MANATEE—Beginning today, registered voters in Manatee County will receive a letter from Manatee County Supervisor of Elections James Satcher accompanied by a “new voter information card.” However, some residents tell TBT that the information on their “new” voter card is incorrect.
The issuance of the new voter information cards is creating confusion among Manatee County voters we spoke to, leaving those voters wondering which voter card is their “valid” card—the one they received today with incorrect information or the one they already have with their correct voter information.
The letter accompanying the new voter cards stated that the cards were issued as a requirement of state statute.
TBT was able to independently confirm that some voters who received their “new” voter information cards received cards containing information that differed from that on record with the Florida Department of State.
The latest issue with official materials mailed to voters by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office comes on the heels of last week some residents receiving vote-by-mail primary ballots that did not match the registered voters’ party affiliation.
Our publication is investigating the issue of incorrect voter information cards and has contacted the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections for more information on how these errors have occurred, how many residents may be impacted, and what Manatee County voters should do if they receive a “new” voter information card with incorrect voter registration information.
Satcher, who was serving his first term as D1 Manatee County Commissioner when he was appointed to the SOE position following Mike Bennett's retirement, faces Bennett's former Deputy SOE, Scott Farrington, in August's Republican primary.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
