Dade Voters Cast Ballots In Presidential Preference Primary

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Voters are going to the polls Tuesday in Florida's Presidential Preference Primary in what could be a turning point for several candidates in Campaign 2016.

It's not only an important day for the candidates but for the people as well.

"How important was it for you to come out and vote," asked CBS4's Marybel Rodriguez.

"This year more than others why? We don't want to see Trump there will be a war the first week and Hillary Clinton will be four more years of the same thing. It's gotta change," said voter Scot Lauderdale.

"It's important for me. I am a Democrat in the end. It's what I want for my future here," said voter  Luis Parrilla.

"As a Hispanic I want my vote to count," said voter Kendra Rodriguez.

But not everyone was as optimistic about the presidential primaries. Bill Diggs says he feels it's bringing out the worst in people.

"In rallies, children are being beaten, pushed. It's bringing out the worst in America. I've never seen it like this before," said voter Bill Diggs.

Since Florida is a closed primary state, you have to be a registered Democrat or Republican to be able to vote.

Those who vote, need to bring a valid ID that has their name, photograph and signature.

Voters can bring the following IDs:

• Florida Driver's License
• Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
• United States Passport
• Debit or credit card
• Military identification
• Student identification
• Retirement center identification
• Public assistance identification
• Neighborhood Association identification

If a voter does not have a valid ID, they may be asked to vote using a provisional ballot.

A voter information card is not necessary to vote. But it will be helpful in locating specific voting locations since some have changed since the last election. Voters will need to vote at their assigned precinct.

Related: Rubio Optimistic About Outcome Of Florida Primary

Miami-Dade poll workers are expecting a high turnout on Tuesday.

"We're looking to be on par with the 2008 voter turnout or a little higher,"  said Miami-Dade County's Supervisor of Elections Christina White.

Some things have changed since the last Primary election day. A new electronic check in system is meant to speed things up.

Related: Super Tuesday A Do-Or-Die For Some Candidates

"We have a new electronic check-in system. It'll be a big difference for our voters since 2012. You come in with your driver's license or Florida ID. We swipe it for you and we'll be able to move you through the line much quicker than in the past," said White.

Before election day, many voters decided to take advantage of early voting.

According to the Department of Elections in Miami-Dade, more than 80,000 voters turned out for early voting and an additional 117,368 absentee ballots were turned in. Across Florida, out of 12 million registered voters, more than two million have already voted.

As for Tuesday, polls are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. If you are in line when they close, you will be allowed to vote.

Click on the links for more information on voting in: Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe.