Where to vote and what’s on the ballot in Florida

University of Miami students have the opportunity to influence the outcome of upcoming elections on both the local and national levels, from key amendments to voting leadership positions. Here’s where to vote and what voters will decide in the state of Florida.

In addition to voting for the nation’s next president, Florida voters will also consider six amendments to the Florida Constitution that could significantly impact the state.

Students who register to vote in Florida have three ways to vote in Miami-Dade County, including absentee voting, early voting and Election Day voting.

Early votes can be cast from October 21 to November 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here are some key polling places near the University of Miami:

Coral Gables Branch Library (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)

3443 Segovia St, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Kendall Branch Library – 4.7 mi / 7.9 km

9101 SW 97th Avenue, Miami, FL 33196

Department of Elections (Head Office) (13.3 km)

2700 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, FL 33172

Stephen P. Clark Government Center (Office of Elections) – 7.7 mi / 12.7 km

111 NW 1st Street – Lobby Miami, FL 33128

Florida International University (Center for Student Academic Success) (7.8 mi/12.8 km)

11200 SW 8th Street Miami, FL 33199

If you vote on Election Day, November 5, students must go to their assigned precinct, which is determined by their college address, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You can find precinct locations online by calling 3-1-1 or by checking your voter information card.

Voters are encouraged to read the previously prepared sample ballots and print or take a photo of their ballots in order to make their choice in advance.

This strategy not only helps avoid confusion at the ballot box, but also ensures that voters make informed and confident decisions.

Voting in Florida requires registered voters to present valid identification, which may include a Florida driver’s license or student ID along with additional identification. Visit CanIVote.org for more information about important types of identification.

If students do not bring appropriate identification, they can still vote on a provisional ballot, which is used to record votes when it is necessary to determine a voter’s eligibility before the vote can be counted. If they are eligible to vote and are in the correct precinct, their provisional ballot will count if their signature matches their registration details.

Florida constitutional amendments on the ballot

In addition to electing the nation’s next leadership, Floridians will have the opportunity to consider six proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution.

The Florida Legislature is proposing four of these changes, including Amendments 1, 2, 5, and 6.

These amendments include provisions for partisan elections of District School Board members, fishing and hunting rights, annual adjustments to the value of certain homestead exemptions, and the repeal of public campaign financing requirements.

The remaining two amendments are citizens’ initiatives supported by petitions and signatures. They address personal marijuana use among adults in Florida and propose limiting government interference in abortion.

Currently, possession and use of marijuana for non-medical purposes is illegal under state and federal law, and violators are subject to criminal prosecution depending on the amount of marijuana they possess or use.

Proposed Amendment 3 would legalize the recreational use of marijuana by adults 21 and older. People will be able to possess up to three ounces of marijuana and up to five grams in concentrate form.

Similarly, proposed Amendment 4, an amendment limiting government interference in abortion, is also a citizens’ initiative. Before 2022, abortion was legal in Florida up to the federal limits of Roe.

However, in May. On September 1, 2024, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade (1973), a six-week abortion ban took effect (limited exceptions for maternal life, rape or incest).

Proposed Amendment 4 states that the government cannot interfere with a woman’s decision to have an abortion until she has achieved viability, defined as the stage of fetal development at which the fetus can survive outside the womb with standard medical assistance. If an abortion is necessary after viability, the decision is reserved between the woman and her doctor.

This amendment does not mandate unrestricted abortions or replace parental notification of abortion in Florida.

Get involved

As the 2024 election approaches, students have a variety of resources to stay informed and prepared.

Whether you vote in person or choose to vote by mail, every vote counts. Partner with campus organizations that promote voter registration and education, such as Get Out the Vote.

More information about registering and voting in Florida can be found at miamidade.gov.