Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the elections.
Residents are encouraged to register, vote, and consider serving as election workers ahead of Florida’s 2026 primary election.
This year’s election carries special significance as the United States celebrates its semiquincentennial.
“This is the 250th birthday of our country,” Hodies said. “Get out of bed and go vote.”
Hodies has been distributing commemorative American flags throughout the Florida Keys to help mark the historic anniversary and encourage civic participation. She said Monroe County typically sees about a 56% voter turnout and hopes to significantly increase participation this year.
Several important election deadlines are approaching. Military and overseas vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed beginning July 2, while domestic vote-by-mail ballots are scheduled to be sent July 9.
The deadline to register to vote or update voter registration information is July 20.
Early voting for the primary election will run from Aug. 3 through Aug. 15, with Primary Election Day set for Aug. 18.
Hodies noted that while midterm elections often experience lower turnout than presidential elections, voters will have the opportunity to cast ballots in numerous federal, state, county, and local races.
The Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Office is also seeking additional poll workers, particularly in Key Largo and Marathon. Hodes said the office currently needs approximately three election workers in Key Largo and two in Marathon before the August election.
Election workers are receiving training on electronic voter identification systems, ballot tabulators, and election procedures to ensure compliance with Florida law and maintain election integrity.
Hodies emphasized the importance of transparency throughout the election process and encouraged residents interested in serving as poll workers to contact the Supervisor of Elections Office.
Residents can register to vote, update their voter registration, request vote-by-mail ballots, or obtain additional election information through the Supervisor of Elections Office’s website here: https://www.votemonroeflkeys.gov/