Voting by Mail | How You Can Vote in the Upcoming Miami-Dade Elections 2020
Primary elections are just around the corner, and our team at Reach Voters has some helpful information to share with you as you decided not only to know who to vote for but also how to vote in this unprecedented election.
The primaries are fast approaching in Florida. For this reason, it is imperative that we are aware of the races and politicians who are running for office in our districts.
We may recognize some of their names from political TV and social media ads. However, we face many “down-ballot” races and candidates running for smaller yet very important positions.
Reach Voters has tips on how to be prepared to vote during this unique election cycle.
Coronavirus Impact on Miami-Dade Elections
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought significant changes in our communities. We have gone from quarantining at home to following safety guidelines when going out in public.
Now the biggest question on everyone’s mind is how will the pandemic impact elections? This year, the polls remain committed to taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of voters and poll workers.
Poll locations will be taking steps to place voting booths so that social distancing guidelines are met. The elections department will also change how ballots are given to voters and require gloves and masks to prevent the spread of the Covid-19.
Election Deadlines
It is important to keep in mind the election dates for your particular city so that you can be prepared and ready to vote. Some of the dates you should know include the deadline to register to vote, changing the information on your voter registration card, early voting dates, and the deadline to send in your ballots if you have chosen to vote by mail.
In Miami-Dade County, the deadline for primaries registration is July 20th, and election day is Tuesday, August 18th.
We highly recommend that voters request a sample ballot to review before voting. A sample ballot provides all races and candidates running in your district. It also gives you the chance to research any issues that might be on the ballot.
This information will give you the ability to conduct research on each of the candidates. It can ultimately help you choose which candidate you’ll vote for.
Vote By Mail in Miami
With the rising number of Covid-19 cases, many wonder how to participate in voting while not exposing themselves. There is an option that has been available for many years, and it is making use of the absentee ballot also known as voting by mail.
Many US citizens who cannot make it to the polls or live abroad choose to vote by mail. Interest in voting by mail has increased and is an option for many during this election year as we continue to experience a health crisis.
Voting by mail is a safe way to vote for your candidates and send in your choices to your elections department within your city to get your votes counted.
Three Ways to Vote
As voters, we must always keep in mind that we have several options to vote. During this time, understand all the ways of staying safe while voting is crucial.
When voting in person and using a paper ballot, we must remind ourselves to wear our masks, use gloves, and stay mindful of social distancing space between ourselves and others. This includes receiving and handing your ballot to for counting.
If your polling location has electronic voting, the same safety guidelines apply. You must stay aware of supplies available to clean the screen and tools you use when you enter your voting booth.
Early voting in Miami-Dade County, Florida is another way to reduce your contact with people and avoid long lines.
Finally, when voting by mail, remember to keep your areas and materials disinfected as you bring in outside mail. As you put these in the mailbox for delivery, make sure you wash your hand after touching the surfaces of the mailbox.
Once we all follow these guidelines and ensure that we are mindful of ourselves and other voters, we will most definitely see a swift and successful voting.
Reach Voters want all constituents to remember to be prepared for elections by researching the candidates whether it’s county commissioner, judicial, congressional, senatorial & presidential; having done your research ahead of time will make your voting process faster, safer and efficient.
For more political and election insight, visit our Reach Voters website.
- “Health and Safety at the Polling Place – Election Assistance ….” 28 May. 2020, https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/electionofficials/inpersonvoting/Health_and_Safety_at_the_Polling_Place_052820.pdf. Accessed 26 Jun. 2020.
- “Election Calendar – Miami-Dade County.” https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1531339694394249. Accessed 26 Jun. 2020.