With the 2026 General Election just around the corner, now is the time to make sure you’re prepared. Whether you’re voting by mail, voting early, or heading to the polls on Election Day, missing a deadline could mean missing your chance to vote. Here are the key dates every Cocoa Beach voter needs on their calendar.

2026 General Election: Important Dates

• Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: September 19, 2026
• Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters: September 24 – October 1, 2026
• Deadline to register to vote: October 5, 2026
• Deadline to request that a ballot be mailed: October 22, 2026
• Early voting period (mandatory): October 24 – 31, 2026 (contact your Supervisor of Elections for optional early voting days)
• Election Day: November 3, 2026

(Source: Florida Division of Elections)

The Most Important Date: October 5, 2026

If you take away just one date from this post, make it this one: October 5, 2026 is the deadline to register to vote in the November election. If you’re not yet registered, or you’ve moved and need to update your address, this is your cutoff — no exceptions.

You can register, update your information, or check your current registration status at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.

Planning to Vote by Mail?

If you’d like to vote by mail, mark October 22, 2026 on your calendar — that’s the deadline to request your ballot be mailed to you. Keep in mind that vote-by-mail ballots must actually be received by your Supervisor of Elections by 7 p.m. on Election Day, so don’t wait until the last minute to send yours back.

Prefer to Vote Early?

Early voting runs from October 24 through October 31, 2026. This is a great option if you’d rather avoid Election Day lines or have a scheduling conflict on November 3. Some counties offer additional optional early voting days beyond this mandatory window, so it’s worth checking with your local Supervisor of Elections for exact hours and locations.

Election Day: November 3, 2026

Mark it, circle it, set a reminder — Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and if you’re in line by closing time, you have the right to vote.

Why These Dates Matter

Local elections shape the everyday decisions that affect life right here in Cocoa Beach — from public safety, to fiscal responsibility, to protecting our beaches and waterways. Every voter who registers, requests a ballot, or shows up to vote helps make sure our community’s voice is heard.

Don’t let a missed deadline keep you from having a say in Cocoa Beach’s future. Check your status, mark your calendar, and make a plan to vote.

👉 Check your voter status or register today at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov

---

Paid for and approved by Karalyn Woulas for Cocoa Beach City Commissioner, Seat 5.