Vote for Sam Kaufman in the August 18 Election
Everything Key West voters need to know to make a plan and cast their ballot.
Make Your Plan to Vote
Whether you vote by mail, vote early, or vote on Election Day, this page has everything you need to make voting simple and stress-free.
The deadline to register to vote or update your party affiliation is Monday, July 20, 2026. Register online in just a few minutes.
Check your registration status, polling information, and mailing address to make sure everything is current before Election Day.
Florida voters must now renew their Vote-by-Mail request every election cycle. Don’t wait — request your ballot early to make sure it arrives in time.
Key Dates for the
August 18 Election
July 20, 2026
Last day to register to vote or update your registration
August 3–15, 2026
Early Voting Open
Daily from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
August 11, 2026 (recommended safe mailing date)
Recommended last day to mail your ballot back from Key West
Mail in the Keys can move slower than mainland Florida. To be safe, we strongly recommend mailing your ballot at least 7 days before Election Day.
August 18, 2026
Election Day
Polls open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Any registered voter can request a vote-by-mail ballot.
Vote-by-Mail Deadline
The legal deadline to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot is Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
However, don’t wait until the last minute. Request your ballot as early as possible to allow enough time for delivery and return — especially in the Florida Keys, where mail service can sometimes take longer than expected.
Important Tips:
Sign your ballot envelope
Return it early
Ballots must be RECEIVED by 7 PM on Election Day — not just postmarked
Because mail can move slower in the Florida Keys, we recommend mailing your ballot at least 7 days before Election Day
You can also hand-deliver your signed ballot to an elections office or secure ballot intake station during early voting
Avoid Election Day lines and vote on your schedule during the early voting period.
Early Voting Dates & Hours
August 3–15, 2026
Daily from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Key West Early Voting Location
Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Office
530 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
All Monroe County voters can vote at this location during the early voting period, regardless of precinct.
Early voting is often the fastest and easiest way to cast your ballot.
Election Day is Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Polls are open from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
If you are in line by 7 PM, you can still vote.
Not Sure Which Voting Option Is Right For You?
The best voting method is the one you’ll actually complete.
Whether you vote by mail, vote early, or vote on Election Day, the most important thing is making a plan ahead of time so nothing unexpected gets in the way.
Vote By Mail
Great for people who want maximum flexibility.
Pros:
Vote from home on your own schedule
No lines or waiting
Plenty of time to review your ballot
Can return it by mail or hand-deliver it during early voting
Things to Consider:
Don’t wait until the last minute to request or return it
Your ballot envelope MUST be signed
In the Florida Keys, mail can sometimes take longer than expected
Vote Early
One of the easiest and most popular options.
Pros:
Usually shorter lines
Flexible dates and times
Gets voting checked off your list early
Avoid surprises on Election Day
Sometimes life happens — work runs late, a flat tire shows up, someone gets sick, or the day simply gets away from you. Voting early helps make sure your vote is already counted before any of that can interfere.
Vote on Election Day
Perfect for voters who enjoy the tradition of Election Day.
Pros:
Cast your ballot on the official Election Day
Great option if you prefer voting in person
Things to Consider:
Bring a valid photo/signature ID
Try to vote early in the day if possible
Lines may be longer during peak hours
One More Bonus Tip:
Once your ballot is officially marked as cast, campaign outreach usually slows down significantly — including many political texts, calls, and ads.
No matter how you choose to vote, making your plan ahead of time is the best way to make sure your voice is heard.