2025 City of Miami Voter Guide

City of Miami voters can vote in-person at any early voting site. Don’t forget your ID! 

Weekends (October 25 – 26 and November 1-2): 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Weekdays (October 27 – 31): 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Locations

Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot: Thursday, October 23 at 5:00 p.m. 

Plan to return your completed ballot at least one week before Election Day. Vote-by-mail ballots must arrive at the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 4. Track the status of your ballot online to confirm it has been received and counted!

Governor DeSantis signed legislation to cancel vote-by-mail requests after every major election, so in 2025 you’ll need to submit a new request: click here to re-enroll!

On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling location. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Check your polling place on your voter information card or on the county website. 

If you’re in line by 7:00 p.m., stay in line! You have a right to vote.

When voting in-person bring a current, valid ID with your name, photo, and signature (i.e., Florida driver’s license, U.S. passport).

Issues Casting Your Ballot? Call the Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE

The City of Miami technically has a ‘weak mayor’ system, but the mayor has a lot of power. They decide who runs the Commission meetings (the Chair), can take emergency powers, can veto legislation, land use, or budget items, appoint the very powerful City Manager, and generally serve as the spokesperson setting the direction for the City. The Mayor is able to serve two four-year terms in a row. Since the current Mayor, Francis Suarez, is now term-limited, this is the first time in years there’s been a wide open election–and Miami needs a hard reset.

There are currently five Commissioners, and each one represents a single district with over 90,000 residents in each. They vote on legislation, zoning rules, and a 3.5 billion dollar budget, and it only takes three of them to vote ‘yes’ for a measure to pass. Commissioners have four-year terms and can serve up to two terms in a row. This is one of the most powerful positions in Miami, but unfortunately the Commission is in the headlines way too often for the wrong reasons.

Basically, the Charter is the constitution for the City. The Charter states what the powers of the Commission and Mayor are, when elections are held, how many districts there are, and sets the foundation for the City. But voters can actually change the City Charter by voting for or against Charter Amendments. Charter Amendments can get put on your ballot by the City Commission, by citizens’ petition signed by 10% of voters, or as a result of lawsuits (see next page).

Here’s what we asked each candidate running for office in the City of Miami who had filed at the time our questionnaire was sent out. 

• Why are you running for office, and how does your experience prepare you to be effective as a public servant in this position?
• Why do you believe you are a strong candidate who will be able to win this election and earn the endorsement of Engage Miami?
• Do you support requiring developers to include affordable housing in new developments or contribute to a citywide affordable housing fund?
• Do you support investing in green infrastructure and flood protection for neighborhoods most impacted by climate change?
• If elected, what would you do to defend, support, and protect immigrants in the City of Miami, regardless of status?
• If elected, would you commit to take action to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is safe and actively supported?
• Do you support expanding city-funded youth jobs programs and funding local small business support in historically underserved communities?
• Would you support allocating city funds toward programs that directly serve residents living below the poverty line such as rental assistance, food access, or guaranteed income pilots?
• Many parks are locked on weekends or have bathrooms or facilities that are locked. Would you ensure these public spaces are accessible, well-funded, and available to neighbors on weekends?
• Do you support creating a digital budget interactive tool at the municipal level to increase transparency and make it easier for residents to understand and engage with how public dollars are spent?
• There is currently a coalition called Stronger Miami working to change the city charter to move elections to even years, expand the number of districts from 5 to 9, and require fair redistricting criteria. Do you support this initiative?

Why are you running for office, and how does your experience prepare you to be effective as a public servant in this position?

I’m running for Mayor because I love this city and I want our city government to get back to working for our residents, to get things done, just as I’ve done on the County Commission. My track record at the county level proves I’m a person who cuts through bureaucracy to deliver results, from building affordable housing to creating green spaces where our families can thrive. I’ve been elected three times because residents know I get things done, and it’s never about partisan politics — it’s about identifying challenges and needs of the people living in this community, and then delivering results. I’m running for Mayor because I have a proven track record of getting things done for the people of this community, and that’s exactly what I’ll continue to do as our next Mayor.

Why do you believe you are a strong candidate who will be able to win this election?

