Voters across Sarasota and Manatee counties turned out steadily on Election Day, with polls staying open across Florida until 7 p.m. Sarasota County reported roughly 46% turnout, driven by more than 150,000 mail and early ballots. Manatee County sat near 50%, including over 20,000 residents who cast ballots in person on Election Day itself.
One thing to watch before you head out: heavy rain the day before forced several Florida counties to relocate polling places. If your usual precinct looks closed, verify your assigned location before assuming anything. The county supervisor of elections websites have the current list.
On the marquee races, Congressman Byron Donald leads Democrat David Jolly in the polls, though prediction markets give Jolly a real, if uphill, path. Republicans hold a 1.5 million registered-voter advantage statewide, and early totals have leaned their way. For voters we talked to, the stakes came down to something simple: children, grandchildren, and the right to have a say.
Did you vote today, or are you heading out before 7? Tell us what turnout looked like at your precinct.
