SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Florida’s Primary Day has arrived, with Republicans across the Sunshine State heading to the polls to voice their choice in the presidential race and several cities deciding on their new local leaders.
Despite the anticipation surrounding primary day, there are no surprises expected at the top of the ticket: former President Donald Trump stands as the only actively running candidate for the Republican nomination, having secured enough delegates last week to become the party’s presumptive nominee.
“It’s very important because we all are citizens, should decide, that many people on the planet don’t have it,” said Pedro Delgado, a Republican voter.
Delgado came from Cuba in 60s and has never passed up to the opportunity to voice his choice.
“I know that Trump won but I want to have the pleasure of voting for Donald Trump,” he said.
The Democratic Party has opted opt of holding a primary vote this cycle, choosing instead to allocate their delegates to President Joe Biden.
Local elections are drawing considerable attention, particularly in Surfside, where the race for mayor is a rematch between incumbent Mayor Shlomo Danzinger and former Mayor Charles Burkett. Danzinger narrowly defeated Burkett by just 35 votes two years ago.
Voters in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale-by-Sea are also casting their ballots in mayoral races.
In Southwest Miami-Dade there was a small turnout of voters as today’s primary doesn’t have much of an effect on the presidential candidates.
“It’s important because we all as citizens should exercise that and many people in the planet don’t have it,” said Pedro Delgado, who came to American in the 60s.
He added he would never pass up an opportunity to voice his choice.
“I know that Trump won, but it doesn’t make any difference. I want to have the pleasure of voting for Donald Trump,” said Delgado.
Olga Gonzalez said she also just wants to give symbolic support so that Trump knows her vote is for him.
These local elections are critical to the residents of these communities as they will be directly impacted by the policies and priorities of the elected officials.
According to Miami-Dade County’s government website, over 55,000 voters have already cast their ballot in this election via mail-in ballot or early voting.
Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Christina White said out of the 1.6 million voters in the county, 4,000 have changed their party affiliation before the primaries since January, which she says isn’t uncommon.
“Florida law allows that as long as you make your party change before 29 days in advance of the election,” she said.
Florida is a closed primary state so only Republican voters can vote in the presidential primary election. For more information on Tuesday’s primary and future election dates, visit dos.fl.gov. At 7 a.m., precincts opened so voters can cast their ballots.
If you have a mail-in-ballot and want to turn it in, you can only turn it in at one of two places: The Miami-Dade County Elections Department in Doral or downtown at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center.
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