Most counties began Oct. 19, but Marion and Sumter start later, and the state’s required early-voting window doesn’t begin until Oct. 24.
Early voting for Florida’s Nov. 3 general election began Monday, Oct. 19, in most Central Florida counties. According to FOX 35 Orlando, which compiled information from county elections offices, Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties are open now. Marion County opens Thursday, Oct. 22, and Sumter County opens Saturday, Oct. 24.
The schedules differ because Florida sets only a minimum. The state’s mandatory early-voting period for this election is Oct. 24–31, and counties may add days and hours. Several have.
What’s on the ballot
The Florida governor’s race is a headline contest. FOX 35 reported that Byron Donalds won the Republican primary and David Jolly won the Democratic primary. Orlando Weekly also lists a U.S. Senate seat and the Orange County mayor’s race. Voters should check their sample ballot with their county Supervisor of Elections for the full list.
County schedules
The table below uses FOX 35’s compilation. Orange, Osceola and Seminole dates and hours match their own election offices’ sites. I could not independently confirm the others against county pages.
| County | Dates | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Brevard | Oct. 19–31 | Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Flagler | Oct. 19–31 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily |
| Lake | Oct. 19–31 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily |
| Marion | Oct. 22–31 | 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily |
| Orange | Oct. 19–Nov. 1 | 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily |
| Osceola | Oct. 19–Nov. 1 | 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily |
| Seminole | Oct. 19–Nov. 1 | 7 a.m.–7 p.m. daily |
| Sumter | Oct. 24–31 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily |
| Volusia | Oct. 19–31 | 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily |
One unresolved point: FOX 35’s summary says some counties start Tuesday, Oct. 20, but none of its county listings show that date. Marion’s own site, in the version I reviewed, listed general-election early voting as “TBA.” Marion voters should confirm dates and sites with the county elections office before going.
Where to vote
Voters can use any early-voting site in their county, regardless of home address. Orange County says it has 27 sites, and its flyer includes a wait-time lookup. Seminole’s seven sites are on the county elections site. Each county’s full address list is on its Supervisor of Elections website:
On Election Day, voters must go to their assigned precinct. Early-voting sites won’t be an option that day.
What to bring
Orange and Osceola counties both say voters need photo and signature identification. Anyone who moved within Florida and hasn’t updated their registration can do so at an Orange County early-voting site, according to the county.
The registration deadline passed on Oct. 5. Voters can check their status at registertovoteflorida.gov.
Vote-by-mail deadlines
The deadline to request a mail ballot is Oct. 22 at 5 p.m., according to Marion County. FOX 35 also lists Oct. 22. One outlet, the Florida Trib, gave Oct. 25 in a state-calendar summary, so voters relying on mail should confirm with their county.
Completed ballots must reach the Supervisor of Elections by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. Postmarks don’t count. Voters can return ballots at early-voting sites during voting hours. Orange County says each of its sites has a secure intake station.
What it means for employers
This section is analysis, not confirmed reporting. With polls open on weekends and many sites running into the evening, employees have plenty of ways to vote without leaving work mid-shift. Orange and Osceola offer 8 a.m.–8 p.m. hours, and Seminole offers 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Employers may want to remind staff of the Oct. 22 mail-ballot request deadline and of the ID requirement. Businesses near early-voting sites, including libraries, community centers and government offices, may see more foot traffic and parking demand through Nov. 1. Whether any leave or scheduling obligations apply to a given employer is a question for legal counsel.
