Miami-Dade Polling Station Extends Hours After Dems File Lawsuit

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A polling station in Miami-Dade was granted an extra two hours to remain open for voters following a lawsuit by the Florida Democratic Party.

Judge William Thomas granted the emergency request because of a series of events Sunday morning near the Lemon City Library, located at 430 N.E. 61st Street, that blocked traffic and prevented many from getting to cast their vote.

The party argued that some roads were closed due to the iRace, a 5K/10K run in the area, as well as a nearby car accident.

Thomas held a hearing Sunday evening and determined that the library could remain open past 7:00 p.m. for another two hours. Voters got the word via social media.

"They texted me," said Frank. "I got a text that they will be open til 9 o'clock."

Plaintiffs wrote that many voters were delayed by about two hours because of the traffic problems.

"They were definitely a little confused, but they got it together and they're getting it done," said Karen Tuvia, who was able to cast her vote. "I voted, yeah!"

The extension applied solely to this location. Sunday was the final day to vote early.

Spurred on by the hectic campaign by both major candidates, nearly half of Florida's 12.9 million registered voters had already cast ballots early.