In the wake of a historic City Commission vote to shift Coral Gables municipal elections from April in odd-numbered years to November in even-numbered years, a Gazette reader poll reveals opinion nearly split down the middle.
The online poll, conducted in collaboration with Crowdsignal from June 2 to 9, asked a single question: “Do you favor moving Coral Gables elections from April in odd years to November in even years?” A total of 1,170 readers participated. Of those, 594 respondents (50.7%) answered “Yes,” in support of the change. 561 respondents (47.9%) answered “No,” while 15 (1.3%) were unsure or had no opinion.
The results reflect a city still digesting the implications of the Commission’s May 20 decision, which passed on a 3–2 vote. The change, slated to begin next year, marks the first time in Coral Gables’ 100-year history that its elections will align with statewide and national contests. Supporters say the move will increase voter turnout and engagement. Opponents argue it could blur the city’s nonpartisan civic focus and give political advantage to incumbents or well-funded campaigns.
“Do you favor moving Coral Gables elections from April in odd years to November in even years?”
“Yes”: 50.7%
“No”: 47.9%
“Not Sure / No Opinion”: 1.3%
Divisive but civil debate
Although close, the poll’s majority result aligns with the rationale cited by Mayor Vince Lago and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, both of whom voted in favor of the change. “This is about increasing turnout and bringing our elections in line with broader democratic participation,” Lago said during the May 20 session.
But dissenting commissioners Melissa Castro and Ariel Fernandez saw it differently. “This is not about participation,” Castro said at the meeting. “This is about political convenience.” Both commissioners voted against the change, citing concerns about transparency and term adjustments. The vote will shorten the terms of Lago, Castro, and Fernandez by four months.
The Gazette’s non-scientific poll underscores the validity of both viewpoints. While a slim majority endorsed the change, nearly as many readers rejected it, signaling no overwhelming consensus.
Turnout, timing, and trust
Historically, municipal elections in Coral Gables have struggled to draw broad participation. In the April 2025 municipal elections, just under 23 percent of registered voters cast a ballot. In contrast, general elections held in November—especially in presidential years—often reach turnout rates of 60 to 70 percent.
Supporters of the move believe it will bolster turnout and reduce the cost per vote. One reader noted, “I’ve lived here for 30 years, and I’ve never seen turnout higher than 25%. It’s time for a change.” Others viewed the change as aligning with larger civic values.
Yet opposition was equally pointed—and deeply rooted in concern for Coral Gables’ political identity. “April elections have worked for 100 years, solely focused on the local issues of our city,” one reader wrote. “Our city is too important to have our ballot items shoved onto the end of a national election ballot.” Another added, “No… Let’s concentrate on getting people to educate themselves and vote in the odd years, and not get lost in the partisan strum-und-drang of presidential elections.”
Several comments reflected a fear that campaign costs would rise and that local voices would be drowned out. “Campaigning during national elections would make it cost prohibitive for candidates who aren’t backed by PACs and special interests,” one longtime resident wrote. Another put it succinctly: “No. Too much other drama in November.”
What comes next
With the commission’s vote finalized, the city will now coordinate with the Miami-Dade County Elections Department to ensure a smooth transition. The first November election under the new timeline will take place in November 2026, with subsequent races held in even-numbered years thereafter.
That timing will likely reshape campaign dynamics. Candidates will need to raise funds and attract attention in a more crowded media and electoral environment. Voter education efforts will need to clarify the shift, particularly for longtime residents accustomed to the April cycle.
As Coral Gables enters this new electoral era, the Gazette will continue reporting on how the change unfolds and what it means for voters, candidates, and the future of local governance.
This Post Has 6 Comments
I sincerely believe that the residents who want November elections in Coral Gables are not the truly engaged voters who inform themselves on our City’s issues. They care more about their own convenience than having our local issues addressed in a manner that finds them front and center on a ballot, as has been successfully done for 100 years.
