Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for seven counties on Election Day, Monday, to address widespread flooding caused by torrential rainfall. The declaration aimed to provide local election supervisors with the necessary flexibility to ensure voter access and the smooth operation of polling sites amidst challenging weather conditions. The affected counties included Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie.
"The Division of Elections is in contact with the counties impacted and will respond pursuant to state law, as necessary." Gretl Plessinger, spokeswoman, Division of Elections.
The emergency order granted election administrators additional authority to relocate any polling sites that became unsafe or impossible to reach due to rising floodwaters. This proactive measure came as heavy rains pounded the state, leading to saturated grounds and significant street flooding across the impacted areas. Election staff worked diligently in the hours leading up to polls opening, identifying and preparing alternate voting locations.
Brevard County, in particular, experienced some of the most severe weather impacts. Schools in the county were closed on Monday and Tuesday, and several roads were temporarily shut down after being overwhelmed by heavy rain. Despite the disruptions, Brevard Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic affirmed the county's readiness to conduct the election. "Yes, we are conducting an election tomorrow," Bobanic told the News Service of Florida on Monday, emphasizing his team's efforts to review backup sites and coordinate with municipal governments and emergency management personnel to monitor conditions.
The severe weather also led to the closure of election offices in Titusville, Melbourne, and Palm Bay on Monday, though the Viera office remained open. A canvassing board meeting scheduled for Monday afternoon was canceled due to the conditions. Florida state law outlines specific procedures for situations where an emergency prevents voters from accessing their assigned precinct. In such cases, officials are required to open an accessible replacement site and post clear notices at the original location, directing voters to the new venue.
The state Division of Elections confirmed it was in direct communication with the counties under the emergency declaration. Gretl Plessinger, a spokeswoman for the Division, stated, "The Division of Elections is in contact with the counties impacted and will respond pursuant to state law, as necessary." The timing of such notifications is critical, as Election Day voters typically must cast their ballots at their assigned precinct, a requirement that early voters do not face. Officials prioritized informing voters swiftly of any changes.
Polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday and remained open until 7 p.m. local time, with provisions for voters still in line at closing to cast their ballots. Bobanic addressed the challenge of late-breaking site changes, assuring the public, "We will get the word out the best we can."
Florida has a history of managing storm-related election disruptions. In 2018, Hurricane Michael devastated parts of the Panhandle, prompting then-Governor Rick Scott to authorize alternative polling locations following the Category 5 storm. This week's heaviest flooding occurred immediately before voting commenced. While Tuesday brought more showers and thunderstorms to South Florida, forecasters anticipated less widespread rain than Monday.
However, Broward and northern Miami-Dade counties remained under a risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding due to already heavily saturated ground. A coastal flood advisory was in effect through Tuesday evening, with dangerous rip currents and hazardous marine conditions impacting Atlantic beaches. Floridians across the state cast ballots in significant statewide contests, including races for governor and U.S. Senate. State officials continued to monitor the affected counties and pledged to respond as needed throughout Election Day. Early Election Day numbers posted online showed 19,428 Republican voters (53.2%), 9,040 Democrats (24.7%), and 6,989 independents (19.1%), with the Republican total exceeding the combined Democratic and independent totals.
