MIAMI-DADE – The Miami-Dade Elections Department is prepared to welcome voters at all 749 precincts beginning Tuesday at 7 a.m. 25,848 voters cast their ballots during the Early Voting period, which ended Sunday, and an additional 35,325 have returned absentee ballots.
The Department will continue to accept absentee ballots until Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Voters who plan to vote Tuesday should keep in mind these important points:
• Unlike during Early Voting, when voters can choose any location, on Election Day voters must vote at their assigned polling places listed on their voter information cards. Any voter who is unsure of where to vote should contact the Department at (305) 499-VOTE (8683).
• Based on changes in state law, 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, employee badge, military or student ID card, buyer’s club ID card, and retirement center or neighborhood association ID card. If the picture identification does not contain a signature, an additional identification with a signature will be required. Voters are also always encouraged to bring their voter information cards issued by the Elections Department to facilitate the process, but the information card is not required in order to vote.
• Any person who believes that he or she is eligible to vote, but who is not deemed eligible by polling place personnel, may always vote a provisional ballot, which will be considered by the Canvassing Board.
• To vote in this election, citizens must have registered to vote by Aug. 7, 2006. The Elections Department encourages eligible citizens who are not yet registered to register so that they may vote in future elections, including the upcoming Nov. 7, 2006, General Election. The deadline for registration for that election is Oct. 9, 2006.
The Elections Department will have staff on hand to assist voters with any questions or issues that may arise. Voters should call (305) 499-VOTE (8683).