The problem with our low turnout is NOT due to the date of the election. It’s caused by the APATHY demonstrated by the majority of our registered voters who don’t exercise their right (which is a true privilege) to vote.
While the newly elected members of the commission continue to use terms like “mandate” and “landslide”, the REALITY is that 70% OF OUR REGISTERED VOTERS DIDN’T BOTHER TO CAST A VOTE.
Although national elections draw more voters, our local elections are truly the ones where we can make a real difference in our own backyard. In many ways our Coral Gables elections are more important to the quality of life in our own community than the national elections!
I’m glad that you admit it’s a non-scientific poll! I received it a 3 different email addresses. I could have answered 3 times but I really don’t care all that much. I plan to vote at every election regardless of when they are held. I they shorten Ariel’s and Melissa’s reign is a bonus.
I believe it is very hypocritical to advocate moving the election to November to increase voter turnout while doing nothing to increase voter education and engagement for April elections. It is as if the elected officials pushing to move the elections to November with claims of “voter suppression” for anybody desiring to retain our historical 100-year April voting wanted a lower turnout in April (although a record 30% in the general election and a record 23% in the runoff) to justify their position. Our local government should (a) host a forum and/or townhall meeting for candidates, (b) allow candidates to purchase a booth at the Farmers Market to meet voters (it was allowed for a County Commissioner despite statements that no political booth is allowed at the Farmers Market), (c) send communications to residents as to when to register to vote, request a vote-by-mail (“VBM”) ballot, and either vote early, on election day and by VBM, (d) encourage voter registration by residents (we have 50,000 residents but only 34,000 registered voters), (e) have trolleys take people to the library for early voting and depositing VBMs, (f) have trolleys take people to the polls on election day and (g) consolidate poll locations to lower costs but retain the same number of votes. Retaining our April elections has been unanimously supported by our current Charter Review Committee as well as our 2015 Charter Review Committee.
The method of voting (VBM, early voting or day of voting) is the same in April as in November. If people are traveling in April, our City government should encourage residents to obtain and file a VBM. Deciding not to vote is an individual voter right and decision. We can be disappointed but should avoid criticism of a voter exercising such right and decision. We should avoid rhetoric that Mayor Lago uses – “quality vs quantity” – and not impute that residents who decide not to vote in April are “unqualified.”
Whether the vote is in April or November, we should always strive to have more informed voters. Having our local elections bundled with county, state and federal elections and all of the competing marketing and messaging increases the need for the City to educate and engage voters. By continuing to do NOTHING, our elected officials are purposefully seeking to diminish the voting percentage of informed voters.
Finally, I do not believe that the City can reduce the term of an elected official via ordinance. I submitted a legal memorandum at the Commission meeting on May 20, 2025, as to such analysis and support. Florida Attorney General Opinions AGO 2019-11, 2013-05, 2007-34, 2003-52 and 2000-61 all extended the term of elected officials when changing the local election date to coincide with county and state elections. AGO 2013-05 specifically provides that a change in the municipal charter which affects “the terms of elected officers” must be accomplished by voter referendum. There is no Florida Attorney General Opinion that allows a City via an ordinance to shorten the term of an elected official when changing the date of local elections. I requested that the City seek a Florida Attorney General Opinion validating its position to ensure that it respects and complies with the rule of law. It is very disappointing that our elected officials chose to ignore that request.
Tom Wells makes excellent points!
The Florida Attorney General just advised the City of Miami commission that they can’t change an election date by ordinance, but only by voter referendum. Same situation with their city charter as what exists with ours. Exactly what Tom is citing above. Lago thinks he’s omnipotent…but at some point he’ll have to follow the rules.
It’s common sense (to me) that the Gables Election should be at the same time as the November election because it will increase the turnout. It’s shown that a low percentage turn out to vote in the Gables Election. But more people turn out in November. It’s certainly worth giving it a try!
It is about saving money as the cost to do the elections in April runs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Commission needs to deal with the City’s unfunded pension liabilities.