Sarasota Voters Get Drive-Thru Option

SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota County voters will have a new drive-thru option for vote-by-mail ballots when early voting opens up on Saturday ahead of the this month's primary election.

“We are providing a drive-thru, drop-off option for voters who would like to drop off their vote-by-mail ballots without leaving their cars or having to look for a parking spot," Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner said.

Drive-thru, drop-off will be offered outside all three county elections offices in Sarasota, Venice, and North Port, during regular early voting dates and times.

Turner said the new option will allow for "optimal social distancing” among Sarasota County voters.

Early voting runs from Aug. 8 to Aug. 16. The primary election is on Aug. 18.

You can cast your early ballot at any of the following locations though only the three sites in bold have drive-thru options:

• Supervisor of Elections office: Terrace Building, 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota 34237
• Supervisor of Elections office: R.L. Anderson Administration Building, 4000 Tamiami Trail S, Venice 34293
• Supervisor of Elections office: Biscayne Plaza, 13640 Tamiami Trail, North Port 34287
• Sarasota Square Mall: 8201 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34238
• North Sarasota Library: 2801 Newtown Boulevard, Sarasota 34234

Voters must present a photo and signature identification upon checking in at the early voting site and prior to voting. Voters who do not present the required ID will be given a provisional ballot.

Residents can vote at any of the sites between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. every day, including weekends.

“Early voting, like election day voting, provides an in-person voting experience that many voters like, but allows a person to choose one of several convenient locations throughout the county,” Turner said.

In addition to the new drive-thru options, voters will continue to have the option of dropping their vote-by-mail ballots in secure drop boxes inside all early voting locations and inside all elections offices during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The drop boxes will be open until 7 p.m. on election night. For more information, visit SarasotaVotes.com or call 941.861.8619.