UpdateFloridaMonday, November 2, 2026
Florida puts the governor's party first on the ballot
What Florida law says about the order candidates appear on the ballot, and what happened when it was challenged.
Reporting by
WUSF
“Why are Republicans listed first on Florida's ballots?”, Monday, November 2, 2026
What happened
Florida law gives the top ballot position to candidates from the party that won the most recent governor's race. Republicans appear first on 2026 general election ballots. In 2018, national Democratic organizations and state voters filed a constitutional challenge arguing the rule creates an unfair electoral advantage.1
Key dates in Florida
Election Day in -6 days- Mon, Oct 5 · passedRegistration deadline
- Thu, Oct 22 · passedLast day for mail ballot applications
- Sat, Oct 24 · passedEarly voting begins
- Sat, Oct 31 · passedEarly voting ends
- Tue, Nov 3 · passedElection Day; Mail ballots must arrive
- Mon, Nov 16 · 7 daysCounty/Local certification
- Tue, Nov 17 · 8 daysState certification
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