Mail in, sample ballots are ready for Aug. 20 primary election

Sample ballots for the Aug. 20 primary election were recently mailed and emailed to Charlotte, DeSoto and Sarasota county registered voters who aren't receiving a vote-by-mail ballot.

"Sample ballots play a crucial role in expediting the voting process and enhancing voter education," Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections Leah Valenti said. "We empower them to make informed decisions in the privacy of their homes before heading to the polls."

A sample ballot allows voters to research candidates and reduces time in the voting booth, she said.

Valenti said the SOE office can answer questions about ballots.

"Anyone who was signed up for the monthly e-newsletter and prefer digital access has a convenient option to view the ballot," she said. "This initiative aligns with our efforts to embrace technology while maintaining accessibility and transparency in the electoral process."

So far, 5,174 mail-in ballots were received by the SOE's office.

Voter registration for the Aug. 20 primary election ended this week. Early voting is Aug. 5 to Aug. 18. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8.

This week, the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections office reported 31,818 registered Democrats and 77,420 Republicans and 42,535 other party voters with 151,773 countywide voters.

For those who do not receive a sample ballot or have questions about their voter registration status can visit SOECharlotteCountyFL.gov

Voters may access their sample ballot from the website.

Sarasota County

According to Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner, there's a higher voter turnout expected. Of the 326,344 registered voters, 85,181 are Democrats; 154,977 are Republican and 86,186 are of other parties.

The deadline has passed to change party affiliation for the Aug. 20 primary election, but not in the general election.

Sample ballots for the primary are online.

"All it takes is a few clicks to download your ballot and begin researching the contests," he said.

Turner reminds those who requested vote-by-mail (absentee) ballots will received them at the end of July.

"If you plan to vote by mail (absentee), be sure your vote-by-mail request is good through 2024," he said. "Whether you download and print your sample ballot from SarasotaVotes.gov or fill in the sample ballot you received in the mail, a good practice is to bring your completed sample ballot with you as a reference guide if you plan to vote in person."

For those unsure their vote-by-mail request is still valid, use the My Voter Status tool to check their status, and if necessary, submit a request, Turner said.

Turner asked voters to find their polling location in advance. The location is listed on the back of each voter information card, or on the "Find My Precinct tool" to verify the location.

DeSoto County voters

In DeSoto County there are 5,717 Democrats; 8,707 Republicans and 5,000 other party voters totaling 19,424.

Voters may use the precinct finder for their location to vote. Voters must go to their assigned polling location on election day.

www.votedesoto.com/Voter-Info/Precinct-Finder

For more information about voter registration or DeSoto County elections, call 863-993-4871.

For more information about Sarasota County elections, call 941-861-8600.

For more information about Charlotte County elections, call 941-833-5400.

On Election Day, polls are open 7 a.m.–7 p.m.