Florida Midterm: Seven counties shift polling places after storm flooding

Voters in seven Florida counties face new polling locations for the midterm elections on Tuesday. The changes follow a low-pressure system that dumped heavy rain across parts of the state from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. The Florida Department of State updated its website on Election Day to list the specific reassignments.

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an emergency order granting election officials the authority to move voting sites. The order declared a state of emergency in Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. It also allows county supervisors to seek approval from the secretary of state for alternative arrangements if standard requirements cannot be met.

Brevard County reassigned several precincts to New Shiloh Christian Center, Joseph N. Davis Community Center, and Palm Bay City Hall in Melbourne. In Highlands County, voters for Precinct 20 at Springlake Community Center in Sebring are moving to the Penny Ogg Operations Center. Indian River County redirected Precinct 7 voters from Sebastian Church of God to Sebastian Elks Lodge No. 2714.

Martin County moved voting from Grace Presbyterian Church to the county supervisor of elections office in Stuart. Okeechobee County shifted Precinct 10 voters from Fort Drum Community Church to High Point Church. Palm Beach County directed voters from Casa Rio Clubhouse to RB Preparatory and Achievement Academy, and moved Ironhorse Country Club voters to North County Senior Center.

St. Lucie County reported multiple relocations, sending voters to the Port St. Lucie Community Center, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, Tradition Town Hall, and Havert L. Fenn Center. The state noted that these locations could change as more data arrives. Polls remain open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time Tuesday.

Residents in affected areas should verify their assigned site via the Florida Department of State emergency page or by contacting their local supervisor of elections. The department confirmed that anyone in line at the 7 p.m. close will be allowed to cast a ballot.