Miami-Dade voters are now in the final week of early voting for the Tuesday, August 18, 2026, primary election, with 23 sites open across the county through Sunday, August 16.
The practical change starts Monday, August 10: early-voting sites are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, August 14, before switching to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, according to the Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections.
What changed this week
Early voting has already been underway since August 3, but the schedule is no longer the same as last week. The county's first weekday block ran 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the current weekday block gives voters evening hours instead.
That matters because early voting is the more flexible option for many Miami-Dade voters. During early voting, registered voters can use any of the 23 county sites. On Election Day, voters must go to their assigned precinct.
The list includes libraries, government centers and community sites from Aventura, North Miami and Miami Beach to Hialeah, Westchester, Kendall, Homestead and South Dade. The county elections office says wait times are posted during the early-voting period so voters can choose a more convenient time and location.
For voters trying to fit the primary around work, school drop-off, caregiving or transit, the difference is practical: the best site may not be the closest one, and the best time may change from day to day. Checking the county's wait-time page before leaving can prevent a wasted trip.
Deadlines voters should check
The vote-by-mail request deadline has already passed. Voters who already have a mail ballot can still return it by mail, at staffed secure ballot intake stations at early-voting sites during operating hours, or at the elections headquarters in Doral or the downtown branch office. The county says mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, August 18.
The county also points voters to the August 18 sample ballot, which can be viewed, saved and printed before voting. The City of Miami is directing residents to the same countywide early-voting sites for its August 18 special election referendum, so Miami voters may have local questions on the ballot in addition to primary contests.
Because Election Day voting is precinct-specific, anyone who has moved, recently changed registration details or usually votes early should confirm their assigned location before deciding to wait until August 18.
Why it matters locally
The August primary is not just a warm-up for November. Axios Miami reported that South Florida voters are choosing nominees in several state House races, including Miami-Dade districts where affordability, public education, insurance, traffic, seniors' services and public safety are campaign issues.
The short version for Miami-Dade voters is simple: if you want location flexibility, use early voting by Sunday, August 16. If you wait until Tuesday, August 18, check your assigned precinct before leaving home.
Voters can confirm sites, hours, wait times, sample ballots and precinct information through VoteMiamiDade.gov or by calling 305-499-VOTE.
