Miami voters weigh local hardship and America's global role as early voting ends

A massive thunderstorm and flash flood warnings failed to deter voters in Miami as they headed to polling stations on Florida’s final day of early voting ahead of the US midterm elections.

Issued on: 02/11/2026 - 08:57

At a polling station inside a train station near the Stephen P Clark Government Center in downtown Miami, voters spoke on Sunday of neglected residents, low taxes and America’s strained relationship with Europe — concerns spanning local hardship and the country’s role in the world.

Journalists were not allowed to approach voters within a perimeter of 23 metres, marked by orange pylons, guarded by a "polling agent."

At the entry of the station, a group of homeless people gathered. Some sit in camping chairs, others lie on mats. They refuse to answer questions.

But Isabella, who had just voted, said she was angry about their plight. 

“This city just isn't taking care of its most vulnerable citizens,” she told RFI, pointing to the needs visible around the voting location.

“You can see right around this area, these are people who need social services and they're not receiving them.”

Florida Keys business owners reveal contrasting views of Trump's America

For Chas, the priorities were economic freedom and security.

“My overall philosophy and concerns are: keep low taxes, keep low regulation, keep things pro-business, strong national defence,” he said.

Natasha, meanwhile, wanted a political change.

“I voted for the Democrat party because that's what I stand for and I just want to see a change in this country,” she said.

Congressional power at stake

Tuesday's midterms will determine which party controls the House of Representatives and Senate, shaping President Donald Trump's ability to pursue his agenda over the remaining two years of his term. Democrats are seeking to regain control of Congress and limit Trump's reach.

Can Latino discontent loosen Republican grip on Florida?

In Florida, voters are also choosing a governor, a US senator, House members and state and local officials.

Early voting ended on Saturday in many counties, while others continued through Sunday. Election-day voting takes place on 3 November.

The campaign's final days have brought turmoil elsewhere. In Alaska, allegations that Democratic operatives recruited a similarly named challenger to Republican Senator Dan Sullivan prompted a federal investigation, with Democrat Mary Peltola denying involvement.

In Michigan, Democratic primary runner-up Haley Stevens unexpectedly endorsed Republican Mike Rogers against her former rival Abdul El-Sayed.

A federal judge on Sunday dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuit seeking to block certification of Alaska's Senate result if Sullivan lost, although a criminal investigation remained ongoing.

International affairs

For the Miami voters, international affairs also entered the calculation, but there was no shared view of America's responsibilities abroad.

Chas expressed regret about relations with Europe while drawing a line between American interests and European problems.

“With regards to what's happening in Europe, that's a European issue,” he said. “It's very unfortunate the relationship isn't what it used to be.”

Isabella admits that she does not have much confidence in political institutions.

“I don't really personally have a lot of trust in the government just as a general rule,” she said, adding that she was "guilted" into voting this time. 

Natasha hoped voters were responding to the consequences of the president's decisions.

“People are just waking up and trying to change,” she said. “I hope so. Yeah, I hope so.”

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