Graphic of a button with American flag images and the words "Vote."

Your Vote, Your Voice

By Alex Lama, Vice Mayor

(Thursday, August 1, 2024) – The primary election is on August 20, and the general election will be on November 5. Voters will not only decide who will be our next president, but also cast their votes for federal representatives, state representatives, special state legislative, state Supreme Court, ballot measures, county mayor, and municipal government officials. It seems like a lot and one may even wonder what impact our vote has in guiding the direction of this country at a federal, state, and local level. Constituents must understand that they can influence political matters, and the more involved they are, the more power they wield. It all starts by casting your vote.

According to Statista, voter turnout in this country for the past three general elections ranged between 56% and 61%, which is similar to voter turnout in Sunny Isles Beach. While this is a positive showing, it means about 40% of registered voters are not being heard. The percentage of people not voting is much higher for primary and special elections. One must note that voting matters because it puts pressure on candidates and elected officials, reminding them that the voter is ultimately in charge. The greater the number of voters, the greater the pressure. The more people who participate in the elections, the more they can influence policies and laws, hold elected officials accountable, decide how their tax dollars are spent, and foster civic engagement.

Voting is not only our right but also our civic duty. It’s the most crucial element in maintaining our democratic process healthy. Please vote and be heard.

For election information, key dates, and registration, please visit sibfl.net/clerk-election and miamidade.gov/elections.

Thank you for voting!

Contact Vice Mayor Alex Lama at seat2@sibfl.net or 305.792.1752.

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