In light of the recent impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections is actively taking steps to ensure the November election proceeds smoothly and securely, despite any disruptions caused by the storms.
Pursuant to Executive Order 24-212, every section may be activated. Vote-by-mail (VBM) address changes can now be performed by e-mail or phone. In addition to maintaining a VBM request on file, you must also provide your driver's license or social security number to verify the identity of the requesting voter.
Important Dates to Remember:
-
Voter Registration Deadline: October 7th.
-
Early Voting: October 21st – November 2nd, from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
-
Vote-by-Mail Deadlines:
-
The final day to request a VBM ballot to be mailed is October 24th.
-
The final day to request a VBM ballot for in-person pickup is Election Day, November 5th.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-Can I still request a Vote-By-mail Ballot (VBM) for the November 5 General Election? Yes. Voters in Florida have until 5 p.m. Thursday, October 24 to request a VBM ballot be mailed to them. Individuals should request online or mail a request form to our office.
- What should I do if I am displaced by the storm or if mail is undeliverable at my residence? USPS reports that VBM ballots are being delivered where possible; VBM ballots that cannot be delivered are being held at the voter's local post office for pick up. Manatee County voters who were affected by the recent storms and are concerned about receiving their VBM ballots may contact our office at (941) 741-3823 for assistance or to request a ballot pickup.
- What is the status of early voting and election day polling locations? Prior to Hurricane Milton, elections office staff were in the process of evaluating early voting and election day polling locations after Hurricane Helene. Elections office staff is once again evaluating each site and seeking alternative locations for existing locations where damage may have occurred. All early voting sites are safe for use during the early voting period for the November 5 General Election. If an election day polling location is not usable, an alternate site will be selected, and affected voters will be notified by mail. These changes will also be publicly noticed on our website, www.votemanatee.gov.
-What if I placed insufficient postage on my Vote-By-Mail Ballot? The postage required to return a VBM ballot is $1.01. It is the voter's responsibility to apply accurate postage on all mail, including VBM ballots. However, VBM ballots are coded by USPS as special mail, and will be delivered to the elections office without delay, no matter the postage applied.
We are committed to keeping the public informed throughout this process. Please stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for updates and additional information as we continue to prioritize a fair, transparent, and accessible election for all Manatee County residents.