As the August 18 Primary Election quickly approaches, Indian River County voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots early and avoid Election Day lines. With four polling locations spread across the region, including Vero Beach and Sebastian, residents are being urged to take advantage of the expanded voting window.
Indian River County Supervisor of Elections Leslie Rossway Swan emphasized the benefits of heading to the polls before the primary date.
Early voting offers flexibility and convenience. Voters are encouraged to take advantage of early voting to avoid lines on election day and to choose a time that is most convenient for them.
Important Dates and Times for Early Voting
Early voting will commence on Saturday, August 8, and will conclude on Saturday, August 15. The polling stations will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To accommodate residents with varying schedules, extended voting hours will be offered on Thursday, August 13, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where to Cast Your Ballot Early
Voters can choose from four convenient early voting locations in Indian River County. The latest addition to the roster is the Intergenerational Recreation Center. The full list of sites includes:
- Intergenerational Recreation Center – 1590 9th Street S.W., Vero Beach (New Location)
- Supervisor of Elections Office – 4375 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach
- Indian River County Main Library – 1600 21st Street, Vero Beach
- Sebastian City Hall Council Chambers – 1225 Main Street, Sebastian
Voting Rules and Florida Primary Guidelines
Voters must remember to bring a valid photo and signature ID to the polling station. Because Florida operates as a closed primary election state, registered voters affiliated with a political party may only vote for their respective party’s candidate in partisan races. This includes the congressional race for the newly redrawn District 9, which now encompasses all of Indian River County (formerly under District 8). However, all registered voters, regardless of their political party affiliation, are eligible to vote in the nonpartisan School Board District 2 race.
Vote-by-Mail and Drop Box Procedures
For those opting to use mail ballots, the request deadline was set for 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 6. Secure ballot intake stations, commonly known as drop boxes, are available at all early voting sites during active voting hours. Officials have assured the public that these boxes are continuously monitored and that all deposited ballots are securely transported back to the elections office at the close of each day.
Residents holding onto a mail-in ballot should be aware of a strict policy regarding Election Day drop-offs:
Voted mail ballots will not be accepted at election day polling places. Voters will need to deliver their mail ballot to the supervisor of elections office on election day in order to be counted, or they may surrender their ballot at their polling place and vote in-person.
To ensure a smooth voting process, locals are encouraged to check the Indian River County Supervisor of Elections website to view precinct-specific sample ballots and review a list of acceptable forms of identification.
