Getting Ready for the PPP

In last month’s edition of the Election Connection, I reminded voters of some of the specifics of the Presidential Preference Primary. Namely, that this year’s PPP is for registered Republican voters only and that voters will see seven candidates on the ballot even though some of those candidates may have announced that they have suspended their campaigns.  

It’s too late, under Florida law, for any presidential candidate to formally withdraw his or her name from the PPP ballot. Therefore, a vote cast for any candidate appearing on the ballot will count as a vote for that candidate.

Now that we have covered those important points, let’s briefly review the nitty gritty of the PPP: upcoming dates and deadlines. If you are a registered Republican and would like to vote in the PPP, pay close attention to these dates and be sure to have a plan to vote.

A voter places his vote-by-mail ballot into a secure ballot intake station in the presence of two elections office staff members.

Tues., Feb. 20 - Voter registration/party change deadline

This deadline has passed for the PPP, but if you aren’t registered to vote, now’s a good time to do so to be ready for the August 20 Primary Election. Visit SarasotaVotes.gov to get started.

Thurs., Mar. 7, 5 p.m. - Request a vote-by-mail ballot deadline

If you plan on voting by mail in the PPP but have not submitted a request to receive a ballot, it’s not too late. Visit SarasotaVotes.gov to submit a request.

Sat., Mar. 9 - Sun., Mar. 17 - Early voting

For nine days beginning on March 9, you can vote early in person at six early voting sites in the county. Visit SarasotaVotes.gov for a list of times and locations.

Tues., Mar. 19 - Election day

Polls are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Visit SarasotaVotes.gov to review your election day polling location.

Florida Supervisors of Elections Scholarship

If you are a college or university student from Sarasota County, this news may be for you! I am currently accepting applications for a $1,200 scholarship to be awarded by the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE) in 2024.

The FSE is offering a total of three scholarships to eligible college/university juniors and seniors who have been residents of Florida for at least the prior two years and who are registered to vote in the county where applying for the scholarship.

Click the button below to learn more and download the FSE scholarship application. 

SarasotaVotes.gov