In accordance with Florida law, the Brevard County Canvassing Board has directed machine recounts for two tightly contested races in the November 2026 election. The races are State Representative District 33 and a seat on the Cape Canaveral City Council. Both contests posted certified margins of 0.5 percent or less, triggering the automatic recount provision.
Recount schedule and location
The machine recounts will commence at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, at the Election Support Center located at 525 N. John Rodes Blvd., Melbourne. The facility is open to the public, and all Canvassing Board meetings remain publicly accessible.
If the machine recount narrows the margin to .25 percent or less, a manual recount will be ordered. That manual review would begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, and could continue through November 12 if needed. The manual process examines blank ballots, overvotes, and undervotes to ensure every vote is accurately counted.
Why the recount matters
Florida’s election statutes require a recount when the margin between the top two candidates falls within half a percent. This safeguard protects the integrity of the electoral process and gives voters confidence that the final result reflects their collective voice. In District 33, the state House race, the Secretary of State has also ordered a recount, reinforcing the bipartisan commitment to transparent elections.
For Cape Canaveral residents, the city‑council seat is a critical local office that influences zoning, public safety, and community development. A recount ensures that the council’s composition truly mirrors the will of the electorate.
Statements from election officials
Tim Bobanic, Brevard County Supervisor of Elections, explained the Board’s decision: “During yesterday’s Canvassing Board meeting, the Board determined a margin of 0.5% or less existed in two races, requiring a machine recount.” He added that the recount process will be conducted with full transparency and that any further manual recount will follow the same open‑meeting standards.
What voters can expect
Voters and interested community members are encouraged to attend the recount sessions. Observers may watch the machines re‑tally the ballots and, if a manual recount is triggered, see the detailed review of each contested ballot. The Board’s commitment to openness reflects the community’s right to witness the democratic process in action.
Both races remain undecided pending the recount outcomes. Residents should stay tuned for updates from the Brevard County Canvassing Board, which will release official results as soon as the recounts are completed.
Background on the contested races
State Representative District 33 covers a swath of central Florida, including parts of Brevard County, and has been a competitive district in recent cycles. The Cape Canaveral City Council seat is one of several at‑large positions that shape local policy on tourism, environmental stewardship, and municipal services.
These recounts underscore the importance of every vote in close elections and demonstrate the robustness of Florida’s election safeguards. As the recounts proceed, the Brevard County community can take confidence that the final results will be accurate, fair, and fully vetted.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
