Coral Gables voters are approaching an atypical Election Day on April 21, the deadline for a citywide, vote-by-mail election featuring eight proposed amendments to the city’s charter.
There are no polling places or early voting sites. Ballots must be returned by mail or delivered to the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections office in Doral by 7 p.m. to count.
As of mid-April, more than 7,000 residents — about 23% of eligible voters — had already cast ballots, according to the Miami Herald.
The all-mail format is being used because the election includes only referendums and no candidates, which typically lowers costs, the Herald reported.
At the center of the ballot is a closely watched proposal to change when Coral Gables holds its elections — an issue that has divided city leaders and residents.
Ballots must be received — not postmarked — by 7 p.m. on April 21.
Here’s what’s on the ballot:
— Amendment 1: Would move municipal elections from April in odd-numbered years to November of even-numbered years starting in 2026, shortening current officials’ terms by about four months. Supporters, including Mayor Vince Lago, argue the change would boost turnout and reduce costs — from roughly $125,000 for standalone April elections to about $20,000 when held alongside national races, according to Axios. Opponents contend that local issues could be overshadowed on crowded ballots and lead to less-informed voting.
— Amendment 2: Would prohibit the City Commission from changing the election date by ordinance, effectively requiring voter approval for any future changes. It is designed to lock in the November election schedule if Amendment 1 passes.
— Amendment 3: Would allow City Commissioners and certain appointed officials to remove members they appointed to boards or committees before their terms expire, without a Commission-wide vote. Currently, such removals typically require majority approval of the Commission.
— Amendment 4: Would require the city to convene a Charter Review Committee every 10 years beginning in 2035. The seven-member panel would review the charter and recommend updates, formalizing a process the city has historically followed.
— Amendment 5: Would authorize the city to contract with Miami-Dade County or a private entity for Inspector General services. The office would investigate fraud, waste and abuse and provide oversight, with subpoena power. The idea follows recent political tensions and calls for increased transparency.
— Amendment 6: Would require voter approval for any increases in elected officials’ pay beyond standard cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation. Currently, the Commission can approve additional raises by majority vote.
— Amendment 7: Would eliminate runoff elections in mayoral and Commission races. Candidates could win with a plurality — the most votes — rather than a majority.
— Amendment 8: Would require the city to maintain a general fund reserve equal to 25% of its operating budget and mandate a four-fifths vote of the Commission to spend those funds or change the policy, except in emergencies. City officials have described the reserve proposal as a financial safeguard for crises such as hurricanes.
The broader package of amendments has drawn competing arguments. A group supporting the measures, Coral Gables First, said they would “strengthen accountability, protect taxpayers and modernize how government works.” Critics argue some provisions could concentrate power or reduce oversight.
