Florida’s 2026 primary: essential tips, map changes, and what’s on the ballot

Floridians are voting in the 2026 primary, with more than 1.8 million already casting ballots early or by mail. Eligibility requires registration by July 20, and Florida’s closed primaries mean only registered party voters can vote in that party’s primary, though nonpartisan and universal races are open to all. On primary day, vote at your assigned precinct with a photo ID, or surrender a mail ballot; you can also drop it off at elections offices. The ballot includes governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, and statewide and local races, with redrawn maps reshaping district lines. Polls close at 7 p.m. local time (Florida spans two time zones); results are posted after, with potential machine recounts and eventual certification.