Florida voters face ID hurdles on Election Day

Florida’s 2026 election cycle reaches its final day with more than 5.4 million ballots already cast.

Residents heading to their assigned precincts face strict identification rules that can determine whether their vote is counted immediately or held for later review. The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections specifies that voters must present a document containing both a photograph and a signature. A Florida driver’s license or identification card satisfies these requirements for most people.

Those without a state-issued ID may use a U.S. passport, credit or debit card, or military, student, retirement, neighborhood, or public assistance ID. Voters can combine two different forms of identification to meet the standard. If a voter lacks proper identification, they must cast a provisional ballot.

Provisional ballots are not automatically counted. Voters must present written evidence of their eligibility to the election office by 5 p.m. on the second day following the election. If they miss that deadline, the provisional ballot may not be counted.

Voters must go to their specific assigned precinct rather than any early voting location. Polls close at 7 p.m., but individuals in line at that time remain eligible to vote. Inside the booth, voters are allowed to bring a cheat sheet or phone to track their choices. Photography is prohibited in the booth, with the exception of taking a picture of the completed ballot.