Voters in seven Florida counties are being directed to temporary polling locations due to widespread flooding. The changes come after Governor Ron DeSantis issued an emergency order allowing election officials to relocate voting sites ahead of the midterm elections. The Florida Department of State confirmed polling place changes in Brevard, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties.
DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-227 on Monday, following heavy rainfall from October 31 through November 2 that triggered flash flood warnings and impacted critical infrastructure. The order declared a state of emergency in Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. It also enables county election supervisors facing polling place challenges to seek approval for alternative voting arrangements from Florida's secretary of state.
Temporary polling locations have been established for affected voters. In Brevard County, several precincts have been moved to New Shiloh Christian Center and Joseph N. Davis Community Center in Melbourne, and to Palm Bay City Hall. Highlands County voters for Precinct 20, originally at Springlake Community Center in Sebring, are now directed to the Penny Ogg Operations Center.
Indian River County voters assigned to Precinct 7 at Sebastian Church of God are being rerouted to Sebastian Elks Lodge No. 2714. In Martin County, voting previously scheduled at Grace Presbyterian Church has been relocated to the county supervisor of elections office in Stuart. Okeechobee County voters for Precinct 10, previously at Fort Drum Community Church, are now directed to High Point Church.
In Palm Beach County, voters from 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 has reported multiple changes, with voters being redirected to locations including the Port St. Lucie Community Center, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, Tradition Town Hall, and Havert L. Fenn Center.
The Florida Department of State cautioned that relocations are subject to change as more information becomes available. Voters are advised to check the department's emergency election resources page or contact their county supervisor of elections to confirm their assigned polling place. Polls in Florida are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time on Election Day. Voters in line when polls close will be permitted to cast their ballots.