League of Women Voters of Sarasota County

Critical watch! Hear directly from the candidates running for two County Commission Seats up for re-election. Sarasota County's District 2 commission seat will be decided in a rare universal primary on August 18, because no Democrat is running, and all voters regardless of party affiliation can vote. District 4 has 3 candidates running. All candidates participated in the forum below.

Sarasota County Commission Candidate Voters The League of Women Voters Sarasota County and Suncoast Searchlight...

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the freedom of enslaved people, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Juneteenth is a day to recognize our nation's history, reflect on the ongoing pursuit of equality, and celebrate the resilience and achievements of Black Americans.

As we honor this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to civic participation, equal rights, and a democracy that works for everyone.

Check out this article from Herald-Tribune:

Sarasota County District 2 seat to be decided in August vote

Sarasota County District 2 seat to be decided in August vote Rare universal primary will allow all Sarasota County voters to weigh in on race between two Republicans for county commission seat.

Many local races on the August 18 ballot are nonpartisan, which means they're open to all eligible voters regardless of party affiliation.
✔️ School Board
✔️ City Commission
✔️ County Commission District 2
✔️ Judicial races
Make your voice heard and be counted. Don't forget, the voter registration deadline is July 20.
Register at: registertovoteflorida.gov

Don't miss upcoming Candidate Forums! This Thursday the 18th County Commission Districts 2 and 4 candidate forum, Selby Library 5:30. Sarasota School Board Forums the 23rd (Selby Library 5:30) and 24th (Jacaranda Library 5:30)! Forums hosted by LWVSRQ and Suncoast Searchlight. In person or live/recorded on LWVSarasotaCounty Youtube page.

Ashley Brown, President & CEO of the The Women's Resource Center, believes every voice matters.

This Primary Election Day, August 18, take a few minutes to make your voice heard. Voting is one of the most powerful ways we can participate in our community and help shape its future.

Join Ashley at the polls and .

To register to vote or check your registration status visit: registertovoteflorida.gov

Don't miss this important Forum. The August Primary is the final election for School Board. It is a non-partisan race and all voters can vote. Register to attend at LWVSRQ.org/events. In person attendance is encouraged, however, seating is limited so arrive early. Please invite your friends and neighbors and share our social media posts. All forums will be live-streamed and recorded for viewing on the League’s YouTube Channel, LWV of Sarasota County.
A candidate Meet & Greet will follow each forum.

Your voice matters and getting ready to vote is easier than you think. If you're not yet registered to vote, the process can be completed online in less than five minutes. Whether you're registering for the first time or helping a friend get election-ready, now is the time to take action.

✅ Check if you're eligible
✅ Register online
✅ Receive your voter information card

Don't wait until Election Day to find out you're not registered. Take a few minutes today and make sure you're ready to be counted.

🗳️ Sarasota County Primary Election Day: August 18, 2026
Visit: registertovoteflorida.gov

Forums introduce Manatee candidates ahead of primary elections | Your Observer Elections in Manatee County are often decided during the primaries.

Think you can’t vote in August because you’re an Independent (NPA)? Think again. Florida is a closed primary state, which can make voting rules confusing for Sarasota’s 73,000+ NPA voters. While you can’t vote in partisan races, you absolutely have a voice in important nonpartisan elections, including Sarasota School Board and City Commission races.
Don’t let the words “Closed Primary” keep you home. Independent and NPA voters can play a critical role in shaping our community this August.
For more election information, visit Sarasotavotes.gov.
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