We all know this election is critical, and there is a risk that your ballot request could be cancelled! We recently learned that Florida is applying state law in a way that appears to conflict with the federal law protecting overseas voters’ rights. Read on for the essential actions you need to take to ensure your vote is counted!
We have nominees! Last week, Florida Democrats selected their nominees for the 2026 General Election, so read on for the highlights and links to more information.
Also included below is information about the very important Constitutional Amendments that will be on the ballot in Florida in 2026. It’s time to get ready to vote!
All Overseas Florida Voters Can
Vote for U.S. Senate and U.S. House.
Democrats Abroad is endorsing Angie Nixon for U.S. Senate. The incumbent Republican was appointed by Ron DeSantis, and her views are just as draconian as DeSantis's. Watch the DA Florida News Page for more information about the candidates.
All voters will also be selecting their member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Please check your county’s website and voter information to find your sample ballot with your Congressional district, and VOTE BLUE!.
The position of state Governor is more important than ever these days, and the Florida Governor’s race is on! David Jolly is the Democratic Nominee for Governor, running against the Trump-endorsed Republican, Byron Donalds. Donalds paints himself as a Trump acolyte, and that’s as bad as it sounds. We have more detailed information about the Florida Governor’s race on the Florida News Page, but here’s a quick summary of a few key policy positions.
| David Jolly | Byron Donalds | |
| On the property tax amendment | Says that gutting property taxes is fiscally irresponsible and could lead to an economic crisis in Florida. | Favors lowering property taxes, which many local governments depend on to fund police, fire, other first responders, and many other public services. |
| On immigration | “I think we need to be a state that values our immigrant community, that recognizes their contribution to our economy and to our culture.” | Says that he will remove any elected public official who promotes “sanctuary policies.” |
| On reproductive healthcare | "We have to be a state that restores reproductive freedom, that recognizes the constitutional liberty of everyone to have bodily autonomy." | Long-time supporter of the Pro-Life (anti-abortion) Movement. |
Many voters will also be voting on non-federal candidates and issues. Learn more about why some voters receive a full ballot and others only receive a federal ballot at Can I vote in Florida State elections?
If you’re receiving a full ballot, you’ll also be voting for members of the state legislature, constitutional amendments, and in some cases, local candidates and issues. It’s critical that Democratic voters make their voice heard all the way down the ballot. These are the future Democratic leaders and candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House. They need your support!
You MUST check your
ballot status!
Florida election officials are applying a state law that says any mail they send to a voter that is returned as undeliverable will result in the voter’s absentee ballot request being cancelled.
Because of a special redistricting that occurred in Florida in June, many voters are being sent a new “voter information card.” Even if your district was not affected, election offices often send mail with other information, like sample ballots and address confirmations. If any of this mail is returned to the election office as undeliverable, your absentee ballot request will be cancelled. Make certain to check your ballot status right away! CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW!
3 Proposed FL State
Constitutional Amendments:
They’re all baaaad!
Appealing to voters’ wallets, the Florida Legislature has placed three Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, under the guise of reducing taxes. What they don’t explain (and in at least one case, the courts have ruled the original ballot text to be misleading) is how this will decimate state budgets and services.
Amendment 1, the “Rainy Day” amendment, would divert tax revenues to an account that can only be used if approved by a super majority of the legislature. There is no replacement for the lost revenues, essentially amounting to an across-the-board cut in the state budget.
Amendment 2, to reduce farm property taxes, is yet another giveaway to what appears to be a deserving group – farmers. Yet again, there is no make up for the revenues lost by communities.
Amendment 3 is the big one - eliminate property taxes on owner-occupied homes. Remember “Defund the Police?” Well, that’s exactly what the Republican legislature has proposed with this amendment. It would decimate local tax revenues that often pay for police, fire, and other community services. It’s opposed by police and fire unions around the state.
We encourage you to vote NO on all three constitutional amendments! We’ll have longer articles on the proposed amendments on the Florida News Page.
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What we’re working on
Our big focus right now is trying to organize a “Meet the Candidates” event with the statewide nominees sometime in early October. Watch your inbox for more information.
Mark your calendar for 18 September
Election offices are required to send ballots to overseas voters no later than 18 September. Some election offices may send ballots a few days earlier. If you’ve requested your ballot by email, watch your inbox, and if you haven’t received your ballot by 21 September, check your spam and junk folders, or search your inbox for "ballot" or "official ballot.". If you don’t find it, contact your election office right away. You can always find your election office contact information at https://VoteFromAbroad.org/states/fl.
If you haven’t requested to receive your ballot by email, there’s still time! Just fill out and submit a new ballot request at https://VoteFromAbroad.org.
If you have questions about how to vote, how to return your ballot, or any voting problems, the Democrats Abroad Voter Help Desk is ready to assist! Email them at [email protected].
In solidarity,
Scott Hoffman
DA Florida Home State Coordinator