In my first election in 2018, we defied the odds and showed that a true grass-roots, people-focused campaign can win! We beat two well-entrenched political dynasties and did it again in 2020 when the same political dynasty challenged my re-election. We showed that a community-driven campaign focused on delivering results will win over voters time and again. My record as a county commissioner is about practical solutions that make people’s lives better. I believe in safe streets, a strong economy, and a city where young residents and families can build their future, and I have the track record to show that I’ll work with anyone, from any party, to get it done. Miami doesn’t need partisan name-calling; it needs a mayor who will protect our freedoms, steward taxpayer dollars wisely, and keep our city moving forward. That’s the proven leadership I’ve brought to the County Commission, and that’s the leadership I’ll bring to City Hall.

What sets me apart is simple: I get things done — and I do it with integrity, transparency, and results Miamians can see and feel. As County Commissioner, I’ve built thousands of affordable housing units, expanded transit options, invested millions in small businesses, and passed the state’s strongest protections against fertilizer to protect Biscayne Bay — all while making our local government more open and accountable. I’m not running to learn on the job or make empty promises. I’m running to fix what’s broken at City Hall, restore trust, and deliver for the people of Miami — just like I’ve always done. Finally, our internal polling shows voters are hungry for an outsider to bring fresh leadership to city hall, which is why I am proud to have an over 20-point lead among the field of candidates.

Do you support requiring developers to include affordable housing in new developments or contribute to a citywide affordable housing fund?

Yes. I believe housing is a critical issue, and one at the forefront of my policy platform. At the county, I passed legislation to lower permitting fees for affordable housing projects, decreased permitting time by 25%, and moved affordable and workforce housing to the top of the County’s agenda. I’ve helped plan or create nearly 7,000 affordable and workforce housing units—because Miami should be a place where people can afford to live and build their future. I’ve prioritized development that serves residents, not just investors, and secured funding to preserve and build housing that meets our community’s needs. As Mayor, I’ll expand access to truly attainable housing, ensure new developments include affordable options, and invest in the infrastructure that keeps our city connected, resilient, and ready for the future.

Do you support investing in green infrastructure and flood protection for neighborhoods most impacted by climate change?

Yes. As Mayor, the cornerstone of my administration will be public works projects, especially related to green infrastructure and flood protection. At the county, I strengthened the Sustainable Buildings Ordinance to prepare county buildings for the green energy transition, withstand sea level rise, and reduce long-term emissions. It’s time for the City of Miami to do the same under my leadership. Additionally, many critical flood protection and resilience projects funded by the Miami Forever Bond remain stalled. We must act urgently to build a stronger, adaptable, and resilient Miami, and I’m committed to moving these projects forward in order to do so.

If elected, what would you do to defend, support, and protect immigrants in the City of Miami, regardless of status?

Our immigrant communities deserve dignity, fairness, and a government that listens — and as Mayor of Miami, I’ll make sure that’s exactly what they get. We live in a community of immigrants who have fled from their home countries for better opportunities. As Mayor, my focus will remain unchanged on how I’ve led as county commissioner: follow all existing laws while reaffirming our city will be a welcoming community to diverse populations who have fled oppression and brutal regimes.

If elected, would you commit to take action to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is safe and actively supported?

Yes. I have always been a proud ally and a champion of LGBTQ rights. As Miami-Dade County Commissioner, I proudly sponsored legislation to establish and fund the first LGBTQ Advisory Board, and passed legislation designating October as LGBTQ History Month. I’m proud to have earned the endorsement of Equality Florida. I have also joined our Madame Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, in raising the pride flag at County Hall, and I will proudly lead the effort as City Mayor. I will bring the same passion and commitment to City Hall to support the city’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and Accelerator Plan, and reaffirm we are a welcoming city for all.

Do you support expanding city-funded youth jobs programs and funding local small business support in historically underserved communities?

