Voters across Florida are currently participating in the 2026 primary election, a critical step in selecting party nominees for federal, state, and local offices ahead of the November general election. The official primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Under Florida’s closed primary system, registered voters generally may only cast ballots in their own party’s primary. However, all registered voters retain the right to participate in nonpartisan races, including many judicial and school board contests, regardless of political affiliation.
Key Dates for the August Primary
To ensure participation, residents must adhere to strict deadlines established by state law. The final deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation is July 20, 2026. For those opting out of in-person voting on Election Day, requests for mail-in ballots must be submitted by August 6 at 5 p.m.
The mandatory early voting period runs from August 8 through August 15. Some counties, including Miami-Dade and Monroe, offer additional early voting days starting as early as August 3. On Election Day itself, polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by election officials no later than 7 p.m. on August 18 to be counted.
Preparation for the November General Election
The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. This contest will determine winners for statewide offices such as governor, attorney general, chief financial officer, and agriculture commissioner. It also includes races for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, the Florida Legislature, judicial positions, and numerous county and municipal posts.
Midterm Election Deadlines
Voters should note separate deadlines for the November general election to ensure their ballots are processed correctly. The deadline to register or update party affiliation is October 5, 2026. Mail-in ballot requests must be received by October 22 at 5 p.m.
The early voting period for the general election runs from October 24 through October 31, with some counties offering additional days. Election Day polls will again operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and mail-in ballots must be received by that time on November 3. For comprehensive updates and official resources, voters are encouraged to visit the Florida Division of Elections website.
