Worried about coronavirus at the polls? Elections official suggests voting by mail
Fears surrounding the coronavirus shouldn’t get in the way of exercising your right to vote, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office.
There’s still time for eligible voters to request a vote-by-mail ballot, which can be returned via the U.S. Postal Service, dropped off at an early voting location or placed in the 24/7 drop-box outside the Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 U.S. 301 Blvd. W. in Bradenton.
It’s the best way to avoid dealing with crowds and risking possible contact with someone who may be infected with the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, said Supervisor of Elections Michael Bennett. Symptoms related to the virus can appear in as little as two days, but they also might not appear until two weeks after exposure.
Bennett said his office has already heard from several voters concerned about interacting with the public to cast their votes.
Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed late Sunday night that Manatee County is one of the first areas in Florida to show “presumptive positive” test results for the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially confirmed the test Monday afternoon.
The CDC recommends avoiding contact with those who appear to be suffering from coronavirus symptoms, such as cough, fever and shortness of breath. Face masks should only be worn by those who are taking care of a sick person.
The Supervisor of Elections office has already sent out more than 70,000 ballots to Manatee voters. Those voting by mail can drop their ballots off at any of the following locations between Saturday, March 7 and Saturday, March 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton (Box is open 24/7)
- Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch
- Manatee County Utilities Administration Office, 4410 66th St. W., Bradenton
- Palmetto Library, 923 Sixth St. W., Palmetto
- Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 U.S. 301, Ellenton
If voters contact the Supervisor of Elections Office before Saturday, they will be mailed a ballot to their registered address. Call (941) 741-3823 or visit www.VoteManatee.com for more information on how to sign up for a vote-by-mail ballot.
This story was originally published March 3, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