Yes. Absolutely. As Mayor of Miami, my objective is to build a stronger, more inclusive economy by investing public dollars into our communities. City-funded youth jobs programs are a smart, long-term investment in our future. They teach financial literacy, provide meaningful work experience, enhance public safety, and strengthen our local economy. I also strongly support expanding funding for local business support in historically underserved communities. At the county level, I launched the Elevate District 5 initiative to use data and community feedback to develop, expand, and connect resources to support and strengthen small businesses in Miami-Dade County’s District 5. The initiative includes business development programs, training in technology and artificial intelligence, and access to mom-and-pop grants and microloans. To date, Elevate District 5 has provided $1.9 million in grants and training to more than 500 small businesses, including many located within the City of Miami. This is the kind of small business policy I will continue to champion as Mayor of Miami.

Would you support allocating city funds toward programs that directly serve residents living below the poverty line such as rental assistance, food access, or guaranteed income pilots?

Yes. I believe it’s crucial to support programs that directly serve our most vulnerable residents. As Commissioner for a district with stark inequality, I’ve sponsored legislation to provide rental assistance and financial assistance during times of challenge, invested millions in local small businesses, and regularly allocated budget funds to support food and resource distributions. While we must always be fiscally responsible, investing in these programs is an investment in the health, stability, and future of our community.

Many parks are locked on weekends or have bathrooms or facilities that are locked. Would you ensure these public spaces are accessible, well-funded, and available to neighbors on weekends?

Yes. I understand how important it is for our parks and public spaces to be accessible, especially on weekends when families are out enjoying the outdoors. I’m absolutely open to finding solutions to extend weekend hours, and will ask for the parks department to provide a feasibility report within my first 90 days in office. I believe we can find smart, creative solutions to keep these spaces open without overburdening our resources, whether that means adjusting staffing, utilizing technology, or looking at partnerships with local organizations. I’m committed to finding a practical, community-driven solution that works for everyone.

Do you support creating a digital budget interactive tool at the municipal level to increase transparency and make it easier for residents to understand and engage with how public dollars are spent?

Yes. Miami deserves a government that works for the people — not political insiders or special interests. Too often, background deals and a lack of transparency have eroded public trust. On the County Commission, I worked to expand public input, increase oversight of public funds, and make government more accessible. As Mayor, I would continue that commitment by supporting tools that help residents see how their tax dollars are spent. A digital budget interactive tool would be an excellent way to educate the public on how local funds are spent, while also promoting greater government accountability moving forward.

There is currently a coalition called Stronger Miami working to change the city charter to move elections to even years, expand the number of districts from 5 to 9, and require fair redistricting criteria. Do you support this initiative?

Yes. I believe every resident should have a voice in shaping our city’s future, and that starts with fair elections and transparent leadership. I fully support shifting elections to even-numbered years, expanding the City Commission, and establishing fair redistricting criteria. That’s why — since the beginning — I have proposed shortening the next Mayor’s term and putting the question of even-year elections on the 2026 ballot to modernize our democracy without undermining it. We know that City Hall continues to face chaos and dysfunction, and to bring the change so many are yearning for will require systemic changes. It’s also on all of us — civic leaders, candidates, and organizations — to help educate voters on why elections matter and how they shape our everyday lives. I am running for Mayor to deliver on true change and reforms so power is returned to the people. That’s something I do as a County Commissioner, and it’s what I’ll continue to do as our next Mayor.

Why are you running for office, and how does your experience prepare you to be effective as a public servant in this position?

I am running for Mayor to reform the City of Miami Charter and return decorum and ethics to City Hall. Only then can we address the affordable housing crisis, climate related storm infrastructure, and our impact on the environment. I was a 2-term City of Miami Commissioner serving as Chairman of that body as well as the Downtown Development Authority, The Grove Business Improvement District, and several Community Redevelopment Agencies. I was on the board of trustees for both the Florida Democratic Party and The Everglades Trust. My previous role as a legislator is very different from the leadership role of Mayor, but my combined experiences make me uniquely ready to serve.

Why do you believe you are a strong candidate who will be able to win this election?

I am the only candidate in this race who has won a City of Miami election in this century. The residents are very familiar with my track record on affordable housing and environmental issues. I am one of the few candidates who has no legal, ethical, or electoral infractions. Several polls show me as one of the top three candidates, and we have not even started to formally advertise my candidacy. I have championed the good government objectives shared by Engage for many years and intend to bring many of their initiatives to fruition in office. When elected in 2015, I appointed Engage co-founder Justin Wales to the Charter Review Committee. We were able to get Citizen Standing on the ballot as a successful amendment to the Charter.

