Venice City
Council 2023
The Venice City Council elections are scheduled for Nov. 4, 2023. This election is a non-partisan race for Seats 1 & 2. Although this is a non-partisan race, the Sarasota County Democratic Party makes the below recommendations.
Voter registration deadline: Tues., Oct. 10
Deadline to request a vote-by-ballot be mailed: Thur., Oct. 26, 5 p.m.
Early Voting: Mon., Oct. 30 - Sat., Nov. 4
Election day: Tues., Nov. 7: Polls open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; voted vote-by-mail ballots must be received in the elections office by 7 p.m.
VOTE Ron Smith
FOR VENICE CITY COUNCIL SEAT 2
Ron is a retired prosecutor and Marine Corps Officer Candidate School graduate. He fell in love with Venice in 1981 and his daughter was born at Venice Hospital the following year. Smith, a former editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, wants to be on the city council to uphold Nolen’s vision for the city and help solve problems like Red Tide. Ron promises to respect people with different opinions and find solutions through civil discourse to restore trust in government.
VOTE Joan Farrell
FOR VENICE CITY COUNCIL SEAT 1
As a resident of Venice, Joan believes in promoting the highest and best good for our community. The city's rampant overdevelopment, lack of affordable housing, and red tide pollution are significant concerns. Joan believes impact fees and incentivized sales can help address these issues. Joan also thinks it's essential to consider the health impacts of red tide and take action to prevent it. She supports citizen groups like Venice Thrives and the North Venice Neighborhood Alliance, who work to hold our government accountable.