Judge Rules Miami Can't Postpone Elections, Upholds November 2025 Date
A Miami-Dade circuit judge has ruled against the City of Miami's attempt to postpone its municipal elections by a year. Judge Valerie Manno Schurr declared the city's decision to move the November 2025 elections to November 2026 without voter approval as unconstitutional and unlawful. The ruling ensures that Miami's elections will proceed as originally scheduled in November 2025.
City Commissioners' Vote to Delay Sparks Controversy
Last month, the Miami City Commissioners voted 3-2 to pass an ordinance postponing the November 2025 municipal elections to November 2026. This decision ignited a fierce debate over the legality and ethics of unilaterally altering election dates and potentially extending the terms of current elected officials.
Gonzalez Files Lawsuit Challenging Election Postponement
In early July 2025, former Miami City Manager and mayoral candidate Emilio Gonzalez filed a lawsuit against the city, challenging the legality of the election postponement. Gonzalez argued that the move unlawfully blocked his mayoral bid and extended the terms of current officials, including term-limited Mayor Francis Suarez.
Judge Sides with Gonzalez, Reinstates Original Election Date
On Monday, July 21, 2025, Judge Valerie Manno Schurr issued her written opinion, ruling against the city's ordinance. The judge's decision effectively reinstates the original November 2025 date for Miami's municipal elections.
Arguments For and Against the Delay
Proponents of the delay, such as Commissioner Damian Pardo, argued that it would increase voter turnout by aligning local elections with countywide and statewide votes held in even-numbered years. Pardo also suggested it would save the city money. Commissioner Ralph Rosado echoed this sentiment, calling the postponement "pro-democracy." Mayor Francis Suarez supported the delay, citing historically low voter turnout in odd-year elections and advocating for higher participation rates to achieve stronger mandates.
However, critics like Commissioner Joe Carollo vehemently opposed the delay, labeling it "illegal" and "morally wrong" to extend elected officials' terms without voter consent. Carollo supported Emilio Gonzalez's legal challenge.
State Officials Weigh In: DeSantis and Uthmeier Oppose Delay
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and State Attorney General James Uthmeier had previously warned against the election delay without voter approval, suggesting it likely violated the Miami-Dade County charter and the Florida Constitution. They expressed support for the judge's decision, reinforcing the state's stance on upholding established election laws.
Reactions from Mayoral Candidates
Miami-Dade County Commissioner and Miami mayoral candidate Eileen Higgins praised the judge's decision, emphasizing that elections should be determined by the people, not politicians. Her statement reflects the broader concern among candidates that the postponement was an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
Controversy: A Perceived Power Grab
The central controversy revolved around the City of Miami Commission's authority to unilaterally postpone an election and extend the terms of elected officials, particularly a term-limited mayor, without a public vote. Critics characterized the move as a "power grab," highlighting the potential for abuse of power and the undermining of democratic principles.
Potential Consequences Avoided
Had the ruling favored the city, it would have extended the terms of current commissioners and the mayor by an additional year. This could have triggered further legal challenges and eroded voter confidence in the integrity of the democratic process. Furthermore, candidates who had already launched their campaigns for the 2025 election would have faced significant disruptions.
Ruling Upholds Democratic Principles
The judge's ruling reaffirms the fundamental principle that changes to election schedules, especially those impacting terms of office, must be subject to voter approval. This upholds the Miami-Dade County Charter and Florida law, ensuring that the November 2025 elections will proceed as originally planned, safeguarding the established democratic timeline.
