Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election is officially underway in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Both counties are offering extended local schedules from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, giving Suncoast voters more than two weeks to cast a ballot before Election Day. That’s a longer window than the state’s mandatory early voting period, which runs Oct. 24 through Oct. 31.
Sarasota County has 11 early voting sites open 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., while Manatee County’s 8 sites operate 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. New locations this year include sites in North Port, Twin Lakes Park and Lakewood Ranch, which should make things easier for voters in some of the faster-growing parts of the region. Remember, you can vote at any early voting location in your county, not just your home precinct.
Bring a Florida photo ID with your signature, and check your county supervisor of elections website to confirm your voter status or find the nearest site. Whether you’re near the Ringling campus or out toward the beaches, there’s a convenient option nearby. Are you planning to vote early this year, or do you prefer Election Day? Let us know in the comments.
