By Staff Writer
Joe Scott, the elections chief for Broward County, is preparing to significantly expand early voting access ahead of the November 2026 general election in response to expected high voter turnout and growing concerns over mail voting restrictions.
According to recent reports, Scott hopes to increase the number of in-person early voting locations from 21 sites during the August primary election to 30 sites for the November general election a nearly 43% increase. The expansion would mark the largest early voting operation ever conducted in Broward County.
The proposed changes also include longer operating schedules. Early voting sites for the November election are expected to remain open for 14 consecutive days with 12-hour daily operations. In contrast, the August primary is scheduled for nine days of voting with shorter daily hours.
Scott said the decision reflects concerns that recent changes to Florida’s vote-by-mail rules could discourage or complicate absentee voting for some residents. By expanding early in-person voting, county officials hope to provide voters with more flexibility and reduce congestion on Election Day.
“We can make it easier for people to vote early, in person, by adding more locations,” Scott said in remarks reported by local media.
The November election is expected to draw heavy participation across Florida as voters head to the polls to choose candidates for governor, the U.S. Senate, congressional seats, and numerous local offices. Scott’s office is reportedly preparing for turnout that could exceed 60%, significantly higher than participation rates typically seen during primary elections.
Under Florida law, counties are permitted to expand early voting opportunities beyond the mandatory minimum requirements. The law allows supervisors of elections to add more locations and extend voting periods in order to improve voter accessibility.
The Broward County Supervisor of Elections office has already announced that early voting for the November 3, 2026 general election is scheduled to run from October 19 through November 1, with polling places operating daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election officials are also expected to increase voter outreach efforts to ensure residents understand where and how to vote early. Voters in Broward County will be able to cast ballots at any designated early voting site within the county, rather than being restricted to a single assigned location.
The expansion comes as election administration continues to remain a closely watched issue in Broward County, which has faced scrutiny in past election cycles over ballot processing delays and voting logistics. County officials say the additional early voting sites are intended to improve efficiency, shorten wait times, and encourage broader voter participation in one of Florida’s most populous counties.
