Voters Mirror Democratic Values by Voting YES!
Nearly 70 percent of voters emphatically said YES for the renewal of a one-mil levy on property taxes. Three years ago, the original one-mil proposal passed with barely 51 percent approval from county voters.
A solid corps of dedicated Democratic volunteers put in the hard work necessary and made a difference in the millage renewal referendum victory. They knocked on doors, systematically made phone calls, sent text messages and distributed literature to encourage the community to vote YES.
“While supporting public schools is a core policy issue among Democrats, this win could not have occurred without Independent and bipartisan support,” said Tracy Pratt, chair of the Manatee County Democratic Party.
Approximately 66,000 registered voters cast their ballots, which is nearly a quarter of eligible voters in the county. In 2018, 24 percent of eligible voters cast ballots. Among Democrats, turnout was up 51 percent from 2018 (15,796 to 23,924). Democratic mail balloting more than doubled to 18,586, accounting for 78 percent of Democratic ballots cast.
Despite the Republican objections to the referendum, more than half a dozen organizations in Manatee, including the Chamber of Commerce, the non-partisan League of Women Voters, the teacher’s union and prominent developers supported the renewal.
County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh and Sherriff Rick Wells vehemently opposed the referendum that is specifically targeted to boost teacher and staff pay, enhance the learning experience for all students and improve Manatee public schools.
The one-mill tax costs the average homeowner $175 a year but gives the school district $46 million for teacher and staff salaries, an extra 30 minutes of learning time each day, and enhanced STEM, career, visual and performing arts programs.
“It’s apparent the Republican Party of Manatee County continues to push their hyper-conservative agenda at a community that leans toward more moderate policies,” said Pratt. “This indicates to me that Democrats have the opportunity to attract moderate voters toward Democratic candidates and policies where values are shared. We hope to continue the momentum by engaging all voters with shared local policy issues."
Manatee Dems are working on a series of social media recorded discussions with community leaders that focus on local issues. Help us sustain the momentum we’ve generated with the public school millage renewal campaign by donating to our media production studio, which will give public access to candidates and organizations.
manatee democrats applaud attorney general's opinion
By William Clapper – The Manatee County Democratic Party joins other reproductive rights organizations in applauding the Florida Attorney General’s opinion that the county cannot pass a law that bans abortion clinics and further regulates a woman’s right to make her own reproductive health care decisions.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office said Manatee County is “not authorized to adopt an ordinance regulating or banning such clinics because such an ordinance would be preempted by Florida law.”
“The Manatee County Democratic Party is delighted that the BoCC can finally get back to doing the job they were elected to do, rather than spending county resources attempting to violate a woman’s constitutional rights over their own bodies,” said MCDP Chair Tracy Pratt.
Manatee County Commissioner James Satcher brought forth a proposal in September that would ban abortion clinics, restrict medical practices and establish a citizen anti-abortion policing organization. There are no abortion clinics operating in Manatee County.
The proposed ordinance was similar to one passed in Texas, and Satcher reportedly received direction and assistance from Texas activists opposed to abortion. Satcher’s proposal was viewed as political theater and an attempt to ingratiate himself with radical political elements.
Other County Commissioners were able to deflect progress on the proposal by seeking the AG’s opinion. The commissioners were aware that such a law would lead to costly and drawn-out legal proceedings.
Siding with Manatee Democrats on the proposed ordinance’s overreaching restrictions, Manatee County Attorney William Clague addressed the board, “This concludes the work that the board directed my office to conduct on this issue.”
The opinion by the state’s Attorney General may be a temporary and local win for pro-choice activists who have demonstrated and spoken at Board of Commissioners’ meetings since September.
State lawmakers are preparing bills for the 2022 session that would regulate procedures to terminate a pregnancy. Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, indicated such bills are modeled after the Texas law.
STAY INFORMED
community conversations program a reality
The Manatee County Democratic Party announces a new program, Community Conversations, a video interview featuring Manatee County Democratic Party Chair Tracy Pratt in conversation with a new guest or guests in each episode.
The plan is to talk about what’s most important to Manatee Democrats and our broader community. The first episode will be streaming live soon with a date and time announced on the Manatee Dems’ website and Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/manateedems/.
You can be a Community Conversations sponsor for $200. For information about guest appearances or sponsorship opportunities contact Tracy Pratt, tracy.mcdp@gmail.com, (941) 920-8815 or Robin Sathan, rssesk@gmail.com.
Record Videos at Manatee County Dems HQ
The Manatee County Democratic Party is setting up a professional video-ready space at party headquarters, the Orange Blossom Plaza, 435 Cortez Road, Bradenton.
This space will allow Manatee Dems to record videos and create live streaming events. Equipment available will include a professional level webcam, microphones and a green screen.
In addition to producing Community Conversations programs, the space can be used by candidates, clubs and caucuses. To secure the proper equipment we need $1,500. Help us reach our goal by donating today.
