Miami-Dade County August 18 Primary Elections: What's on the Ballot and What You Need to Know

Miami-Dade County voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, for the state primary elections — a critical opportunity to shape the candidates and issues that will define November's general election. Here's a breakdown of what's on the ballot and why this primary matters for local residents.

Polling Hours and Voter Eligibility

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. across Miami-Dade County. Only registered voters who are members of a political party may vote in partisan primary races. Voters registered as No Party Affiliation (NPA) may still participate in any nonpartisan races and ballot measures on the August ballot.

Key Races to Watch

Several competitive races are drawing attention across Miami-Dade this cycle:

- U.S. Congressional Seats: Multiple South Florida congressional districts will see contested primaries, with candidates staking out positions on immigration policy, housing affordability, and climate resilience — issues of particular importance to Miami-Dade residents.

- Florida State Legislature: State House and Senate primaries will determine which candidates advance to the general election. Key issues in these races include property insurance reform, public school funding, and Everglades restoration.

- Miami-Dade County Commission: Several commission seats are up for grabs, with races focused on local concerns including transit expansion, affordable housing development, and public safety.

Ballot Measures and Amendments

In addition to candidate races, Miami-Dade voters may weigh in on local and statewide ballot measures addressing issues such as:

- Property Tax Relief: Proposed measures aimed at easing the burden on homeowners facing rising assessed values amid a sustained real estate boom.

- Infrastructure and Transportation: Bond measures and referendums tied to road improvements, public transit upgrades, and flood mitigation projects critical to the region's long-term resilience.

- Education Funding: Measures related to local school millage rates and funding for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the nation.

How to Prepare

Voters are encouraged to:

1. Confirm their registration status and polling location at the Miami-Dade County Elections Department website (miamidade.gov/elections).

2. Review their sample ballot in advance to make informed choices.

3. Consider early voting options, which typically open in the days leading up to Election Day at select locations throughout the county.

Why This Primary Matters

Primary elections often see lower voter turnout than general elections, meaning each vote carries significant weight in determining outcomes. With Miami-Dade County at the center of some of Florida's most hotly contested political battles, civic participation this August could have lasting consequences for the region's future.

Stay with My Local Press for continued coverage of the August 18 primary elections, candidate profiles, and results as they come in on Election Night.