Bradenton Patch Election Guide 2012

As we look ahead to November’s elections, Bradenton Patch is devoted to bringing you the information you need to make decisions at the polls. Bookmark this page for updates.

Voting Info

• Sample Ballot: To see your sample ballot, go to the County Clerk's website and click on the link to find your personalized sample ballot.
• Polling locations: To find polling locations and precincts, click here.
• Early Voting: You may vote early from Oct. 1-31. You can find full information how to do so here.

Races

LOCAL:

• Mayoral Candidates Debate at Tiger Bay Club
• Wayne Poston, Mayor, Campaign
• Barneby Running for Mayor
• Betsy Benac, County Commission District 7 At-Large Candidate
• State Attorney Race Is a Slugfest
• Torraco Runs for State Attorney
• Mike Bennett
• Robert Moates: Candidate For School Board District 2

STATE:

• District 26: Bill Galvano—R v. Paula House—D
• District 71: Jim Boyd—R v. Adam Tebrugge

NATIONAL

• Obama-Romney Ties in Florida Poll
• Paul Ryan, VP Pick, What Does It Mean for Florida?
• Sen. Bill Nelson Visits 
• Sen. Bill Nelson, U.S. Senate

Ballot Issus

Amendment 1: Amending the state Constitution to band penalties for not buying health insurance as mandated under new federal reforms.

Amendment 2: Allows for property tax discounts for disabled veterans. 

Amendment 3: Allows for new revenue limits implemented based on inflation and population changes.

Amendment 4: "The proposed amendment would prohibit increases in the assessed value of homestead property if the fair market value of the property decreases; reduces the limitation on annual assessment increases to non-homestead property; and provides an additional homestead exemption. "Florida Property Tax Amendment" Ballotpedia.

Amendment 5: Grants Legislature more control over the Judicial branch.

Amendment 6: "This proposed amendment provides that public funds may not be expended for any abortion or for health-benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. This prohibition does not apply to an expenditure required by federal law, a case in which a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, or a case of rape or incest." Ballotpedia.

Amendment 8: Overturns ban on using public dollars for funding religious-based programming.

Amendment 9: Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouse – "provide by general law ad valorem homestead property tax relief to the surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service- connected causes while on active duty or to the surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty. The amendment authorizes the Legislature to totally exempt or partially exempt such surviving spouse's homestead property from ad valorem taxation. The amendment defines a first responder as a law enforcement officer, a correctional officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or a paramedic" Ballotpedia.

Amendment 10: Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption – Tax relief on tangible personal property valued between $25,000 and $50,000.

Amendment 11: Additional Homestead Exemption for low-income seniors who are long-term residents of property that is equal in worth to the assessed value of the property.