Manatee Dems accept donations of all amounts via ActBlue, PayPal and check.
For more information, contact Robin Sathan, rssesk@gmail.com.
FREEDOM STARTS HERE! 2022 & YOU Expo & Workshop!
This event is at capacity. SOLD OUT!
2022 EXPO & WORKSHOP
Saturday July 23rd, 9:30 – 1:00
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton
Join us between 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. for complimentary breakfast and an exciting EXPO!
Connect with Democratic clubs, caucuses, team leaders and local candidates. Learn about what each organization and team is doing. Meet our local candidates.
The general session and 3 mini breakouts follow the EXPO at 10:45. During the general session, learn about our messaging on key issues like women’s reproductive rights, education, and the economy.
Mini “What We Can Do” breakout sessions follow:
1) To reach voters in their neighborhoods
2) Take action at the office or home in your PJ’s
3) For voter protection
The EXPO & Workshop wraps up with prize drawings at 1 p.m. Be sure to get your EXPO Passport marked at all EXPO tables and mini breakouts sessions to be eligible for prize drawings.
Your time and talents are vital to our success. See you at the EXPO & WORKSHOP!
Contact Robin Sathan for more information, ManateeDemPrecinct521@gmail.com
Photos from EXPO & WORKSHOP 2020
Manatee County Democratic Clubs and Caucuses
Connect with other Democrats and focus on the issues you care about most. Our clubs and caucuses welcome new members. Contact the folks listed below or fill out the "Tell us your interests" form. Double-check meeting times on our events calendar, as dates and times are subject to change.
Tell us what clubs and caucuses interest you. We will get back to you with more info.
voter outreach expands to Thursdays
The Manatee County Democrats schedule literature drops and canvassing every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. and every Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. The goal is to get every eligible Democratic-leaning person to register to vote and enroll in Vote-By-Mail.
The literature drops are for Democratic candidates. Literature droppers will not knock on doors, but simply leave the literature at the door of Democratic Voters.
Canvassing involves knocking on doors to register voters and sign people up for Vote-By-Mail/Vote At Home. Canvassing is done in neighborhoods that are largely Democratic.
Meet at Manatee Democratic headquarters, 435 Cortez Road, Bradenton, for materials and instructions, then go out with a partner. Training is provided. Contact Dan Coppinger, dancoppy@yahoo.com.
Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/manateecountydec/event/502278/
Manatee County Democratic Black Caucus Voter Registration
Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., members of the Manatee County Democratic Black Caucus meet potential new voters at business locations and parks.
To help with voter registration contact Florence Shelton-Clark at msdbcoutreach@gmail.com.
Three ways to vote in the November Elections
Vote from Home
Vote Early Oct. 29 - Nov. 5
Vote Early Oct. 29 - Nov. 5
Have your ballot mailed to you. Mail your completed ballot back early and track receipt of your ballot online. It must be received by the Supervisor of Elections before 7:00 p.m. on November 8. Or drop it off at the Supervisor of Elections office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton. You can also drop off your ballot at an Early Voting site durin
Have your ballot mailed to you. Mail your completed ballot back early and track receipt of your ballot online. It must be received by the Supervisor of Elections before 7:00 p.m. on November 8. Or drop it off at the Supervisor of Elections office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton. You can also drop off your ballot at an Early Voting site during early voting hours.
Enroll in Vote By Mail by October 29.
Click here or call 941-741-3823.
Vote Early Oct. 29 - Nov. 5
Vote Early Oct. 29 - Nov. 5
Vote Early Oct. 29 - Nov. 5
Go to any Manatee County Early Voting site Saturday, October 29 through Saturday, November 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can vote in person or drop off your mailed ballot in the secure box outside the polls. There are five locations: Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, Manatee County Utilities Admin Office, Palmetto Library, Rocky Bluff Lib
Go to any Manatee County Early Voting site Saturday, October 29 through Saturday, November 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can vote in person or drop off your mailed ballot in the secure box outside the polls. There are five locations: Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, Manatee County Utilities Admin Office, Palmetto Library, Rocky Bluff Library and the Supervisor of Elections Office.
See location details at VoteManatee.gov/Early-Voting
Election Day November 8
Vote Early Oct. 29 - Nov. 5
Election Day November 8
Go to your voting precinct location on November 8, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Find your polling place at votemanatee.gov Many polling places have changed due to county-wide redistricting.
Be sure to check your voting location before heading out to vote.
Enrolling in Vote By Mail is Easy
Enroll online here or call the Supervisor of Elections at 941-741-3823.
How Does it Work?
- A ballot will be mailed to you for the November 8, 2022 General Election.
- Look it over and vote in the comfort of your home.
- Send it back in the mail or take it to any Early Voting location during Early Voting hours.
- Track your ballot receipt online at VoteManatee.gov.
- If you don't use you mailed ballot, you can still go to to the polls to vote in person.
Why Vote By Mail?
Save time and be able to vote in every election. It's like voter insurance. Your vote is your power.
