As voters prepare to head to the polls tomorrow, March 10, the excitement is palpable in Broward County, Florida. The municipal elections in Lauderhill and Pembroke Pines promise to be a significant event, with important decisions on the line. In Lauderhill, residents will be voting on a substantial $65 million bond initiative known as RISE Lauderhill, while Pembroke Pines will see the election of two key officials across its districts.
The RISE Lauderhill bond proposal is noteworthy for its allocation of funds aimed at improving public safety, parks, infrastructure, transportation, and roadway projects. Specifically, the funding breakdown includes $9.5 million for public safety improvements, $34 million dedicated to parks and infrastructure enhancements, and $21.5 million earmarked for transportation and roadway projects.
Candidates Competing in Pembroke Pines
In Pembroke Pines, voters in District 1 will choose between three candidates: Dennis Hinds, a challenger and Jamaican-American professional; Thomas Good, the incumbent commissioner seeking a third term; and James Henry, a former police sergeant. District 4 features Vice Mayor Mike Hernández, who is vying for a full term, and his challenger, Elizabeth Burns, a community advocate who previously ran for mayor in 2024.
The stakes are high, with candidates in Pembroke Pines actively fundraising to garner support. Hernández has raised approximately $49,500 and spent about $22,000, while Burns has raised around $3,800 and has also spent a similar amount. Good, a U.S. Navy veteran, has collected nearly $32,000 and spent about $6,700 since his re-election campaign began. Meanwhile, Henry has invested $7,500 of his own funds into his campaign, and Hinds has raised $1,500 mainly from South Florida donors.
Election Day Details
Polling stations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and voters are required to cast their ballots at assigned precinct locations. Anyone in line by 7:00 p.m. will still be allowed to vote. Notably, there is no early voting for these elections, but vote-by-mail ballots can be delivered to secure ballot intake stations. Voters must present a valid photo ID with a signature to vote in person, with acceptable forms of ID including a Florida driver license, Florida ID card, U.S. passport, debit or credit card, military ID, or student ID. To confirm polling locations and view sample ballots, residents can visit the Broward County Supervisor of Elections website. For real-time updates, follow @BrowardVotes on social media.
Context and Background
The elections in Lauderhill and Pembroke Pines are part of a broader electoral landscape in Broward County, where only these two municipalities are facing elections out of six planned. Other areas, such as Hillsboro Beach, Lazy Lake, Lighthouse Point, and Sea Ranch Lakes, have opted out of elections due to uncontested candidates. For instance, Hillsboro Beach has only two candidates for its two open seats, ensuring a smooth path to office for both the current mayor and a commissioner.
In a broader context, Miami, which has recently experienced a political shift with its first Democratic mayor in 28 years, signals a potential change in voter sentiment throughout Florida and the nation. Eileen Higgins’ recent victory, winning nearly 60 percent of the votes against Republican Emilio Gonzalez, highlights a growing trend among voters looking for different leadership. This dynamic may also influence the outcomes in Lauderhill and Pembroke Pines as residents make their voices heard.
As the clock ticks down to election day, the anticipation builds. Whether it’s the fate of the RISE Lauderhill bond initiative or the choice of local leaders in Pembroke Pines, tomorrow’s elections are set to shape the future of these communities.