Voters in seven Florida counties are being sent to temporary polling locations on Election Day after heavy flooding damaged roads and infrastructure, prompting Gov. Ron DeSantis to issue an emergency order allowing officials to relocate voting sites.
The Florida Department of State confirmed polling-place changes in Brevard, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties, with updates posted to its website on Election Day itself.
DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-227 on Monday following a low-pressure system that dumped heavy rain across the state from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, setting off flash flood warnings and putting roads, schools and other infrastructure at risk.
The order declared a state of emergency in Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties. It also gives county election supervisors who cannot meet standard polling-place requirements a path to seek approval from the secretary of state for alternative voting arrangements.
Where voters are being redirected
- Brevard County: Several precincts have been reassigned to New Shiloh Christian Center and Joseph N. Davis Community Center in Melbourne, as well as Palm Bay City Hall.
- Highlands County: Voters at Precinct 20, normally at Springlake Community Center in Sebring, are being sent to the Penny Ogg Operations Center.
- Indian River County: Precinct 7 voters, normally at Sebastian Church of God, are being redirected to Sebastian Elks Lodge No. 2714.
- Martin County: Voting at Grace Presbyterian Church has moved to the county supervisor of elections office in Stuart.
- Okeechobee County: Precinct 10 voters, normally at Fort Drum Community Church, are being sent to High Point Church.
- Palm Beach County: Voters assigned to Casa Rio Clubhouse and Ironhorse Country Club are being redirected to RB Preparatory and Achievement Academy and North County Senior Center, respectively.
- St. Lucie County: Multiple precincts have changed, with voters redirected to the Port St. Lucie Community Center, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, Tradition Town Hall and the Havert L. Fenn Center.
State officials cautioned that these relocations remain subject to change as more information becomes available throughout the day.
Voters are urged to check the Florida Department of State’s emergency election resources page or contact their county supervisor of elections office to confirm their assigned polling place before heading out to vote.
Polls across Florida are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time Tuesday, and any voter already in line when polls close will still be permitted to cast a ballot.
