Early voting in Manatee and Sarasota counties begins Saturday, August 8, giving Suncoast voters nine days to cast their ballot before Florida’s primary on Tuesday, August 18. Manatee County opens eight locations from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Sarasota County opens six locations from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Sites include libraries, parks, and the county elections offices, so there’s likely a convenient option near you.
If you’re in Manatee, the later hours make it easy to vote after work. Sarasota voters will want to plan around the earlier 4:30 p.m. cutoff. Either way, early voting is the best way to skip Election Day crowds and the Florida heat. Before you head out, check your voter registration status and view a sample ballot online. Knowing what’s on the ballot ahead of time makes the process much quicker.
The primary includes races that will shape local government, so it’s worth showing up. Find your polling location, grab your photo ID, and vote on a schedule that works for you. What’s your plan: early voting or waiting until August 18? Let us know in the comments.
