Economy and Party Loyalty Drive Midterm Voters Across South Miami

Outside St. Augustine Catholic Church just across from the University of Miami, midterm voters trickled into their designated voting place on Tuesday, wanting to make a difference. But their voting priorities – from lowering property taxes to protecting local services – reflected different views about what they feel their communities need most. 

Carolina Garcia, a 28-year-old merchandise buyer born and raised in Miami, said the economy played a crucial role in her vote. 

“I definitely think the economy is absolutely not where it should be,” Garcia said. “I always like to vote with that in mind.” 

Garcia, who identifies as a Democrat, also looked to local issues affecting daily life in South Florida when it came to her vote. 

Eddie Rey, a business owner who voted for Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, said he wanted relief from property taxes. He also questioned how local governments are using the money they collect. 

“Property taxes are very high, and the more the property values go up, the mill stays the same, but the excess money gets misspent,” Rey said.

These concerns reflect broader national trends indicating that for most voters, their number-one issue is the economy. An October Gallup poll found that 50% of voters rated the economy as “extremely important” in terms of how they’ll vote, and another 37% said it was “very important.” Voters in South Miami mirrored those same concerns, particularly as it relates to state property taxes and the use of government funds. 

Amid concerns about affordability during a midterm election seen by many as a referendum on President Trump, Florida also awaits a decision on Amendment 3. Donalds supports the amendment and says it will provide relief for homeowners, while Democratic challenger David Jolly says he opposes the measure because it will deprive local governments of funding. 

Beyond the candidates’ names on the midterm ballots, Amendment 3 gives voters a crucial decision about their finances and their communities. 

The amendment would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while also lowering the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties, including rental and commercial properties, from 10% to 5%.  To be passed and become part of Florida’s constitution, at least 60% of voters have to approve it. 

When it was his turn to fill out his ballot, Rey supported the amendment for one clear reason. “They got to lower the property taxes,” he said.

But Samir Iskandarani, a 28-year-old actuary who lives in South Miami, rejected the idea of Amendment 3. He mentioned concerns of housing affordability and taking much-needed funding away from local government. 

“I just don’t think we should take away resources from local municipalities,” Iskandarani said. 

Lyanette Balmaseda, a 20-year-old junior studying biochemistry at the University of Miami, said attending local campus events helped her learn more about the candidates in this midterm election. When it comes to making the vote, having a say in these decisions that will impact local communities is what makes voting meaningful. 

“I love voting. I love the opportunity to have that decision and have that power as a citizen,” Balmaseda said. 

Alicia Arnar, 73, a retired South Miami resident who voted in the midterms, shared that same appreciation. 

“I think it’s the greatest right you have in this country, and a lot of people don’t appreciate it like they should,” said Arnar. “So I always vote. Always, all the time.”

Voters outside St. Augustine Catholic Church, just across from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, spoke about their reasons for voting on Nov. 3, 2026. (All photos by Cameron Williams)

This story is part of a statewide partnership of more than 30 nonpartisan newsrooms and universities working to help Florida voters make informed decisions in the 2026 elections. Learn more about the Florida Elections Reporting Partnership at floridaelections.org. News organizations are welcome to republish our work, as long as they credit the writer and CommunityWire.