When City of Miami voters head to the polls on August 18, 2026, they will find two City referendums on their ballots. One could change when Miami elects its mayor and commissioners. The other could shape the future of one of Miami’s most recognizable historic landmarks, the Miami Marine Stadium.

Both questions involve decisions with consequences that extend well beyond this election. The Biscayne Neighborhoods Association encourages residents to understand what each proposal would actually do before casting their vote.

Here is a closer look at both measures, what a Yes or No vote means, and some of the considerations surrounding each proposal.

Referendum 1: Should Miami Move Its City Elections to Even-Numbered Years?

Miami currently holds its municipal elections in odd-numbered years, separate from the major federal and statewide elections that generally take place in even-numbered years.

Referendum 1 asks voters whether the City Charter should be amended so that Miami’s general and runoff elections move from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years beginning in 2034 and 2036, depending on the office. Future elections would then continue every four years. To make that transition possible, officials elected in 2031 and 2033 would serve three-year terms instead of the usual four. (⁠Miami Government)

What would a YES vote do?

A Yes vote approves the Charter amendment. Miami municipal elections would eventually be held during even-numbered years alongside statewide or countywide elections, and the terms of officials elected during the transition in 2031 and 2033 would be reduced to three years.

One of the principal arguments for moving municipal elections is participation. Elections held alongside major county, state and federal contests generally attract considerably more voters than standalone local elections. Supporters of even-year elections argue that higher participation can make the electorate deciding Miami’s leadership more representative of the city’s overall voting population.

There is also an administrative and financial consideration. Holding municipal races at the same time as larger elections allows the City to share election infrastructure rather than requiring separate election cycles.

What would a NO vote do?

A No vote rejects the Charter amendment and maintains Miami’s existing municipal election cycle.

One argument for keeping local elections separate is visibility. During presidential, congressional and statewide election years, voters may face lengthy ballots and enormous amounts of political advertising and information. Keeping Miami elections in odd-numbered years can give city races and neighborhood issues greater prominence rather than placing them farther down a crowded ballot.

There is also the issue of the transition itself. Under the proposal, voters electing City officials in 2031 and 2033 would elect them to three-year rather than four-year terms.

The question for voters is therefore not simply whether higher turnout is desirable. It is also whether combining municipal elections with larger election cycles improves local democracy or makes specifically Miami issues less visible.

Referendum 2: The Future of Miami Marine Stadium and Flex Park

The second referendum concerns the Historic Miami Marine Stadium and Flex Park at 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway.

The Marine Stadium, completed in 1963, is one of Miami’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. After decades of deterioration and years of discussion about restoration, voters are now being asked whether the City should enter into a long-term management agreement with Global Spectrum L.P. to activate and manage events at the stadium and Flex Park.

The ballot specifies four significant financial and contractual terms:

• The City would receive 93% of gross sales from all events after deducting a $33,333 monthly management fee.
• The City would receive 85% of sponsorship revenues.
• The management agreement would have a 40-year term.
• Global Spectrum would pay the City up to $10 million toward restoration of the Historic Miami Marine Stadium. (⁠Miami-Dade County)

What would a YES vote do?

A Yes vote authorizes the City to enter into the proposed management agreement under the terms presented to voters.

For supporters, one of the strongest considerations is restoration. Miami Marine Stadium has remained unused for decades, and the proposal creates a specific private-sector financial commitment of up to $10 million toward bringing the historic structure back into use.

The agreement also establishes substantial revenue participation for the City. According to the ballot language, Miami would receive 93% of gross event sales after the monthly management fee is deducted and 85% of sponsorship revenues.

Supporters may therefore see the proposal as an opportunity to combine preservation, programming and revenue generation while advancing a project that has been discussed for many years.

What would a NO vote do?

A No vote rejects authorization for this particular 40-year management agreement.

The central concern for opponents is the length and nature of the commitment. Forty years represents a significant period for any agreement governing the operation of a public waterfront property. Future City administrations and generations of residents would inherit an arrangement approved by today’s voters.

There is also a broader question about the appropriate use of public waterfront land. Activating the stadium and Flex Park through events could bring activity and revenue to the site, but voters may want to consider how increased commercial programming fits with public access, recreation, traffic, surrounding neighborhoods and the long-term character of Virginia Key.

A No vote would not, by itself, determine that the Marine Stadium should never be restored. It would mean voters have not authorized this particular management agreement under the terms presented on the ballot.

Two Questions With Long-Term Consequences

Although the two referendums address very different subjects, they have something important in common: both involve decisions whose effects could last for decades.

Referendum 1 asks voters to decide how Miami should conduct its democracy and whether greater participation through even-year elections outweighs the benefits of keeping municipal races on a separate ballot.

Referendum 2 asks voters to consider how Miami should restore and activate a historic public asset while weighing a significant private contribution and City revenue against the implications of a 40-year management commitment.

Neither question can be reduced simply to a headline. Residents should read the ballot language, understand the terms and decide which approach they believe best serves Miami’s long-term interests.

Get Ready to Vote

The City of Miami Referendum Special Election will be held alongside the countywide primary on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Early voting runs through Sunday, August 16. On Election Day, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and voters must vote at their assigned polling location. City of Miami voters participating in early voting may use any countywide early-voting site. (⁠Miami Government)

Before voting, residents should review their customized sample ballot and confirm their Election Day polling location with the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections.

BNA’s goal is to help our neighbors arrive at the polls informed. Read the questions, understand what a Yes and a No vote would accomplish, and make your voice heard.