How to Vote in Manatee County, Florida, in 2024
Image: Feng Cheng/Shutterstock.com
If the past few years have taught us anything, it's that the right to vote—and to a free and fair election—is sacred. Whether you're a first-time voter in Manatee County or an old pro who simply needs a refresher, here's everything you need to know, courtesy of the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections—from how to register to how to request and track a vote-by-mail ballot.
Who can vote?
To register to vote in Florida, you must be a U.S. citizen and Florida resident. You must also be 18 years of age to vote in any election.
How do I register to vote in Manatee County?
Register online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov or visit the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office at 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 108, Bradenton.
You must provide your current, valid Florida driver license number or Florida identification card number. You must provide the last four of your Social Security number if you do not have a Florida driver license number or a Florida identification card number. If you have not been issued these items, you must write "NONE" in the box indicated on the voter registration application.
In order to register to vote, you must not be declared mentally incapacitated in regard to voting in Florida or any other state and you must not have been convicted of a felony without your right to vote having been restored.
How do I check my voter status?
Go to votemanatee.com and enter your your name and date of birth. After entering and submitting your name and date of birth below, you will be able to see where to vote on election day, sample ballots and upcoming elections. You'll also be able to request an absentee/mail ballot; review/update your voter registration information; check the status of your absentee/mail ballot; and review your voting activity for the past 12 months
How do I find my precinct and polling location?
The precinct you live in determines which elections will be on your ballot and your polling place—a.k.a., where you'll vote on election day. You can use the precinct on votemanatee.com to find both your precinct number and polling place location.
How do I vote early?
For each election, the supervisor of elections will designate early voting sites at least 30 days prior to an election. Early voting will be offered in the main or branch offices of the supervisor and may also be offered at any city hall, permanent public library, civic center, convention center, or government-owned senior or community center. Registered voters must present a current and valid signature/photo ID at any designated early voting site prior to voting.
How do I vote by mail?
You can request a vote-by-mail ballot on the Supervisor of Elections website here. After you've mailed your ballot, you can track it here.
You may also sign up to receive vote-by-mail ballot notifications here. You can find out when your vote-by-mail ballot has been mailed to you, when it has been received back in the elections office, and when it has been counted.
You may return your vote-by-mail ballot through the mail by filling out and applying one $.68/Forever stamp. You may also return it in person to any early voting location during the early voting time period, or any of the Supervisor of Elections offices until 7 p.m on the day of the election.
What ID do I need to bring to the precinct?
Florida law requires all voters to provide a current and valid photo and signature identification upon check-in at the polling place and prior to voting. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Florida driver license
- Florida ID card (issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles)
- U.S. passport
- Debit or credit card
- Military ID
- Student ID
- Retirement center ID
- Neighborhood association ID
- Public assistance ID
- Veteran health ID (issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
- Concealed weapon license (issued pursuant to F.S. 790.06)
- Employee ID card issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the federal government, the state, a county, or a municipality.
If your photo ID does not contain your signature, an additional ID with your signature is required.
If you do not bring acceptable ID, you will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot. If your signature on the provisional ballot certificate does not match your signature on file with the elections office, you will need to complete and return a provisional ballot cure affidavit (available in English or Spanish) to the elections office by 5 p.m. on the second day following the election. Please follow the instructions on the form carefully, as failure to do so may cause your ballot not to count. The canvassing board responsible for canvassing the election determines the legality of provisional ballots.
What elections and voting deadlines are coming up in 2024 in Manatee County?
2024 Election Schedule
Primary Election: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024
Registration deadline: Monday, July 22, 2024
General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
Registration deadline: Mon., Oct. 7, 2024
August 20, 2024 Primary Election
Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, July 22, 2024
Deadline to request a Vote by Mail ballot to be mailed: Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Early voting: Saturday, August 10, 2024-Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily
Election day: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. Polls open 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; vote-by-mail ballots must be received in the elections office by 7 p.m.
