Early voting in the Treasure Coast region is entering its final stretch. Saturday marks the last day for voters in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties to drop off their ballots at any early‑voting site within their jurisdiction. Palm Beach County extends its early‑voting period through Sunday, giving residents one extra day to vote before the polls close on Election Day, Nov. 3.
Strong turnout so far
Statewide, more than 2 million Floridians have already cast an early ballot, a sign that voters are taking advantage of the convenience offered by the expanded voting window. In Palm Beach County alone, nearly 140,000 voters have submitted their ballots early.
On the Treasure Coast, participation is robust. St. Lucie County reports over 40,000 early ballots, while both Martin and Indian River counties have each seen more than 20,000 voters turn in their votes. Okeechobee County, with a smaller population, has recorded about 2,000 early ballots to date.
Mail‑in ballots still accepted
Voters who prefer to vote by mail have until Election Day to return their completed ballots. Election officials are urging residents to plan ahead, ensure their mail‑in ballots are postmarked correctly, and track delivery status where possible. The goal is to avoid any last‑minute complications and guarantee that every eligible vote is counted.
How to vote early
Early‑voting locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and have extended hours on Saturdays. Voters can find their nearest site by visiting the Florida Division of Elections website or by calling the county voter services hotline. Required identification includes a valid photo ID or a combination of two documents that together verify the voter’s name and address.
What’s at stake
The 2026 midterm elections will determine the composition of Florida’s congressional delegation, the state legislature, and numerous local offices. Early voting helps reduce congestion at polling places on Election Day and gives voters more flexibility to participate in the democratic process.
Stay informed
For the latest updates on voting locations, hours, and any changes to election procedures, residents should follow local news outlets, check official county websites, and consider downloading the WPBF 25 News app for real‑time alerts.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
