BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Flooding in Brevard County forced election officials to temporarily relocate several polling places Tuesday, sending voters at affected precincts to alternate locations for Election Day.
The Brevard County Supervisor of Elections said the changes were made because of extreme flooding and urged voters to check their polling location before heading out to vote.
Four precincts — 307, 309, 512 and 525 — were relocated to New Shiloh Christian Center in Melbourne. The center was already serving voters from two precincts, making it busier than usual Tuesday morning.
Channel 9 saw a steady stream of voters coming in and out of the center, with lines fluctuating throughout the morning. Several voters who did not want to appear on camera said they went there after learning that their original polling locations had closed due to flooding.
One couple said the change had little impact on them because New Shiloh Christian Center was only about 2 or 3 miles from their original polling place.
Other voters faced greater challenges as floodwaters continued to affect parts of Brevard County. Video from Monday showed roads in Palm Bay and Melbourne covered with water, with vehicles stranded in flooded areas.
In addition to the four precincts moved to New Shiloh Christian Center, precincts 306, 323 and 509 were relocated to Joseph N. Davis Community Center in Melbourne.
Precinct 517 was moved to Palm Bay City Hall Council Chambers, while precincts 320, 513 and 522 were moved to Franklin T. DeGroodt Memorial Library in Palm Bay.
Election officials said additional changes could be announced depending on conditions and encouraged voters to check VoteBrevard.gov for the latest information before leaving for the polls.
Polls opened at 7 a.m. and are scheduled to remain open until 7 p.m. Voters who are in line by 7 p.m. are allowed to cast a ballot.
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