Florida voters face polling shifts after storm damage

Widespread flooding in Florida has forced election officials in seven counties to relocate voting sites ahead of the midterm elections on Tuesday. The state’s low-pressure system generated heavy rainfall from October 31 through November 2, damaging infrastructure and prompting emergency measures. Governor Ron DeSantis signed an emergency order to allow these relocations. The order declared a state of emergency in Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties.

The Florida Department of State confirmed that Brevard, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties are altering their polling maps. The emergency order grants county election supervisors the authority to seek approval for alternative voting arrangements if standard sites fail to meet operational requirements. The department updated its official website with the new locations on Election Day.

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

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

St. Lucie County has reported the most extensive changes, with voters being redirected to the Port St. Lucie Community Center, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, Tradition Town Hall, and Havert L. Fenn Center. The state has noted that these relocations may still change as officials gather more data on site accessibility. Voters in the affected areas are advised to check the Florida Department of State's emergency election resources page or call their local supervisor of elections to verify their assigned location.

Polls in Florida will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The state has confirmed that any voter already in line when the polls close will be allowed to cast a ballot. The emergency order remains in effect to ensure that access to voting is maintained despite the physical damage caused by the recent weather events.