Early Voting Begins in Miami-Dade: Here's Everything You Need to Know

Florida's primary isn't officially until March 15, but polls are already open at 20 early-voting locations across Miami-Dade County. Sure, the dynamics of the primary races may change a bit between now and then (especially on the Republican side), but if you've already made up your mind, you can head to the polls. 

Here's everything you need to know. 

Early Voting Locations Are Open for 14 Days, but Times May Vary
Polls will be open weekdays this week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Next week, they'll be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both weekends, polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. As long as you're in line by closing time, you'll be able to vote. 

Bring a Valid Form of ID
That includes a Florida driver's license, other Florida ID cards, a U.S. Passport, debit or credit cards, military ID, student ID, retirement center ID, public assistance ID, or neighborhood association ID. 

You aren't required to bring your voter registration card, but it is suggested. 

If You've Requested an Absentee Ballot but Plan to Vote in Person Instead, Bring the Absentee Ballot With You
It makes things easier. If you've requested an absentee ballot but don't bring it with you, poll workers will have to check the status of your ballot, and you may wind up having to cast a provisional ballot instead. 

Primary Polls Are Only Open to Registered Republicans or Democrats 
Florida's primaries are closed, meaning registered independents can't cast a vote. The deadline to register or change your party was earlier this month. 

Voters in the City of Miami, Miami Beach, and Surfside Will Have More Than Primaries on Their Ballots 
Miami voters will decide a referendum about leasing land for the Miami Riverwalk. Beach voters will decide two referenda related to the Miami Beach Convention Center hotel, and Surfside residents will have a general municipal election. 

You do not need to be registered with a party to vote in those elections. 

You Can Check Wait Times at Polling Places Online
Right here! 

Remember: Primaries for Other Offices Will Be Held in August
Yes, to fully participate in federal democracy this year, you'll be required to head to the polls three times. August 30, primaries will be held for Marco Rubio's soon-to-be-vacated Senate seat and for state senators and representatives. The federal congressional and state Senate districts were redrawn this year, so these primaries could be especially important. We'll get to all of that later on, but remember this is the first of two primaries this year. 

You Can Vote at Any of the Early Voting Sites
As long as you're registered to vote in Miami-Dade, you can vote at any of the 20 polling places open for early votes. On Election Day, you're required to vote at your designated polling place. 

Here Are the 20 Early-Voting Polling Places

City of Miami - City Hall
3500 Pan American Dr.
Miami, FL 33133
(Entrance is located on the northeast side of the building; ADA entrance is through the front door of city hall)

Coral Gables Branch Library
3443 Segovia St.
Coral Gables, FL 33134

Coral Reef Branch Library
9211 SW 152nd St.
Miami, FL 33157

Elections Department (Main Office)
2700 NW 87th Avenue
Doral, FL 33172

Homestead Community Center (William F. "Bill" Dickinson Community Center)
1601 N. Krome Ave.
Homestead, FL 33030

John F. Kennedy Library
190 W. 49th St.
Hialeah, FL 33012

Kendall Branch Library
9101 SW 97th Ave. 
Miami, FL 33176

Lemon City Library
430 NE 61st St.
Miami, FL 33137

Miami Beach City Hall
1700 Convention Center Dr.
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Miami Lakes Community Center (Mary Collins Community Center)
15151 NW 82nd Ave.
Miami Lakes, FL 33016

Model City Library (Caleb Center)
2211 NW 54th St.
Miami, FL 33142

North Dade Regional Library
2455 NW 183rd St.
Miami Gardens, FL 33056

North Miami Public Library
835 NE 132nd St.
North Miami, FL 33161

North Shore Branch Library
7501 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33141

Northeast Dade-Aventura Branch Library
2930 Aventura Blvd.
Aventura, FL 33180

South Dade Regional Library
10750 SW 211th St.
Cutler Bay, FL 33189

Stephen P. Clark Government Center (Elections Branch Office)
111 NW First St., Lobby
Miami, FL 33128

West Dade Regional Library
9445 SW 24th St.
Miami, FL 33165

West End Regional Library
10201 Hammocks Blvd.
Miami, FL 33196

West Miami Community Center
901 SW 62nd Ave.
West Miami, FL 33144