How to Vote in Sarasota County
Image: Barbara Banks
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 Sarasota County or an old pro who simply needs a refresher, here's everything you need to know, courtesy of the Sarasota 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 Sarasota County?
Register online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov or visit the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections office at 101 S. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota; 4000 Tamiami Trail S., Room 114, in Venice; or 13640 Tamiami Trail in North Port.
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 sarasotavotes.com and enter your your name and date of birth. After entering and submitting your name and date of birth below, three tabs will display: your voter information, upcoming election information, and your activity in past elections. Select the "My Information" tab to see your voter status.
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 sarasotavotes.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 $.60/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 elections and voting deadlines are coming up in 2022?
November 8, 2022: General Election
Pursuant to F.S. 100.032, the November 8 General Election Preparation Report is available for review.
Tues., Oct 11: Voter registration deadline
Mon., Oct 24 - Sun., Nov 6: Early voting for the November 8, 2022 General Election begins Monday, October 24 and continues through Sunday, November 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily at the following locations:
- Sarasota Elections Office, Terrace Building, 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota
- Venice Elections Office, R.L. Anderson Admin Building, 4000 Tamiami Trail S., Rm. 114, Venice
- North Port Elections Office, Biscayne Plaza, 13640 Tamiami Trail, North Port
- North Sarasota Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota
- The Devyn Event Center, 7113 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
- Fruitville Public Library, 100 Apex Road, Sarasota
- Bee Ridge Park, 4430 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota
- Venice Public Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice
- Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port
Sat., Oct 29, 5 p.m.: Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot be mailed
Tues., NOV. 8, 7 a.m.-p.m. Polls are open for voting. Voters must vote at their assigned polling location. To find yours, click here.
Tues., Nov 8, 7 p.m. (election night): Completed vote-by-mail ballots must be received in the elections office
