Get Involved, Stay Informed, Help Broward Thrive
by Bruce Suarez, Director of Public Policy & Strategic Initiatives at United Way Broward
November’s general election is approaching, and now is the time for Broward County’s residents to make sure they are registered to vote and prepared to participate. Voting is one way residents can take part in the decisions shaping our community. Learning about public issues, following local government, talking with neighbors, and participating in community organizations are additional ways to stay engaged.
What’s on the ballot this November in Broward County? Depending on where you live, you may see races and questions involving:
- Governor and Lieutenant Governor
- statewide offices
- U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives
- Florida State Senate and House of Representatives
- Broward County Commission
- Broward County School Board
- local judicial races and judicial retention questions
- municipal races
- statewide constitutional amendments
- local ballot questions
Before voting, take time to review the candidates and questions that will appear on your specific ballot. Broward County voters can use the Supervisor of Elections website to:
- check their registration information
- find polling locations
- review sample ballots
- learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot
- know when and where you can vote
You can register or update your voter information at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. If you are unsure whether you are registered, you can use the same website to check your status.
Important dates for Broward County voters are:
- Voter registration deadline: Monday, October 5, 2026
- Early voting: October 19 to November 1, 2026 from 7 am to 7 pm at designated early voting locations in Broward County
- Vote-by-mail request deadline: Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 5 pm
- Election day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with polls open from 7 am to 7 pm
- Vote-by-mail ballots: Completed ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections by 7 pm on election day. The postmark date does not determine whether a ballot is received on time. Secure drop boxes are available at early voting locations.
If you have never registered to vote, recently moved to Florida from another state, or need to update your voter information, take a few minutes to check your registration status and make sure your information is current.
Your civic participation matters tremendously. General elections give registered voters the opportunity to choose representatives and shape governmental priorities, funding, and public services. Decisions made at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels affect areas such as housing affordability, healthcare, education, transportation, public safety, and services for families and individuals facing financial challenges.
For United Way Broward, civic participation, such as voting in elections and being aware of policy issues affecting our individual and collective lives, is connected to the work we do every day to build and improve our community. The work of United Way Broward’s Public Policy Committee centers on:
- listening to community members and service providers
- examining data and evidence
- educating residents and policymakers
- advocating for the well-being of ALICE households and the broader Broward community
Through resources such as the ALICE Report, we provide information about the financial realities facing working families and then mobilize efforts to address critical, complex issues with elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community members. Through education, advocacy, and engagement with policymakers, our committee provides a forum for examining how laws, regulations, and government priorities affect the people and communities United Way Broward supports.
Our work reflects one important part of building a stronger Broward County, and of course, United Way Broward is, and always has been, nonpartisan. We do not endorse political parties or candidates. Our role is to provide information, rally people around community needs, and advocate on policy issues connected to helping people rise and thrive.
As November approaches, United Way Broward encourages residents to participate in the civic process: Check your voter registration. Review your sample ballot. Learn about the candidates and ballot questions. Make a plan for when and where you will vote.
We encourage everyone who is eligible to exercise their right to participate in our democracy and stay informed about the decisions affecting families, workplaces, and communities. An informed and engaged community is an important part of building a Broward County where everyone can rise and thrive, so get involved and then help all of Broward thrive. There are many ways to help build a stronger Broward County:
- volunteer with one of our 130+ programs we operate or fund, and examples include early literacy, food distribution, and Veteran care
- advocate for solutions with other civic-minded people through Leaders United
- make a donation, and know you are helping people thrive
Get started today and turn your actions into community-building solutions. Questions? Contact Bruce Suarez at BSuarez@UnitedWayBroward.org.