Voters Get Early Start on Aug. 14 Election

Early voting locations opened across Miami-Dade Saturday morning, and residents got their first chance to cast their votes for the Aug. 14 election.

The ballot features the high-profile mayor’s race featuring incumbent Carlos Gimenez against County Commission Chairman Joe Martinez.

There are also primaries for the Senate and House – as well as a chance to vote yes or no on repealing a ban on pit bulls in Miami-Dade County. The ordinance has been in effect since 1989.

Voter Scott Mallard said he didn’t think that question was clear on the ballot.

"I would read some of the questions, especially the one about the dog one – with the pit bull repealing or not repealing it – it was very confusing,” Mallard said.

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The early voting locations will be open every day until the election, including next Saturday, Aug. 11.

Early voting allows voters to avoid the pressure of trying to get their civic duty done on a workday when there are crowds at the polls.

"There’s no lines, and you had more of a chance to review your ballot, and didn’t have to worry about work,” Marie Pestana-Garcia said.

Voters need to bring a voter identification card or a photo ID like a driver’s license.

Mallard also suggested that voters prepare ahead of time.

"You can go online and check a sample a sample ballot – that way you can see just how thick the weeds are before you come to vote,” he said.

For more information on the August election, see the Miami-Dade Elections Department webpage.

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