On Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, eligible voters across South Florida will head to the polls for the 2026 general election. To accommodate the use of public school facilities as voting precincts, a number of county school districts have announced whether student classes will be in session.
Districts staying open for students
The following counties will maintain a regular school day on election day: Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Monroe. Students in these districts will attend their usual classes while voting takes place in separate school spaces.
Districts closing student classes
Four counties have decided to close schools for students so that the entire building can be used for voting. Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Broward, and Miami‑Dade will not hold regular classes for students on Nov. 3.
Voting hours and logistics
All precincts operating out of school buildings will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Voters are encouraged to plan their day accordingly, especially families with school‑age children in the districts that will be closed.
What parents should know
Parents in the counties with school closures should arrange alternative childcare or supervision for their children on election day. Those in districts remaining open can expect a normal school schedule, with voting activities taking place in designated areas of the school facilities.
Why schools serve as polling places
Using public school buildings as precincts is a long‑standing practice that provides convenient, centrally located sites for voters. The adjustments announced by the districts reflect the need to balance educational responsibilities with the civic duty of holding elections.
Stay informed
For the latest updates on election procedures, weather, and local news, residents can follow WPBF 25’s coverage or download the WPBF 25 News app.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
