Local races often have the greatest impact on everyday life, shaping decisions about schools, roads, growth and public safety.
To help voters make informed choices before the Aug. 18 primary, the Tampa Bay Beacons summarized candidate forums in six Manatee County races, including two School Board races and four County Commission races.
The stories highlight where candidates agree, where they differ and how they would address the issues facing one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties.
Read on for summaries of each race.
County Commission
District 1
• Manatee County Commission District 1 candidates discuss traffic, growth, jobs
District 2
• County Commission candidates clash over homelessness, environment, port — then over one another
District 4
• Gibellina, Rahn face off in Manatee County Commission District 4 primary
District 6
• Republican candidates vie for Manatee County Commission District 6
School Board
District 2
• Manatee County District 2 School Board candidates share views
District 5
• Three vie for open District 5 School Board seat
How to vote
There are three ways to vote around Manatee. Here’s how:
Vote by Mail: Voted ballots must be in the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Early Voting: Saturday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 16, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Find your early voting locations here.
Election Day: Aug. 18 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To vote in person on Election Day, you must vote in the polling place assigned to your precinct.