Do you support requiring developers to include affordable housing in new developments or contribute to a citywide affordable housing fund?

When in office, I created the first and only mandatory Inclusionary Zoning transect in the state of Florida. From that legislation, EVERY new tower in the Omni area adjacent to Downtown dedicated 15% of their units to affordable levels for the next 30 years. The Commission has since undone that requirement. I am dedicated to bringing it back and expanding it geographically and into deeper levels of affordability. As Commissioner, I championed the $100m affordable housing dedication of the Miami Forever Bond before it went on the ballot. I supported the FIU Metropolitan Center study on Miami’s housing crisis. Their solution included not only a citywide housing fund, but also the creation of a Housing Finance Corporation to leverage the $100m bond money as seed money to attract other financing and investment. The Commission accepted the report but did not approve the recommendations. The HFC was never created but still could and should be. It is VERY important for Miami to make its own way on providing housing opportunities through subsidy, zoning, tax increment financing, mandates, and grants. When relying on the Federal Government, HUD disallows local preference. This means that the housing we built would rarely house the residents of those specific neighborhoods at greatest risk of displacement. Finally, Community Redevelopment Agencies, combined with Affordable forward zoning policies can create tremendous housing opportunities. CRAs are the only municipal agency that can eliminate up to 100% of a property’s city and county real estate taxes in exchange for significant affordability. I created the Coconut Grove CRA which has $500 million affordable housing dollars dedicated for that Little Bahamas neighborhood. I chaired the first meeting and no preceding commissioner has taken it up. The county has since held back funds and needs to be pushed.

Do you support investing in green infrastructure and flood protection for neighborhoods most impacted by climate change?

As Commissioner I utilized our position at the City to block the 20ft downtown concrete wall that was proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers. In order to gain our support, I demanded that green infrastructure options be included in the study, and they complied. My competitor, County Commissioner Eileen Higgins (the County was the Local Sponsor of the Wall) was in favor of the Army Corps plan moving forward without our delays and requirements.

I wrote and amended Miami’s tree protection ordinance which is currently under threat. A robust tree canopy equals a green infrastructure root system which can act as a sponge during flooding events. The city’s ordinance is much stronger than the County. The current threat is for the city to line up with the County requirements which are much more lax. Without these protections, the development effort to maximize built square footage will lead to the clear cutting of lots city-wide. We must stick to goals of increasing canopy coverage instead of making it easier for developers to remove it.

I was hired by Sierra Club to create political strategy to save the tree protection ordinance and have the deceptive replacement ordinance withdrawn. We were successful as the ordinance was in fact withdrawn but it is coming back. I am no longer working for Sierra Club. They were pressured by Commissioner Higgins to relieve me in exchange for access to her office to discuss her efforts and vote to build the country’s largest garbage incinerator.

If elected, what would you do to defend, support, and protect immigrants in the City of Miami, regardless of status?

As Commissioner, I created the Civil Citation program specifically so that small infractions (marijuana possession for example) would result in a ticket instead of arrest. Arrest would trigger exposure to ICE and the goal was to protect our residents on their citizenship journeys.

As the country’s largest majority Immigrant city, Miami has a responsibility to show the rest of the United States that immigrants, regardless of status, are a strength for our country, not a burden, and definitely not a group of criminals. I was disappointed to see our Mayor Suarez at the border wall speaking poorly of those who seek a better life.

Our country should remember that the path to Citizenship is complicated. When the safety of your family is at stake, you will flee dictatorships for safe harbor, regardless of status. We have always honored that flight from harm to freedom. Miami is built on it! The rest of the country has forgotten this and Miami needs a leader who will be that reminder.

If elected, would you commit to take action to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is safe and actively supported?

