The most interesting polling places in Miami

Waiting in line to cast your ballot could be a long, exhausting, boring experience if your polling place is one of the hundreds of churches, community centers or banquet halls on the list of locations in Miami-Dade. But there are some exceptions. Certain lucky Miamians get to vote in historic mansions, picturesque country clubs or even the home of Miami’s premier ballet corp. Polling locations are assigned based on where you live and several zip codes in the county fare better than others. If you’re curious to find out about other polling sites, you can check the county elections website here.

While many of you voted early or mailed in your ballot weeks ago—in record numbers too!—plenty of Miamians are still casting their votes on Election Day. Should you be joining them, scroll down to see the most interesting polling places in Miami. Fingers crossed you’ll be casting your vote with a view today.

Normandy Shores Golf Club

The 18-hole course opened in 2008 in the Normandy Shores area of Miami Beach. It’s located on a secluded island in Biscayne Bay and features 6,805 yards of pristine greens for folks to golf. While voting happens in the clubhouse, you’ll line up outside and have the opportunity to take in the massive course while you wait. It’s especially nice for non-golfers who’d otherwise never have the chance to see one of Miami’s premier golf courses.
2401 Biarritz Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33141 

Miami City Ballet

These are hallowed grounds for lovers of classical dance. Also known as the Ophelia and Juan Js. Roca Center, the home of the Miami City Ballet was built in 2000 for the company by renowned architectural firm Arquitectonica. The three-story building packs eight rehearsal studios, a costume department, the Miami City Ballet school and a number of offices. And for one day every four years, it’s a polling site for hundreds of lucky South Beach residents.
2200 Liberty Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ

The list of Miami-Dade polling sites brims with churches but few are more popular and more photographed than this Coral Gables place of worship. Built in 1923, the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ exemplifies the city’s signature Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. If staring at a church while you wait to cast your ballot isn’t your thing, the building sits opposite the historic Biltmore Hotel so there’s plenty of scenery to keep you entertained.
3010 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Vizcaya Village

Not to be confused with Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the petite chateau across the street, though part of the original property, sits separately on its own 12 acres. There are 11 historic buildings on the grounds, which were used to house employees, animals and James Deering’s fleet of cars. In its early days, the village was critical to the estate’s operations—if the east side was wealth and leisure then the village was all about work and staff life. People voting here are doubly lucky today: Taquiza will be handing out free food from 11am to 4pm. Go get it!

Fruit & Spice Park

This 37-acre park and botanical garden is the only one of its kind in the United States. Subtropical in climate, Fruit & Spice Park is an agricultural gem boasting more than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, nuts and spices. Plus, the Redland greenspace is home to 180 varieties of mangos—which every Miamian will appreciate. It opens year-round to visitors as well as for festivals, and on Election Day it will be where a number of Homestead residents cast their votes.
24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL 33031

The Historic Alfred I. duPont Building

The historic Art Deco building sits smack dab in the middle of Downtown Miami. Completed in 1939, the 17-story structure was among Miami’s first skyscrapers and one of the first structures to emerge following the great depression—which should bode well for folks voting in this election. Though once home to the Florida National Bank, it’s now mostly a venue for weddings and celebrations. To sum it up, it’s simply stunning.
169 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131

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