Everything Miami-Dade voters need to know before mailing their ballots ahead of the elections
On October 6, Miami-Dade voters witnessed a pivotal step toward democracy in motion. Just weeks before the Nov. 4 municipal elections, thousands of vote-by-mail ballots were officially mailed out from the Elections Headquarters in Doral. It wasn’t just a routine government process—it was a moment that showcased the county’s commitment to secure, transparent, and accessible elections, right here in our own backyard.
Vote-by-Mail Ballots Officially Mailed in Miami-Dade Ahead of Nov. 4 Municipal Elections
A big step for local democracy
At exactly 10:30 a.m., about 39,000 vote-by-mail ballots were carefully loaded onto a USPS truck from the Elections Headquarters Warehouse. Members of the media gathered to watch, underscoring the importance of this process not only for voters in Miami but also for surrounding communities like Hialeah, Homestead, Miami Beach, and Surfside.
Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections, the Honorable Alina Garcia, spoke after the loading and reassured residents that protecting voter trust was her top priority. “Voting by mail is one of three convenient ways our voters can cast their votes, along with early voting and voting on election day,” she said, reminding the public that fairness, accuracy, and accessibility remain at the core of her office’s mission.
Understanding Vote-By-Mail in Miami-Dade
This year’s mailing carried special weight because of changes in Florida law. All previous vote-by-mail requests expired on January 1, 2025, meaning voters had to renew their requests to continue receiving ballots. Under the law, each request now remains valid for two years, covering elections through the next general election cycle.
For Miami-Dade residents, that meant taking a few extra steps—especially if their address had changed. Ballots are not forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service, so voters who wanted theirs sent elsewhere had to submit a new Statewide Vote-By-Mail Request Form, complete with their signature.
The deadline was strict, too: ballots had to reach the Elections Department by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Residents were urged not to wait until the last minute, giving officials enough time to notify them in case of signature issues or other errors.
Miami-Dade tests voting machines ahead of November elections to ensure accuracy and trust
The Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections, chaired by the Honorable Alina Garcia, announced the official schedule for Logic and Accuracy (L&A) testing of voting equipment ahead of the November 4, 2025, municipal elections. These public tests, which will be conducted at the Miami-Dade Elections Department (2700 NW 87th Ave.), will verify that all voting machines correctly record and report results in cities such as Hialeah, Miami Beach, Homestead, Miami, and Surfside.
Political parties, candidates, the media, and the general public are invited to observe the process as part of the county's commitment to transparency and election security. Supervisor Garcia emphasized the importance of these tests, stating, "Your vote is your voice. Protecting that voice is our greatest responsibility."
Democracy delivered
The Oct. 6 ballot mailing wasn’t just about paperwork—it was a powerful reminder of how democracy is safeguarded in Miami-Dade County. With thousands of ballots en route, the community was one step closer to shaping the future of local leadership.
As Miami continues to thrive on civic engagement and cultural pride, every vote counts. Stay informed on updates like these by subscribing to the Calle Ocho News newsletter. And for local businesses or agencies looking to connect with Miami’s vibrant community, reach out to Pressnet Corp. for advertising opportunities that put your message front and center.
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