Key Biscayne voters have a narrow window to get ready for the Aug. 18 primary election, with several important deadlines looming.
Under Florida’s closed primary system, only voters registered with a party affiliation can help select that party’s candidates for the Nov. 3 general election ballot, and any changes to registration or party status must be made no later than 5 p.m., on July 20.
Early voting runs from Aug. 3-16, while vote-by-mail applications are due by 5 p.m., on Aug. 6. Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections recommends applying for vote-by-mail as soon as possible to ensure ballots arrive with time to review them.
Here’s what residents need to know now to make sure their vote counts.
Key reference points
Check your voter registration status. Recently became a citizen? Just turned 18? Not sure if you’re registered, or need to update a name or address change? All updates must be submitted before July 20 at 5 p.m.
Confirm your party affiliation to vote in the primary. Florida runs closed primaries, meaning only voters with a Democratic or Republican party mark on their registration can vote in that party’s candidate races. A party affiliation is not a party membership, it’s simply the admission ticket to help choose qualified candidates who will appear on the November ballot. Voters registered as No Party Affiliation (NPA) cannot vote in partisan primary races.
In Miami-Dade County, more than one third of all voters are NPA and currently ineligible to weigh in on primary candidate selection. This must be updated before 5 p.m., on July 20.
Requesting a vote-by-mail ballot doesn’t obligate anyone to actually vote by mail, it just provides an additional option that lets voters receive, study and review their ballot ahead of time. It can also serve as a backup in case of a storm, illness, or scheduling conflict on Election Day.
What is a primary election?
A primary election is how each political party selects its candidates for the general election ballot in November. In Florida’s closed primary system, only voters registered with a party affiliation can vote in that party’s primary and help decide its candidates for the general election. NPA voters sit out the partisan primary entirely, a significant factor in Miami-Dade, where more than one third of registered voters currently fall into that category.
Voting options
Vote by mail: Apply now to receive a ballot in advance. The deadline is Aug. 6.
Early in person voting: Precincts are open from Aug. 3-16. Check the opening times as they vary between weekdays and weekends. The closest early voting location to Key Biscayne is the Historic Garage at 3250 S Miami Avenue, Miami, (same property as the former Museum of Science, as you enter on the right-hand side.)
Vote on Election Day: In person and only at your assigned precinct, with a valid picture ID (a photo on a phone does not count). Key Biscayne resident voters must vote at the Key Biscayne Community Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.