Some call it a right, others say it’s a duty.
The eligible voters of Bradenton and the three cities on Anna Maria Island will have the opportunity to exercise that right or duty when they show up at the polls today.
The 29,065 registered voters in Bradenton will have a choice in the race for three city council seats.
In Ward 2, Marianne Barnebey, who is seeking her fourth term on the council, will face political newcomer Lori Melton.
In Ward 3, Richard O’Brien is challenging one-term incumbent Patrick Roff.
In Ward 4, Joe Henry will face incumbent Bemis Smith, who is looking to be re-elected to his third term.
Candidates are requir- ed to reside in the ward they represent, but are elected by voters city-wide.
In Bradenton Beach, the 905 registered voters can go to the polls to pick between incumbent Mike Pierce and former city commissioner Bill Shearon for the office of mayor.
In the Holmes Beach race for three commission seats, the 3,236 registered voters will have a choice of five candidates, three incumbents and two newcomers.
Pat Geyer, Pat Morton and David Zaccagnino are running for re-election, while political newcomers Al Robinson and Andy Sheridan want to unseat two of them.
In Anna Maria, 1,349 registered voters face the same situation as voters in Holmes Beach, with five candidates seeking the three seats up for election — three incumbents and two newcomers.
David Gryboski and Harry Stoltzfus are challenging incumbents John Quam, Chris Tollette and Dale Woodland.
“We encourage everyone to get out and vote,” Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Bob Sweat said.
The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voters in Bradenton are encouraged to check their registration cards because some of the polling locations have changed with redrawn ward boundaries.
For more information, check the Supervisor of Elections Office Web site at www.votemanatee.com.
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