Early voting begins in Sarasota, Manatee counties ahead of Nov. 3 election

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - In-person early voting for the Nov. 3 general election is underway in Sarasota and Manatee counties, giving Southwest Florida voters more than two weeks to cast their ballots before Election Day.The state’s mandatory early voting period runs from Oct. 24, through Oct. 31. Sarasota and Manatee counties are both offering extended local schedules from Oct. 19, through Nov. 1. Early voting hours in Sarasota County are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. while Manatee County’s early voting centers are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.Early voting locations in Sarasota County are:-Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office, Terrace Building, 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota— Venice Elections Office, R.L. Anderson Administration Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail Venice— North Port Elections Office (new location), North Port Village, 14277 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port— North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota— Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Road, Sarasota— Colonial Oaks Park, 5300 Co