Dates, Details and Deadlines

The general election is fast approaching, and while November 5 is an important date on the election calendar, it isn’t the only date. Take note of other important dates and deadlines below and make your plan to vote!

Voter registration deadline: Monday, October 7. Visit SarasotaVotes.gov and click the Register to Vote icon.

Vote-by-mail (absentee) request deadline: Thursday, October 24, 5 p.m. Visit SarasotaVotes.gov and click the Vote By Mail icon.

Check your voter status: Visit SarasotaVotes.gov and click the My Voter Status icon to confirm your precinct number, election day polling location and more.

Sample ballot: Printed sample ballots are scheduled to begin mailing Monday, October 14. Sample ballots are not mailed to those voting by mail. Voters may also visit SarasotaVotes.gov and click the Sample Ballot icon to view their individual sample ballot.

A poll worker stands ready to assist as voters cast their ballots at a Sarasota County polling location.

In-person early voting: Monday, October 21 – Sunday, November 3, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. daily. Visit SarasotaVotes.gov and click the Early Voting icon for a complete list of early voting sites.

NEW early voting locations: There are a total of 10 early voting sites for the November 5 General Election, including new locations at Colonial Oaks Park and Osprey Library. Visit SarasotaVotes.gov and click the Early Voting icon to determine which site is most convenient for you.

Election day voting: If you plan to vote on election day, you must vote at your assigned polling location between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. If you are returning your vote-by-mail ballot on election day, you must return it to one of our three locations by 7 p.m. Visit SarasotaVotes.gov and click the Find My Precinct icon.

Questions about the November 5 General Election? Call us at 941.861.8600.

In the Zone

Did you know there is a forcefield around every early voting site and election day polling location? It’s not science fiction, it’s the 150-foot no solicitation zone. And it’s in place to ensure voters have unfettered access to cast their ballots.

The no solicitation zone extends 150 feet in all directions from the entrance to the polling location. Within the zone, solicitors are prohibited from distributing political or campaign materials and engaging in any activity with the intent to influence a voter. Elections office staff are tasked with keeping order and enforcing the no solicitation area.

No Solicitation signs at early voting sites and election day polling locations clearly mark the 150-foot radius.

Outside the 150-foot zone is a different story. Solicitors are permitted to station themselves outside the zone and solicit voters as long as they do not impede the voting process. The elections office has no authority outside the 150-foot zone.

So, now that you know about the no solicitation zone, I’m hoping we can all respect each other's space this November and have an incident-free election.

SarasotaVotes.gov