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You may register if...
You are a U.S. citizen, a resident of Manatee County, and if you will be at least 18 years of age by Election Day.Where to register and when
In addition to registration services available at the office of the Supervisor of Elections, there are many Voter Information Centers throughout Manatee County where voter applications may be obtained.These forms are located at the Drivers License office, city halls, and public libraries, throughout Manatee County. Registrations also are available in most major banks and savings and loan institutions, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, major businesses, mobile home parks and retirement centers.
If you have any questions, call the office of the Supervisor of Elections 741-3823, Monday through Friday or you may submit questions on the web site: www.votemanatee.com. Additional hours are scheduled prior to closing of the books for primary and general elections. Registration books for any election close 29 days prior to that election.
Your registration is valid as long as you remain an active voter in Manatee County. A voter's name is removed from active status if the voter fails to vote during a period covering two federal election cycles. If you do not vote, the Supervisor of Elections will mail you a registration notice to which you must respond if you wish to stay on the rolls.
How to register
You may register either in a political party or with no party affiliation. Registration in a party lets you vote for your party's candidates in the primary elections. If you list no party affiliation, you may vote in primaries, but only on issues, for nonpartisan candidates, and where all candidates are of one party. In general elections, all registered voters may vote for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation.Changes in Registration
Address changes may be made by telephone or on the web site: www.votemanatee.com. A change of name or party affiliation must be made in writing. This may be done by completing a Florida Voter Registration Application or by indicating the change on the back of your current voter registration card. Mail it to the Supervisor of Elections, P.O. Box 1000, Bradenton, FL 34206; or you may take the card to the office, 305 15th St. W., Bradenton.
When to vote
The Primary election is held on the Tuesday nine weeks prior to each general election. Only voters registered with a party may vote for candidates of that party, except if all candidates have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the general election, all voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in the primary election for that office. All voters, including those registered as Independents or No Party, may vote on any referenda, bond issues and non-partisan candidates. School Board elections are now nonpartisan.
The General election is held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years to fill national, state and county offices and for voting on state constitutional amendments proposed by the Legislature and by citizen initiative. All voters, including those registered as Independent or No Party, may vote for the candidates of any party.
Municipal elections are held in Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Longboat Key. Refer to the other side for election dates in these communities. Special elections may be called by the County Commission or the governing authority of any district or municipality.
Where you vote
You vote in the precinct in which you reside. Your precinct number and the address of your precinct location are on your registration card. Take your card and a photo ID with you when you go to the precinct to vote. To vote, you must present photo and signature ID at the polls.
Absentee Voting
Anyone eligible to vote can vote absentee for any reason. You may request an absentee ballot in person, by mail, by telephone or on the web site: www.votemanatee.com. You may indicate each election for which you wish to receive an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.
You may vote an absentee ballot by mail or in person in the Supervisor's Office before an election. In the event that a change occurs and you wish to vote in person, on election day, you may do so by surrendering your absentee ballot to the election board at your precinct.
Communicating with Public Officials
Your voice, like your vote, counts! Public officials should know your views on issues. When you do want to communicate, the following tips are recommended.In person…
…Telephone for an appointment.…Attend legislative, council and board meetings which, by Florida's Sunshine Law, are open to the public …Express your personal views briefly and urge action.
By telephone…
…Be brief! Call at a reasonable hour.By letter, FAX, or e-mail …
…Use correct name, title and address of the elected official.…Be brief and to the point -one issue per letter.
…Use your own words.
…*Use the number of a bill or proposal on which you express an opinion.
…Be courteous and reasonable.
…Include pertinent editorials and news clippings.
…Write letters of commendation when officials earn your approval.
…Be sure to include your address and sign your name legibly.
…Don't sign and send a form or mimeographed letter.
…Don't be vague-explain what you have in mind.
…Don't be rude or threatening-it won't help your cause.
*For number of a bill and other information in Florida, call toll-free: 1-800-342-1827 or go to the website http://lwvoter.tripod.co/ and click on U.S. Congress or U.S. Senate.
To reach the Capitol in Washington, call toll-free 1-800-972-3524 and you will be directed to the party you wish to contact.
League of Women Voters of Manatee County
P. O. Box 1511 · Bradenton, FL · 34206
E-MAIL: VAFcounseling@aol.com