03.11.2026 21:40
As midterm election excitement continues in the US, severe rainfall and flooding affecting Florida disrupted the voting process. After roads in some areas were submerged, the addresses of more than 20 polling centers were changed so that voters could reach the ballot box. While a state of emergency was declared in seven counties in the state, officials called on citizens to check their new centers before voting.
In Florida, where midterm elections are being held in the US, flooding caused by heavy rainfall also affected voting. After roads were submerged and access to polling centers became difficult in some areas, more than 20 polling places were temporarily moved to other addresses. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in seven counties due to the flood disaster.
HEAVY RAINFALL LEFT ROADS UNDER WATER
In the midterm elections held today in the US, Florida faced a different problem on Election Day due to flooding. Heavy rainfall, especially affecting the central and eastern parts of the state, caused many roads to be submerged and transportation to be disrupted in some areas.
In Florida's Space Coast region, rainfall reached about 61 centimeters within 24 hours. According to The Washington Post, in some areas nearly 71 centimeters of rain fell in about a day and a half. Floodwaters affected homes and vehicles, and rescue operations were carried out in some locations.
VOTERS DIRECTED TO DIFFERENT CENTERS
In areas where access to polling centers was unsafe due to flooding, authorities decided to change polling locations. More than 20 polling centers in Brevard, Broward, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties were reported to have been temporarily relocated.
In Brevard County, some voters were directed to alternative locations such as New Shiloh Christian Center and Joseph N. Davis Community Center in Melbourne, while two polling centers in Palm Beach County had their addresses changed. In St. Lucie County, new polling places were also designated for voters in multiple areas.
GOVERNOR DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN 7 COUNTIES
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in seven counties due to the dangers caused by heavy rainfall and flooding. The decision also allowed polling centers where transportation was impossible or deemed unsafe to be moved to other addresses.
State officials called on voters to check the current address of their polling district before voting. Officials also warned not to pass through roads covered by floodwaters and not to enter closed routes.
Florida officials reported that new address changes could occur depending on weather and road conditions. Thus, Election Day in the state passed with transportation and organizational problems caused by flooding, as well as political competition.