Flash flooding in South Florida has resulted in the closure of 23 polling locations, forcing Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign an executive order opening temporary polling places across the area.
The Florida Department of State has released a list of the new polling locations, including sites in Brevard, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties.
Seven congressional districts were impacted, with Rep. Brian Mast’s district being hit with the most closures: Over 10 original precincts in the state’s 21st Congressional District were shuttered.
Two competitive districts, the 22nd and 9th Districts, each saw one polling place closure. A Democratic operative in the 22nd District race told The Sun that the closure was “not impacting” the race.
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According to the executive order, which declared a state of emergency in the counties, the flooding stemmed from low pressure moving across the peninsula, producing widespread heavy rainfall.
Officials expect the flooding to continue affecting major interstates, state and county roadways, airports, schools and other infrastructure, the order states.
A flood warning is active through Wednesday in some parts of the state.
“This emergency situation poses a significant threat to the safety, security, and well-being of Floridians,” DeSantis wrote as some parts of the state remain under water.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is asking residents to monitor local weather officials, check road closures before traveling and refrain from driving or trekking through floodwaters, which can remain dangerous even after rain stops, the agency said.
On Monday, the National Weather Service issued a level 3 out of 4 moderate risk of excessive rain in the counties. Approximately 5 to 10 inches fell between Melbourne and Fort Pierce on Monday. The area is home to a narrow corridor that can create flash flooding.
Rep. Darren Soto, a Democrat who represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, said the damage is extensive.
“Homes were flooded, some roads were washed out and other infrastructure was inundated,” said Soto, noting he intends to advocate for Federal Emergency Management Agency relief.
The Florida State Department is asking voters to confirm their voting location before heading to the polls.
Florida wasn’t the only state battling floodwaters on Election Day. Parts of southwest Colorado were also under water.
Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Republican representing Colorado’s 3rd District, said officials have opened an emergency online voting portal for residents who’d like to vote.
“Colorado’s emergency ballot portal is now open for voters in impacted counties who are unable to return their ballots through normal means,” wrote Hurd, noting the flooding has resulted in damaged homes and washed-out roads.
“As our communities respond to this emergency and begin the long road to recovery, I want to make sure every eligible voter affected by these historic storms has the opportunity to make their voice heard,” he said.
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