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Voting is a right of all Americans and the way we, as a democracy, 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. Do not hesitate to contact us
if we can be of assistance or help you with any part of the process.
Sarasota County Voter Information Guide  (950kb)
from the Supervisor of Elections office
Voter Qualifications
- Be a United States citizen
- Be at least 18 years old (17 year olds can pre-register)
- 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
Register to Vote
In order to vote, a Florida Voter Registration Application must be obtained, completed, and filed
with the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections (SOE) before the election.
To be able to vote in an upcoming election, you must register before the particular election's closing date which is usually
29 days before the election. The exact day can be found on the SOE web site,
www.srqelections.com. Check with the Supervisor of Elections office to verify your status if you are newly registered.
There are two ways to register to vote:
| Option One: |
Applications may be obtained and filed at these Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections locations
(office hours and maps):
- North County office: 101 S. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236
phone: 941-861-8600
- Venice office: 4000 Tamiami Trail S., Venice, FL 34293
phone: 941-861-3760
- North Port office: 13640 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287
phone: 941-423-9540
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| Option Two: |
Download and print The Florida Voter Registration Application  ,
or obtain the application at most banks, schools, city halls, libraries, and post offices.
Then complete, sign, and mail the form to the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections (address is on the form). Note the special identification requirements on the form
if you have never voted in Florida.
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If you complete the voter registration application and do not receive your Voter Information Card within a few weeks, call the Supervisor of Elections office at the phone numbers shown above.
Please note that the purpose of the Voter Information Card (actually an 8½" x 11" red white and blue page) is to verify your voter registration data; you do not need to
have the card in your possession when voting. The older billfold-sized Voter Identification Cards are no longer used and can be thrown away
as the information on them can be dated.
Registration Changes
The The Florida Voter Registration Application may also be used to
make changes/updates to your voter information. This includes changing your party
affiliation, updating your address, updating your signature, and requesting a replacement Voter Information Card. Contact
the Supervisor of Elections office to keep your voter information current.
When and Where to Vote
Once you are a registered voter,
there are three ways to cast your ballot:
| Option One: |
Vote by Mail using an Absentee Ballot. Voting by mail from the comfort of your home is a great way to vote if there is any
chance you will not be available or too busy to vote on election day - and submitting your ballot early can stop those campaign phone calls.
An absentee ballot may be requested from the Supervisor of Elections by telephone, by email (details here), or by downloading and submitting an Absentee Ballot Request Form .
Be sure to allow adequate time per the guidelines as the form must be returned by mail or FAX no later than 5:00 PM six days prior to an election (the Wednesday before the election). Once you receive your ballot, follow the instructions carefully
and return the ballot as soon as possible. Be sure to complete your ballot correctly or your vote will not be counted.
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| Option Two: |
Early Voting at the Supervisor of Elections offices.
Early voting is available during the two (2) weeks preceding the day before election day,
including half days on Saturday and Sunday. You will need a picture
I.D. with signature. Early voting at the SOE offices is not available on the day before election day or election day. Check with the
Supervisor of Elections office or visit www.srqelections.com for early voting hours and locations.
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| Option Three: |
Go to your precinct polling place on election day. The polls
are open on Election Day from 7am to 7pm. You must vote in your precinct polling place, which is listed on your Voter Information Card
or can be obtained here.
You will need a picture ID with signature. If you do not present a picture
I.D. with signature, 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 three (3)
days for your vote to be counted (affidavits of identity are no longer
available). If you are not familiar with the voting process, an inspector will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions. The voting process is also posted on a sign located in the voting booth.
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Sarasota
