Legislative District Maps:

Florida House District 69 - District 70

Voter Qualifications:

• Be a United States citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a legal resident of Florida
• Be a legal resident of the county
• Not claim the right to vote in another county or state
• Had voting rights restored after being convicted of a felony or adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting

Voter Registration:

A Florida Voter Registration Application must be completed. The applications may be obtained at:

The Supervisor of Election Office 941-951-5300
North County: 101 S. Washington Blvd., Sarasota
South County: 4000 Tamiami Trail South, Room 114, Venice

On-Line: Go to www.srqelections.com "Voter Services" section

Or at most banks, schools, city halls, libraries and post offices within the county.

Please note: If you complete the voter registration application and do not receive your voter ID card within a few weeks, call the Supervisor of Elections office at 941-951-5307 or 941-492-3060.

Also, to be able to vote in an upcoming election, you must have registered before the closing date. Check with the Supervisor of Elections office to verify your status if you are newly registered.

Registration Changes:

The voter registration application may be used to make changes/updates to your voter information. This includes changing your party affiliation, updating your address, and requesting another voter ID card. Contact the Supervisor of Elections office to keep your voter information current.

Voting:

Once you are a registered voter, there are a few different ways to cast your ballot.

Going to the Poll in your precinct is the most common method. The polls are open on Election Day from 7am to 7pm. You will need a picture ID and you should also have your voter ID card. If you do not present a picture I.D., you may vote with a provisional ballot, but are required to present your I.D. and photo at the office of the Supervisor of Elections within 3 days for your vote to be counted. (Affidavits of identity are no longer available.) If you are not familiar with the voting machine, check with the deputy before entering the poll. The deputy has instructional materials and will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions.

Absentee Ballots are available to anyone and may be used instead of voting at the poll on election day. While they may sound convenient, if not completed correctly your vote will not be counted. Absentee ballots may be requested in writing or by telephone (check with the Supervisor of Elections for Sarasota County's procedures.) They may be mailed to you or obtained at the Supervisor of Elections office. Follow all the instructions carefully and return the ballot as soon as possible. You will need a witness who must sign and provide an accurate address.

Voting at the Supervisor of Elections Office is another way you may cast your vote. This method is used by voters who will be unable to vote in their precinct and is available about 3 weeks before election day. You will need a picture ID and you should have your voter ID card. While technically this is considered voting by absentee ballot, you may use a voting machine and the staff is available to answer your questions. This method is not available on election day. Check with the Supervisor of Elections office for voting hours and locations

Poll Locations:

You must vote in the precinct listed on your voter registration card. The location will also be on your card and will be near your neighborhood. If you cannot find your voter ID card, the locations are on the Supervisor of Elections website or you may call their office. Obtaining this information before election day will save time since the office is very busy handling problems on election day.

Voting is a right of all Americans and the way we determine the direction of our country. It is the responsibility of every voter to be prepared to vote and to educate themselves on the issues and candidates. The Democratic Party of Sarasota County is ready to assist voters by providing information on candidates and issues, giving rides to the polls, and helping obtain absentee ballots.