Election Day: Manatee County voters hit the polls to vote for president, local races
Manatee County residents hit the polls by the thousands on Tuesday to vote for president and local candidates in the 2024 General Election.
The county could see a record voter turnout, too, as more than 170,000 voters took advantage of early voting methods to cast ballots ahead of Election Day, according to the Supervisor of Elections Office. As of 7:02 p.m. Tuesday, over 57,000 people have voted in person at their local precinct, according to the latest data, putting the overall turnout at 81.54%.
Tuesday’s ballot features key races, including the country’s next president, local candidates and several referendum questions, including whether recreational weed will be legalized in Florida and whether local voters will extend a 1-mill tax to provide additional funding for the School District of Manatee County.
▪ Polls are open: Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5. If you are in line by 7 p.m. closing time you will be allowed to vote.
▪ Precincts: On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned precinct. Visit the Supervisor of Election website at www.VoteManatee.com. There, you can check your voting status, track your ballot, and find out where your assigned precinct is if you don’t know where it is on Election Day. Hint: It’s printed on your voter ID card, too.
▪ ID: You must bring a current and valid photo ID with signature with you to the precinct. These may include: a Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. United States passport. Military identification. Student identification. For a full list visit Florida’s Division of Elections website.
Manatee County voters hit the polls
In Palmetto and Bradenton, the presidential race was top of voters’ minds.
“It’s a crucial time. It’s time for change,“ said Glover Isom, who was voting at the Palmetto Youth Center. He pushed his mother Ophelia Isom in a wheelchair so she could vote too.
“I don’t want Donald Trump to win. I don’t think anyone should have immunity for everything,” Glover said. Ophelia nodded in agreement.
“I voted for Harris. I don’t like Trump. I think there will be a war or something if he wins. He’s crazy,” said Ronald Rogers, a 72-year-old Palmetto resident and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Rogers said voting yes on Amendment 3 was also important to him. He said he doesn’t think it’s right for people to be jailed for marijuana possession.
In Bradenton, an 81-year-old resident named Roy, who declined to share his last name, said races up and down the ballot were important to him.
Roy chose not to share who got his vote. But, pointing to a leg lost during his military service, he said it’s important for everyone to get out to the polls.
“The country’s important to me,” Roy said. “I get to live in this country. I don’t take it for granted. That’s why it’s important to vote.”
Retired teacher Glenna Atkinson said she votes in every election, but this one has many important issues.
“The Senate and House races are important, and some of the amendments. Its just amazing how many people are turning out,” Atkinson said.
A small line trailed out of the building at the Redeemer Lutheran Church where she voted. Atkinson said there was only one ballot machine inside and the line was much longer earlier. But the waiting voters were enthusiastic, Atkinson said.
“Every time a new voter comes, they announce it and everybody says ‘Yay!’” Atkinson said.
“I’m voting for my rights, to express how I feel, and definitely for women,” said Bradenton resident Whitney Gordon, who came out to vote in support of Amendment 4.
“I’m ready for Trump to be back in office,” said 46-year-old Bradenton resident Jade Kastner, who said she was voting for the first time.
Miami Herald reporter Howard Cohen contributed to this report.
Follow www.Bradenton.com for the latest Election Day updates.
This story was originally published November 5, 2024 at 1:56 PM.