MIAMI – Miami-Dade County Elections Department welcomed voters at 20 early voting sites throughout the County today, the first day of early voting. All went as expected, with an impressive turnout and properly managed voting sites.
“We experienced a tremendously successful first day of early voting,” said Supervisor of Elections Lester Sola. “All sites opened on time and voting equipment performed well. It is refreshing to see the electorate take part in our democracy with such enthusiasm,” said Sola. “If today’s participation is any indication of overall turnout, this is going to be an exciting election. We look forward to serving our citizens.”
Today, on the first day of Early Voting, more voters cast a ballot than the number of people who voted on the first day of Early Voting in November 2004 – with four less hours of operation. Historically, early voters account for about a 25 percent turnout. That could mean somewhere around 300,000 voters vote early in this election. That said, the Miami-Dade Elections Department would like to inform voters that long lines can be expected and according to Sola, “should be seen as a sign of an engaged community eager to vote in this historic election, and not a negative.”
Miami-Dade County has deployed more ballot-on-demand equipment, privacy booths, and voting units than any other county in the State of Florida. All polling sites are sufficiently staffed and stocked with bottled water for all voters. Voters are asked to be patient and rest assured that as long as they are in line by the time polls close, they will be guaranteed their right to vote.
Voters can ensure they are Election Ready by using these tips:
Voters must provide identification that contains both a photo and signature in order to vote. Acceptable forms of ID include:
– Driver’s license or ID card issued by a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
United States passport
– Military or student ID card
– Retirement center or neighborhood association ID card
– Debit/Credit Card
– Public Assistance ID
If the picture identification does not contain a signature, an additional identification with a signature will be required. Voters are always encouraged to bring their voter information card issued by the Elections Department to facilitate the process, but it is not required in order to vote.
Voters should review the Sample Ballot before going to vote. It was sent to the homes of all registered voters and will also be available in public libraries, County Offices, City Halls, Early Voting locations and Commission Offices.
Voters should remember to look at both sides and all pages of the ballot before casting their ballot.
During Early Voting, voters can choose any location listed below. Please note on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2008 voters must vote at their assigned polling places listed on their voter information cards.
Early Voting Hours of Operation
· October 20 – 24: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
· October 25 – 26: Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
· October 27 – 31: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
· November 1 – 2: Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Early Voting Locations
· North Dade Regional Library, 2455 NW 183rd St.
· Model City Library, 2211 NW 54th St.
· Miami Lakes Public Library, 6699 Windmill Gate Rd.
· John F. Kennedy Library 190 West 49th St.
· Elections Department, 2700 NW 87th Ave.
· West Miami City Hall, 901 SW 62nd Ave.
· West Kendall Regional Library, 10201 Hammocks Blvd.
· Kendall Branch Library, 9101 SW 97th Ave.
· West Dade Regional Library, 9445 SW 24th St.
· Florida City Hall, 404 West Palm Dr.
· Aventura Government Center, 19200 West Country Club Dr.
· North Miami Public Library, 835 NE 132nd St.
· Lemon City Library, 430 NE 61st St.
· North Shore Branch Library, 7501 Collins Ave.
· Coral Reef Library, 9211 SW 152nd St.
· Government Center, 111 NW First St.
· Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Dr.
· Coral Gables Library, 3443 Segovia St.
· Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Dr.
· South Dade Regional Library, 10750 SW 211th St.
Additionally, any person eligible to vote in this election can request an absentee ballot, and vote from the comfort of their home. Requests to receive an absentee ballot by mail must be made by October 29, 2008.
