What’s On Your Ballot?
Important information to know before going to the polls this November
By: Benanti Kaur
Between midterms, labs, packed schedules and trying to keep up with college life, staying up to date with politics is not always at the top of a student's to-do list.
But somewhere in between studying for your next exam and figuring out your Halloween costumes, there’s another deadline you need to add to your calendar: Nov. 3.
The 2026 midterm elections are approaching fast, and while they may not generate the same “buzz” as the presidential election, the decisions made on Nov. 3 could have lasting impacts on Florida residents, including college students.
From housing affordability to education, the policies proposed extend far beyond Tallahassee, Fla. or even Washington.
It can be difficult to discern what exactly you’re voting for with so many races, candidates and amendments on the ballot, so, here is a breakdown of what you need to know as a voter heading into polls this November.
Why Should You Care?
It’s easy to question how much one vote truly matters, especially when elections involve millions of people with vastly differing views.
Consider how often we, as young adults, discuss increasing rent, student debt, the cost of living and reproductive rights. How often do we stop to consider who makes the decisions behind these issues?
Those elected this November will help determine the direction of policies affecting our community. Not voting does not mean your future is undecided, it just means others are making those decisions for you. Decisions will be made. Laws will be passed. The consequences will be yours to live with, whether you vote or not.
However, voting does not guarantee that your candidate wins or the issue you care about gets addressed. It does mean you get a direct opportunity to participate in the decision of who represents you. Keep in mind: you do not need to follow every debate to advocate for your community.
How Do You Vote?
Check your registration.
Florida’s registration deadline was Oct. 5. If you registered before then, you can verify your status and update your information here.
Request a mail-in ballot or absentee ballot.
If you cannot make it to the polls on Nov. 3, or you're attending college out-of-state, you can request a mail-in ballot to vote from your current home. The deadline to request a ballot is Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. You can request your ballot here
Vote early.
You do not have to wait until Election Day to vote. Florida offers early voting from Oct. 24–Oct. 31, with certain counties offering additional dates.
Vote on Election Day
Polls will be open on Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your assigned polling location beforehand and bring a form of ID.
Vote at UF or in Gainesville
UF students registered to vote in Alachua County can vote early right on campus at the Reitz Union (655 Reitz Union Drive) from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Remember to double-check your ballot. You may look up a sample ballot beforehand.
The Decisions Behind Your Vote
At the federal level, Floridians will vote for one U.S. Senate seat and representatives in the U.S. House. These officials represent YOU in Washington, making decisions on issues like student loans, healthcare and reproductive rights — decisions that will shape your education, rights and future.
Closer to home, voters will choose Florida's next governor, attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner. These officials oversee everything from state leadership and legal matters to finances, agriculture and consumer services.
Legislators will also be elected, who shape state laws, budgets and policies, along with local officials like county commissioners and school board members, depending on where they're registered.
Your ballot may include judicial retention, which allows voters to decide whether certain Florida Supreme Court justices and appellate judges (who review decisions from lower courts) remain in office.
Not every ballot looks the same, so make sure you know who's representing you and what is being decided.
Three Amendments, Three Decisions
Beyond choosing elected officials, Floridians will weigh on three proposed amendments to the state constitution.
It is important to note that in Florida proposed amendments need at least 60% of the vote to pass.
Amendment 1 - Florida’s “Rainy-Day Fund”: Proposes an increase in Florida’s “savings” fund maximum size. Essentially, how much should Florida save for future emergencies and how much should remain accessible for current issues?
Amendment 2 - Agriculture and Tax Exemptions: Details an exemption involving agricultural-related property from certain taxes. This would lower costs for eligible property owners but also raises concerns about local tax revenue.
Amendment 3 - Rethinking Florida’s Property Taxes: Discusses changes to property taxes, giving certain homeowners bigger tax breaks and limiting how quickly taxes on other properties can increase. This is especially important for students living in Gainesville because it impacts rent and housing costs.
These amendments are not simple decisions; they examine competing priorities, making it essential to understand each proposal.
The Impact
While politics may feel distant from college life, its benefits and consequences are closer to us than we realize.
You do not have to agree with every candidate, identify with a specific political party or have an opinion on every single issue. What matters is taking the time to understand the decisions being made and how they affect you and your community.
Politics affects our lives whether we pay attention or not. The real question is: do you want to stay informed and have a say?
This Nov. 3, the choice is yours.
Benanti is a sophomore at University of Florida and an online writer for Rowdy Magazine. She is passionate about being an advocate for minority groups. In her free time, she enjoys dance, music, pilates and travel.
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