedule (including two weekends and evening hours the second week), and you get it done with time to spare. For local races like the Miami Gardens City Council seats on this ballot, every vote carries real weight, because these elections are decided by far fewer voters than national ones. Your ballot matters most exactly here, in the races closest to home.
Frequently asked questions
When is early voting in Miami-Dade for the August 2026 election?
Early voting runs Monday, August 3 through Sunday, August 16, 2026, ahead of the August 18 Election Day. Hours are 7 am to 3 pm from August 3 to 7, 8 am to 4 pm on the weekends of August 8 to 9 and August 15 to 16, and 11 am to 7 pm from August 10 to 14. Voters can use any of the 23 early voting sites in Miami-Dade County.
Can I vote at any early voting location in Miami-Dade?
Yes. During the early voting period (August 3 to 16), you can vote at any of the 23 early voting locations in Miami-Dade County, regardless of where you live. On Election Day, August 18, you must vote at your specific assigned precinct. Find locations at miamidade.gov/elections.
What is the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot?
The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the August 18 election is August 6, 2026. If you voted by mail in the last presidential election but have not renewed your request, it has expired and you must submit a new request. Completed mail ballots must be received by 7 pm on Election Day, August 18.
Early voting dates, hours, and rules from the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections. Always verify current locations and your registration at miamidade.gov/elections. Published: August 3, 2026.
