POLL WATCHERS ARE SPECIALLY CREDENTIALED VOLUNTEERS WHO OBSERVE THE ELECTION INSIDE THE POLLS AND COUNTY ELECTION OFFICES.
Protecting the upcoming election will take all of us. The stakes couldn't be higher — every single vote matters as we work to protect democracy and preserve our rights.
Democrats need poll watchers to be our eyes and ears on the ground.
Poll watchers are specially trained, credentialed volunteers approved by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. Observe election operations inside the polls and within the 150-foot boundary, help the Democratic statewide voter protection team quickly resolve issues at voting and polling places. Poll watchers report incidents so the team can work with election officials to protect the vote and prevent eligible voters from being turned away.
Your help is needed during: Early Voting: 10/19 – 11/1 & Election Day: 11/3
You're a perfect candidate to be a poll watcher if you:
Commit today to join the team protecting Manatee voters and ensuring we elect Democrats in a fair election.
POLL GREETERS WORK WITH OTHER DEMS TO WELCOME & EDUCATE VOTERS OUTSIDE THE POLLS
AT THE 6 EARLY VOTING SITES.
Protecting the upcoming election will take all of us. One easy & fun way to help is to give a few hours as a Poll Greeter. Represent Democrats and promote democracy outside the polls.
Democrats need poll greeters to be our eyes and ears on the ground.
Poll greeters meet and educate voters at the polls and observe election operations outside the 150-foot boundary.
Poll greeters may be called upon to help voters being turned away from the polls & connect them to the team that can help them vote.
Your help is needed during: Early Voting: 10/19 – 11/1 & possibly Election Day: 11/3
You're a perfect candidate to be a poll greeter if you:
Commit today to join the team welcoming Manatee voters and ensuring we elect Democrats in a fair election.
Knock, Knock — Democracy's Calling!
Door-to-door canvassing is hands-down the best tool for getting Democrats elected, and here's why it's also a total blast!
It works better than anything else. Studies consistently show that face-to-face conversations move voters more than ads, mailers, or phone calls combined. A friendly chat on a porch can genuinely change a mind — no TV commercial can do that.
It's fun! Canvassing means sunshine, fresh air, and steps on your fitness tracker. You'll meet neighbors, swap stories, pet some very good dogs, and team up with energetic volunteers who become real friends.
It's safe and supported. You'll always canvass with a buddy or team, walk in daylight hours, and use a script and map from organizers who've got your back. You knock, you smile, you chat — that's it.
It matters. Elections are won in the margins, and every door knocked is a potential vote earned. When you show up in person, you're telling your community: your voice counts.
So grab your clipboard, lace up those sneakers, and go make democracy happen — one doorbell at a time!
Candidates, Sample Ballots & Important Voting Information
Check your voter registration, Get the step by step instructions.
There's a Democratic Candidate for every voter on the 2026 Midterm ballot. No matter where you fit in the Dem's"big tent" - we've got you.
Want to help Democrats get elected and protect local democracy?
Sat, OCT 19 Through Sun, NOV. 1, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
8 Convenient Locations.
Poll Greeters are the people outside the polling places, talking to voters, answering questions, and providing literature and candidate information voters hopefully find relevant. The Poll Greeter is the last interaction the voter has before they actually cast their ballot.
Did you know that having a vote by mail ballot increases the chances that you'll vote by almost 35%. It's legal (Supreme Couort says so. It's secure. It annoys DJT. And it's your right as a Florida Voter. Get the facts about mail voting & sign up today.
Introducing Next Wave Manatee: a group created by and for Manatee County voters under 35. We’re done with the same old politics of previous generations. It’s time to come together—talk, organize, and push for the issues that matter to our generation. Meet candidates, learn about local, state, and national policy, and help make Manatee a better place to live, work, and play.
On January 13, 2026, the MCDEC steering committee approved the creation of a Young Voter Engagement Committee, to be headed by Ocean Fitts, and Next Wave Manatee was born.
"It is important that our younger voters have their own space to explore the issues facing Manatee County, meet candidates and find other like-minded voters." says Christine Kennedy Meier, MCDP Chair. "When I met Ocean, I just knew we'd found the right person to launch this new initiative"
Ocean Fitts, Committee Chair, is assembling a leadership team and planning the first Next Wave Manatee event.
Click the link below to get on the list for early access or to join the leadership team.
Locally raised donations stay here in our community. Our important work securing democracy at the local level takes resources. The Manatee Democratic Party relies on donations from neighbors like you to help fight voter suppression & spread the word about issues.
Join the the BIG BLUE TEAM. The Manatee County Democratic Party is ready for the fight for Manatee's Future in the 2026 mid-term elections. We're lining up candidates on the ballot, organizing our outreach teams and working to register new voters. Want to be part of building a history making team? Sign up today.
Turn your anger into action. As the 2026 election approaches, we will have opportunities for you to roll-up your sleeves and help take our county, state & country back.
Do you have a special interest or want to get together with other Democrats that live nearby? The MCDP has 12 different groups for you to explore.