Flooding has forced voters in seven Florida counties to use temporary polling places Tuesday, after Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an emergency order allowing election officials to move voting sites ahead of the midterm elections.
The Florida Department of State listed changes in Brevard, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties. The list was updated on Election Day.
DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-227 on Monday. A low-pressure system brought heavy rain to parts of Florida between Oct. 31 and Nov. 2, leading to flash flood warnings and concerns about roads, schools and other key infrastructure.
The order declared a state of emergency in Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties. It also lets county election supervisors ask the secretary of state to approve alternative voting arrangements when flooding makes it difficult to meet polling-place requirements.
Several precincts in Brevard County have been moved to New Shiloh Christian Center and Joseph N. Davis Community Center in Melbourne, as well as Palm Bay City Hall.
In Highlands County, voters assigned to Precinct 20 at Springlake Community Center in Sebring should go to the Penny Ogg Operations Center instead.
Indian River County voters assigned to Precinct 7 at Sebastian Church of God are being sent to Sebastian Elks Lodge No. 2714.
In Martin County, voting at Grace Presbyterian Church has moved to the county supervisor of elections office in Stuart.
Okeechobee County voters assigned to Precinct 10 at Fort Drum Community Church should vote at High Point Church.
In Palm Beach County, voters originally assigned to Casa Rio Clubhouse and Ironhorse Country Club have been redirected to RB Preparatory and Achievement Academy and North County Senior Center, respectively.
St. Lucie County has made several changes. Affected voters are being directed to sites including the Port St. Lucie Community Center, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, Tradition Town Hall and Havert L. Fenn Center.
The state said polling-place changes could still be made as more information becomes available. Voters can check the Florida Department of State’s emergency election resources or contact their county supervisor of elections to confirm where to vote.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time Tuesday. Anyone in line when polls close will still be allowed to cast a ballot.
