November 3, 2026
I cast my ballot around noon Tuesday, and my Election Day experience was refreshingly simple. At my polling place, only about two people were ahead of me in line, aside from voters already at their stations. I had reviewed the ballot beforehand, knew the issues I wanted to weigh, and was in and out without much delay. Miami Springs voters had several local polling places, including the Miami Springs Community Center, the Miami Springs Golf & Country Club and Springview Elementary School. My short wait was just one snapshot of the day, not necessarily what voters experienced across the city.
The ballot went well beyond candidates for federal and state offices. Voters were also asked to consider Florida constitutional amendments and Miami-Dade County questions involving such issues as property taxes, county government and public schools. But for Miami Springs residents, one local question stood out: the future of the Northwest 36th Street district.
After months of discussion, voters were asked whether to remove the City Charter’s three-story, 40-foot height restriction for certain buildings with residential units east of East Drive, while still requiring compliance with existing zoning limits. Supporters see an opportunity to attract investment, revitalize the corridor and potentially strengthen the city’s tax base. Opponents raise concerns about building height, density, traffic and the character of Miami Springs. Both sides have reasons worth hearing. Whatever the outcome, the community will finally have a clearer direction on an issue debated for months.
Interest in this election extends well beyond our city. According to Miami-Dade turnout figures reported before Election Day, roughly 354,000 county voters had cast ballots in person during early voting, with more than 180,000 additional mail ballots recorded. Those figures show participation, not which side is winning any particular race or referendum.
While I waited, I noticed some voters were still at their stations when I finished. I don’t know whether they were first-time voters, studying unfamiliar questions or simply taking their time—and every voter should take whatever time is needed to make an informed choice. Still, doing the research beforehand can make the experience easier for you and more considerate of those waiting behind you.
Just next door, Virginia Gardens voters faced a different local decision: whether to return Mayor Spencer Deno to office or elect challenger Tim Boylan. Deno was first elected mayor in 2003 and has held the position for 23 years. He points to the village’s finances and infrastructure investments, while Boylan has emphasized accessibility, rising costs and listening to residents. The village also had three uncontested Council seats—Jorge Arce, Elizabeth K. Taylor-Martinez and Michael Tur. Unlike Miami Springs’ development referendum, the headline local choice in Virginia Gardens was who would lead the village next.
My advice is straightforward: read your sample ballot, understand the candidates and amendments, and show up ready. Voting is more than checking a box or following a party label. It’s a chance to help shape the place we call home. Don’t vote just to vote. Vote with a purpose. Virginia Gardens official mayor biography and municipal election notice; Local 10 reporting, October 12, 2026.
Reporting notes: Miami Springs city referendum text; Miami-Dade polling-place information; Miami-Dade early-voting totals reported November 2, 2026.
