Fate of Miami-Dade mayor on line in recall vote

MIAMI (AP) — Voters in Miami-Dade County are deciding on a drive to recall Mayor Carlos Alvarez after a property tax increase and pay raises for many county employees.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. today. If successful, experts say it would be the largest recall of a local official in U.S. history.

Billionaire car dealer Norman Braman has led the campaign to oust the mayor in his second term.

Alvarez has said he has no regrets over his recommended budget and that it was necessary to maintain vital services like fire and police.

A recent poll showed that 67 percent of likely voters planned to recall Alvarez from office. Only 18 percent said he should stay in office.