Local Government Women Voters League Announces Voters Guide to Primary Election

BRADENTON -- In order to help voters in their decision making for the August 14 Primary Election, the League of Women Voters in Manatee County has compiled a voters guide, with candidate information for all of the local contested races featured on the primary ballot. The guide compares candidates so that citizens can make informative choices. 

”Many voters are telling us that they need information about the upcoming elections so they can make informed decisions,“ said Rosalie Shaffer, president of the League of Women Voters of Manatee County.”There’s a tremendous amount of information out there, but it’s not always easy to find.“ 

The publication features information submitted by candidates for Manatee County Commission Districts 1, 5 and 7; Manatee County School Board, Districts 2 and 4; Manatee County Sheriff and Supervisor of Elections. It is available at local libraries and other community centers. The electronic version is available online at www.lwvmanatee.org.  

Televised debates can also tell voters a lot about candidates’ positions on issues. The League is participating with the Bradenton Herald/ METV/Bay News 9 series, watchable on METV’s broadcasts or online through its YouTube link. 

Many people may feel that the primary election has little interest for them, Shaffer noted. However, this election is important since it will decide which party candidates will move forward to the general election. Also, all registered voters may vote for candidates in some races such as the School Board and for Sheriff. Bradenton City voters will decide upon a proposed charter amendment during this primary.

”No matter which political party you are registered with, or even if you are registered with no party affiliation, you will find voting opportunities on the August 14 primary ballot,“ Shaffer said. 

If you are not registered yet, or wish to make changes, you have until July 16 to do so in order to vote in this primary. See www.votemanatee.com, or call 941-741-3823.

Shaffer added, ”I hope every voter will realize that each of us has a large personal stake in the outcome of this election. I also hope that if anyone is unsure of how they will vote on a candidate, they will take the time to educate themselves before they go to the polls.“ 

The League’s mission is to help them do that. The group is also planning to publish a similar guide for the November 6 general election and will be holding a number of programs on the proposed state constitutional amendments. If your community would like copies of the guide for distribution, call 729-9248.