SOE: Manatee County seeing record early-voting turnout despite hurricanes

PALMETTO, Fla. — Despite back-to-back hurricanes, more than 100,000 Manatee County residents have already cast their ballots in the 2024 general election marking what election officials say is largest early-voting turnout the county has seen.

James Satcher, Supervisor of Elections for Manatee County, says early-voting started off strong last Monday and has continued since.

“We set a record on day one of early voting and the next day it went up from there,” he said. “Each day we’re having 7,000, 6,000… just a lot of votes every day.”

At first, the number of vote-by-mail ballots surpassed early-voting numbers. Now at one week until Election Day, more people have chosen to vote early in person.

Satcher believes that messaging from the major political parties has played a role in the high number of early voters.

“I think there has been some change from the major parties and everyone is trying to get people out early to vote and that’s what we’re seeing,” he said. “Both parties are showing up but we’re seeing a lot of extra turnout from early voting from the Republican Party and that’s what’s driving things, I think the Democrat turnout is steady from years past.”

While Hurricane Helene followed by Hurricane Milton didn’t cause any damage at any of the county’s eight early-voting locations, five precincts had to be relocated.

They include Precincts 301 and 305 which are now at the Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach. Precinct 307 which is now at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key. Precinct 409 which is now at the State College of Florida, 5840 26th St. W, Bradenton, and Precinct 421 now at Trailer Estates Recreation Hall, 6814 Canada Blvd., Bradenton.

Satcher says county election officials have worked to connect with those who have moved or been impacted by the hurricanes to let them know their voting options.

“We’re doing everything we can to get the word out,” he said. “We’re sending notices to people who have moved. We’re putting it in the paper and on the website and we want every vote to end up counting because this is a very pivotal election for our nation.”

Manatee County also purchased new Clear Ballot auditing equipment and will be using the new technology in the general election next week.