OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Florida voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, for the 2026 primary election, but early in-person voting begins Aug. 8 in Marion County.
Whether you plan to vote early, by mail or on Election Day, knowing where to vote, what to bring and important deadlines can help make the process as smooth as possible.
Key Election Dates
Several important deadlines are approaching ahead of the primary election:
Aug. 6 (5 p.m.): Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot.
Aug. 8-15: Early voting, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Aug. 18: Primary Election Day, polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voters who are in line by 7 p.m. on Election Day are still eligible to cast their ballot. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the Marion County Supervisor of Elections by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
Early Voting Locations
Registered voters may cast an early ballot at any of Marion County’s early voting sites:
- Marion County Election Center, 981 NE 16th St., Ocala
- Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County HWY 484, Belleview
- Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon
- Forest Public Library, 905 S. HWY 314A, Ocklawaha
- Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala
- Reddick Public Library, 15150 NW Gainesville Road, Reddick
- Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road, Ocala.
Election Day Voting
Unlike early voting, voters must cast their ballot at their assigned precinct on Election Day.
Before leaving home, residents are encouraged to verify their polling place through their county Supervisor of Elections website, as precinct locations may differ from early voting sites.
What to Bring
Florida law requires voters to present a valid photo and signature ID before receiving a ballot.
Acceptable identification includes a Florida driver’s license, Florida identification card, a U.S. passport, military identification, student identification, veteran health identification card, or other form of identification as permitted under Florida law.
If your photo identification does not include your signature, you’ll need to provide a second approved document that contains your signature.
Voting outside Marion County
Residents of Alachua, Citrus, Lake, Levy and Sumter counties should visit their county Supervisor of Elections website before Election Day to confirm their assigned polling place and registration, review early voting locations and access a sample ballot.
Checking your polling location ahead of time can help ensure a quicker voting experience and avoid arriving at the wrong precinct on Election Day.
Be sure to check out the rest of the useful information in our 2026 Community Election Guide.
