Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner offering tips to ensure smooth Election Day

Early voting underway for Sarasota and North Port commission seats and for the Longboat Key Town Board

The Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office provides this 2017 calendar on its website. Image from the elections office homepage

On March 14, registered voters in the cities of Sarasota and North Port and the Town of Longboat Key will be electing local commissioners and, in the case of Longboat Key, deciding two ballot questions, the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office is reminding the public.

For some voters — and candidates — Election Day “can be a little stressful,” an elections office news release says. “But that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult,” the release adds.

Early voting totals are provided as of March 7. Image courtesy Supervisor of Elections

Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner has offered “a few tips to minimize the anxiety and ensure a smooth election day,” the release notes:

  • Watch your mail for a sample ballot from your municipality and study the candidates and questions before you head to the polls. You may also go to www.SarasotaVotes.com to view and print a personalized sample ballot.
  • Know where your polling place is. You can find the location on your voter information card and online at www.SarasotaVotes.com. You also may call the elections office at 861-8619. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
  • Vote early. Early voting is available Monday, March 6, through Saturday, March 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, at elections offices in Sarasota and North Port and at the Town Hall on Longboat Key.
  • Do not forget to take a valid signature ID and a current photo when you go to your polling place or early voting site. If you do not produce an ID, you will be offered a provisional ballot. Among valid IDs under Florida law are a Florida driver’s license, a Florida ID card, a U.S. passport, a debit or credit card, military ID, a student ID, a retirement center ID, a neighborhood association ID, a public assistance ID, a veteran’s health ID, a concealed carry permit or a government employee ID.
  • Vote by mail. Call 861-8618 to request a vote-by-mail ballot. Return your voted ballot promptly so it is received by the elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Vote-by-mail ballots may not be left at a polling place on Election Day.

• Mark your ballot according to the printed instructions, to ensure your choices are recorded accurately and counted. If you make a mistake, see a poll worker or call 861-8618 to request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot.