More than 17,000 voters from around Miami-Dade County cast their ballots at the Mary Collins Community Center in Miami Lakes during the first week of early voting.
That polling place will remain open for those casting their ballots early, from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., through Nov. 3.
On Election Day, Nov. 5, voters who live in Miami Lakes may make their choices at their assigned precincts. There are seven of them in town; find yours at www.miamidade.gov/elections.
When early voting began on Oct. 21, voters arrived at the community center during the first hour. Waiting to greet them at the entrance to the parking lot were volunteers and candidates for local, state and national offices.
Resident Maria Paz Sanchez said that day she would return to the community center and bring her son Oliver Sanchez, 6, so he could watch her cast her ballot.
“I think it’s important for people to make decisions and to follow their right to vote and to have a voice,” said Sanchez, who is originally from Chile and became a citizen in 2018.
“I watched the debate for the town,” said Sanchez about the Oct. 27 forum between Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez, Councilman Josh Dieguez and business owner Yuniett Gonzalez, who all seek to become mayor, and Angelo Cuadra Garcia and Mario O. Pinera Jr., who are vying for Council Seat 1.
“I think it was very informative,” said Sanchez, who is also secretary for the town’s Mental Health Task Force. “[Moderator] Alex Penelas was very tough. But we need that.
“Before I had an idea of who to choose,” she said. “But his questions helped me make my decisions.”
To see a video of the forum on YouTube go to https://bit.ly/3YBgNOu.