I wrote and passed Miami’s anti-conversion therapy ordinance. When Boca Raton’s similar legislation was challenged in court, I rallied other cities around the country in an Amicus Brief to support Boca’s ordinance. I voted to create Miami’s LGBTQ advisory board and appointed my Chief of Staff as a board member. In past elections I have received the endorsement of SAVE and have always been ready to support their needs. In a moment where the state and federal government are going backward on LGBT rights and trying to shame and legislate them out of our education system, Miami should again be an example for equality and diversity. Just a few years ago, our commission supported the LGBTQ community unanimously. Unfortunately, that consensus may not remain and divisive partisan politics have pushed our conservative commissioners against the issue.

Do you support expanding city-funded youth jobs programs and funding local small business support in historically underserved communities?

Our current mayor has been the champion of finance and tech coming to Miami. I would like to be the champion of the small business owner who is trying to stay here and flourish. Basic permitting for build-outs can be a bank-breaking exercise. This wastes time and money as though the city is working against them instead of with them. Our City Government should be a supportive partner of every small business in town, especially the underserved neighborhoods where the odds of failure are even greater. Instead, the City has developed zero tolerance shut down teams of police, code, and fire that burst into restaurants during dinner hours threatening management and staff in front of customers. I testified in court as I learned this practice was simply a whitewashing policy to normalize the unjust attacks on Ball & Chain related establishments. Our building department needs an overhaul to be a service partner to those who want to open a business in Miami—not a hindrance. When I was the Chairman of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District, I converted that organization into a small business survival team. During COVID we only lost three businesses in the Grove due to these supportive policies and grants. We need more of this city wide and the mayor’s office is the perfect leadership position to work with Commissioners, especially in areas where no BID exists.

Would you support allocating city funds toward programs that directly serve residents living below the poverty line such as rental assistance, food access, or guaranteed income pilots?

I dedicated funds from my Commission office to Rebuilding Together to renovate and improve 100 homes in Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. The goal was to support organic unsubsidized affordable housing by keeping people in their homes. Simple energy efficiencies like new windows, roofs, insulation bring down monthly utility costs making room for other costs of living. The support was dedicated to those who qualified for affordable, elderly, disabled homeowners. I also diverted millions toward property owning churches who were looking to renovate and supply rental units to affordable qualifying tenants. I did the same for Casa Valentina which houses former foster youth as they transition to their professional lives. During COVID, the food crisis was urgent. I teamed up with Udonis Haslem Foundation and specifically identified families who had lost jobs but had kids at home to make sure they had groceries available. This sort of hyper targeted programs make sure that the funds are delivered efficiently and reaches those in need. Guaranteed Income is an ambitious policy which would need significant financial backing. I am dedicated to learning from other cities that have explored this option, and if not possible, I will find creative ways to create financial relief for renters and homeowners. Miami’s tax base has doubled over the last ten years yet it’s harder than ever to afford living here. The local government has a responsibility to ensure that our city is livable and attainable for our existing residents and workforce. We can combat homelessness by supporting the infrastructure that leads them into jobs and permanent housing.

Many parks are locked on weekends or have bathrooms or facilities that are locked. Would you ensure these public spaces are accessible, well-funded, and available to neighbors on weekends?

When I was chairman of the Downtown Development Authority, I doubled our Pit Stop program providing bathroom access for the entire community every day in a safe and accessible and clean environment. The most important part of that program which could be scaled city-wide was the full time manning of the bathrooms by well trained employees who were formally unhoused and currently in shelter. They were paid a responsible wage and received benefits while helping provide bathroom access throughout downtown and Brickell. This program would work well in parks throughout Miami. The only way to make it work is to make it safe.

Do you support creating a digital budget interactive tool at the municipal level to increase transparency and make it easier for residents to understand and engage with how public dollars are spent?

Municipal budgeting is a mystery to most. Electeds thrive on chaos as their budget priorities don’t always align with the general public’s needs. Creating a way for people to better understand and interact with the City Budget process would be an excellent tool of accountability. I would support the creation this budget education portal and it rollout to the public.

There is currently a coalition called Stronger Miami working to change the city charter to move elections to even years, expand the number of districts from 5 to 9, and require fair redistricting criteria. Do you support this initiative?

