The courtyard at Coral Gables City Hall on March 4, 2026. The building is being renovated.

The courtyard at Coral Gables City Hall on March 4, 2026. The building is being renovated.

PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

adiaz@miamiherald.com

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Editorial Board’s endorsements for Coral Gables election

Coral Gables registered voters will receive mail ballots for eight referendums April 21. Read the Miami Herald Editorial Board’s recommendations on each measure.

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Here is the Herald Editorial Board’s recommendation on Coral Gables’ Referendum 2:

Question: Should the City Commission be prohibited from changing the municipal general election date away from November of even-numbered years through the adoption of an ordinance?

Recommendation: YES

This will ensure that only voters, via a referendum, can change the timing of the elections. If voters approve Referendum 1 to move the city’s elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years to increase turnout, the elections could not be changed back by a vote of the City Commission alone. This makes sense.

This measure will prevent Coral Gables from making the same mistake Miami did last summer. When Miami commissioners voted to move the elections without voter approval, the city was sued and lost in court.

The Coral Gables special election is April 21. It is a mail-ballot-only election. All registered voters will receive ballots in the mail. Ballots must be received by the elections office by 7 p.m. on April 21.

BEHIND THE STORY MORE Who decides the political endorsements?

In advance of local and state elections, Miami Herald Editorial Board members interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The Editorial Board is composed of experienced opinion journalists and is independent of the Herald’s newsroom. Members of the Miami Herald Editorial Board are: Amy Driscoll, editorial page editor; and editorial writers Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.

What does the endorsement process look like?

The Miami Herald Editorial Board interviews political candidates to better understand their views on public policy and how their policies will affect their constituents. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates before making an endorsement. The Editorial Board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. Candidates who decline to be interviewed will not receive an endorsement.

Is the Editorial Board partisan?

No. In making endorsements, members of the Editorial Board consider which candidates are better prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with our editorial stances or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, readiness for office, depth of knowledge of key issues and understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. 

This story was originally published March 31, 2026 at 1:57 PM.