Florida voters face ID checks and strict polling rules today

More than 5.4 million Floridians have cast ballots so far in the 2026 election, with the final count continuing to rise as the day progresses. Voters heading to the polls today must navigate specific identification and location requirements to ensure their votes are counted on the first try.

The current election cycle reached this point through a series of early voting periods that culminated in today’s final day of in-person voting. The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections office has outlined the specific documents required for verification, which apply statewide under Florida law.

Voters must present a form of identification that includes both a photograph and a signature to receive a regular ballot. A Florida driver’s license or identification card typically satisfies this requirement. Those without those specific documents can use a U.S. passport, credit or debit card, military or student ID, retirement center or neighborhood association ID, or public assistance ID. The Supervisor of Elections noted that a combination of two different ID forms may also be accepted to meet the standard.

If a voter arrives without proper identification, they will cast a provisional ballot. This type of ballot is only counted if the voter presents written evidence of their eligibility to the election office by 5 p.m. on the second day after the election.

Voters must go to their specific assigned precinct on Election Day, which may differ from the location where they voted during early voting periods. County supervisors of elections handle the distribution of sample ballots and precinct information. Polls close at 7 p.m., but anyone in line at that time is eligible to vote.

Inside the voting booth, voters are allowed to bring a cheat sheet or their phone to track their choices. Photography is generally prohibited, with the exception of taking a picture of the completed ballot.