Pembroke Pines Shifts City Elections to November

Commissioners reach consensus to move municipal voting from low-turnout March to higher-turnout November ballot.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:33pm

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The city of Pembroke Pines, Florida has reached a consensus to shift its future municipal elections from March to November, when voter turnout is historically much higher. The move, championed by Vice Mayor Mike Hernández, aims to boost civic engagement and ensure elected leaders are chosen by as many residents as possible.

Why it matters

Pembroke Pines' March elections have suffered from abysmally low voter turnout, with as little as 9% of registered voters participating in some recent races. Moving to the November ballot when statewide and national elections are held is expected to dramatically increase voter participation and strengthen the democratic process at the local level.

The details

Commissioners voted Tuesday night to approve drafting an ordinance that would put the March-to-November election change on the November 2026 ballot for public approval. City Attorney Sam Goren will craft the exact language for the ballot measure. Hernández argued the March elections have become an 'exercise in futility' and a 'waste of money' due to such low turnout, with many residents unaware the elections are even happening. Broward County Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott has also been pushing cities to move to the November ballot, offering free elections for 'candidate-only' races but charging $2.79 per voter for any additional referendum questions.

  • Pembroke Pines commissioners reached consensus on the election change at their meeting on April 1, 2026.
  • The city plans to put the March-to-November election change on the November 2026 ballot for public approval.
  • The next step is for City Attorney Sam Goren to draft an ordinance for commissioners to approve at their April 15, 2026 meeting.

The players

Mike Hernández

Pembroke Pines Vice Mayor who effectively argued the case for moving city elections to November.

Angelo Castillo

Pembroke Pines Mayor who voiced support for the election change.

Maria Rodriguez

Pembroke Pines Commissioner who provided a three-vote majority to approve the election change.

Sam Goren

Pembroke Pines City Attorney who will draft the ordinance for the November 2026 ballot measure.

Joe Scott

Broward County Supervisor of Elections who has been encouraging cities to move municipal elections to November.

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What they’re saying

“Mike, if you don't send me a text or an email, I forget there's an election. You're the only thing on the ballot.”

— Pembroke Pines Resident

“I don't like it.”

— Mike Hernández, Pembroke Pines Vice Mayor

What’s next

The Pembroke Pines City Commission will vote on April 15, 2026 to approve the ordinance that will put the March-to-November election change on the November 2026 ballot for public approval.

The takeaway

Pembroke Pines' move to shift its municipal elections from the historically low-turnout March to the higher-turnout November ballot is a positive step toward strengthening local democracy and ensuring elected leaders are chosen by as many residents as possible.