I was the original source to the Miami Herald Editorial Board as they formed their opinion piece promoting even year voting, smaller district sizes, and lifetime term limits. I have been promoting Stronger Miami’s initiative at public meetings, in interviews, and on social media. I believe the missing factor with the petition drive is a visible and credible champion. The Mayor of Miami should be that person. I also believe that political strategy is very important when pushing such an initiative as it will have enemies. The elected establishment does not want an expansion of the commission because it was reduce their influence and possibly put them out of office (as it would trigger new elections on smaller districts). The campaign needs to be ready to proactively defend its positions against attacks. For example, “increasing the number of commissioners” can be seen as big government or a waste of money if spun in the negative. The coalition should be using words like “Smaller Commission Districts”. The idea of having a commissioner dedicated to 50k residents instead of 85k means more direct attention to local issues and an easier ability for grass roots candidates to win. It also sounds more appealing to the voter and preemptively defends against the Big Government attack. Not only am I in support, I am dedicated to getting these initiatives on the ballot. A champion in city hall would simply pass a resolution to put the question on the ballot so that the petition gathering process would not even be necessary. If the commission fails to vote in favor of the ballot question, the mayor could then be the vocal champion to collect signatures and force it on the ballot.

Laura Anderson, Christian Cevallos, Alyssa Crocker, Ijamyn Gray, Michael Hepburn, June Savage, Xavier Suarez

Emilio Gonzalez was invited to complete but did not respond. Elijah John Bowdre, Joe Carollo, Kenneth James DeSantis, Alex Diaz de la Portilla launched their campaigns after our questionnaire was distributed to candidates.

Includes most of Little Havana, the Roads, and areas west of Brickell Ave. This seat is currently held by Joe Carollo, who is now running for Mayor.

Oscar Elio Alejandro, Rolando Escalona, Rob Piper, Denise Turros

The following District 3 candidates did not respond to the questionnaire: Yvonne Alexandria Bayona, Brenda Maribel Betancourt, Frank Carollo, Fayez Tanous

Includes Overtown, Wynwood, Little Haiti, Liberty City, and the Upper East Side North of 62nd St. Christine King is the current commissioner, first elected in 2021.

The following candidates did not respond to the Engage Miami voter guide questionnaire: Marion K. Brown, Frederick Bryant, Christine King

Charter Amendment to Prohibit Gerrymandering, Establish Citizens’ Redistricting Committee, and Define Redistricting Process

“Shall the City Charter be amended to provide that City Commission districts may not be drawn with the intent to favor or disfavor a candidate or incumbent, establish a Citizens’ Redistricting Committee to draw districts after each census and when required by law, provide process for the Redistricting Committee to propose redistricting plans to the City Commission for final action, set Redistricting Committee members’ qualifications, duties, term of office, and process for appointment and removal?”

This Charter Amendment is on your ballot because community organizations – including Engage Miami – and local residents sued the City of Miami for racial gerrymandering and won. The City was forced to put a Citizens’ Redistricting Committee on the ballot.

This Charter Amendment would take power out of the hands of the politicians to draw their own districts, and end the funny business so they can’t draw districts to benefit themselves or cut out their competitors.

Engage Miami says vote YES and pass the Citizens’ Redistricting Commission!

Charter Amendment Establishing a Citizen Charter Review Commission Within One Year of Each Decennial Census

“Shall the City Charter be amended to establish a Charter Review Commission and require the City Commission, within one year after each federal decennial census, to appoint a Charter Review qualified electors of the City to the Charter Review Commission to review the City Charter, hold public hearings for community input, and recommend Charter amendments to the City Commission?”

Charter Amendment to Authorize Non-Waterfront Property Sales or Leases With Limited Market Interest

“Shall the City Charter be amended to allow the City Commission, by a four-fifths vote, to approve the sale or lease of non-waterfront City-owned property when fewer than three proposals are received after public notice, provided that other safeguards, including fair market value and voter approval for waterfront property, remain in effect?”

Charter Amendment to Establish Lifetime Term Limits for Elected Officials with a Retroactive Effective Date

Shall the City Charter be amended to provide that no person who has been elected or appointed two (2) times, excluding times when elected to fill a vacancy, to the office of Mayor or Commissioner shall be eligible for reelection to that office during their lifetime, that the term limits shall be measured retroactively from each elected official’s first election or appointment, and that this amendment shall become effective immediately?