Early voting is underway across Florida. Here’s how to find your polling place, check your county’s hours and make a plan before Election Day.
Florida voters are approaching the final days of early voting ahead of the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, general election. Whether you plan to vote this week or wait until Election Day, knowing where to go and when the polls close can save you time.
The most important thing to remember: early-voting schedules vary by county. Check with your county supervisor of elections before heading out, especially if you’re planning to vote on the last available day.
When can I vote early in Florida?
Florida’s required statewide early-voting period runs from October 24 through October 31, but counties can offer additional days and set their own hours. You can vote at any early-voting location in the county where you’re registered.
For readers in the Sarasota and Manatee area, both counties offer early voting through Sunday, November 1, with different closing times:
- Sarasota County: October 19–November 1, 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. daily. Find Sarasota early-voting locations.
- Manatee County: October 19–November 1, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. Find Manatee early-voting locations.
These are local examples, not the schedule for every Florida county. Florida’s early-voting information explains the process and directs voters to their county election officials.
When are the polls open on Election Day?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Florida polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. If you are in line at your assigned polling place when the polls close, you can still vote.
Unlike early voting, on Election Day you must vote at your assigned precinct. Don’t assume the early-voting site you used before is your Election Day polling place. Check your location before leaving home.
- Find your Sarasota County precinct
- Find your Manatee County precinct
- Voters elsewhere in Florida should check their county supervisor of elections’ website for their assigned polling place.
What should I bring?
Bring a current, valid photo ID with your signature. Examples include a Florida driver license, Florida identification card or U.S. passport. If your accepted photo ID does not have a signature, you may present another accepted ID that does.
If you don’t have the required ID with you, you can still cast a provisional ballot. Ask an election worker for help and follow any instructions provided. Review the accepted forms of identification and provisional ballot information.
Already registered? Check your information before you go
Florida’s registration deadline for the November 3 general election was October 5. If you’re already registered and eligible, you can still vote in person during your county’s remaining early-voting hours or at your assigned precinct on Election Day.
Check your registration status, polling location and sample ballot through your county elections office. Manatee voters can check their voter status here. If you have questions about your eligibility or a recent move, contact your county supervisor of elections.
If you received a vote-by-mail ballot but decide to vote in person, bring your mail ballot with you to surrender if you have it. An election worker can explain the process if you don’t have it.
Where to follow the results
On election night, Florida voters can follow statewide results through the official Florida Election Watch. The state says preliminary results begin at 8 p.m. Eastern, after polls close across Florida.
Results on election night are preliminary and can change as ballots are counted. Final certified results come later. County supervisors of elections also provide results for local races.
Make a plan
Check your county’s schedule, confirm your location, bring your ID and leave yourself enough time to get there. A few minutes of preparation can make the experience easier, whether you vote early or on November 3.
Questions? Contact the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections at 941-861-8600 or the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections at 941-741-3823. Voters in other counties should contact their own supervisor of elections.
