We Saved Single-Member Districts
March 10, 2022 —
In the March 8 referendum, Sarasota voters once more voted for the single-member district system of electing County Commissioners. Unofficial results show the amendment to end single-member districts was not approved, with 57.2% of voters opposing the proposal. The majority of residents favored just what they voted for in 2018 and in results from the Sarasota County’s 2021 Citizen Opinion Survey. Three strikes – countywide elections are out.
February 26, 2022 —
On March 8, Sarasota County is holding a referendum on how residents vote for County Commissioners.
Item 2 asks if you want to repeal the current single-member district system – where only district residents vote for their commissioner – and return to countywide voting – where all County residents vote for all commissioners.
A NO vote will retain single-member districts. A YES vote will return to countywide voting for all commissioners.
In an SKA survey on this issue of those responding, 84% favored voting NO, 11% favored voting Yes, and 5% were undecided.
Read the following articles for more discussion of this issue.
Herald-Tribune, February 26, 2022, Anne Snabes: Single-member up for vote
Sarasota News Leader, February 18, 2022, Rachel Brown Hackney: Political Action Committee linked to Republican activists in Tallahassee trying to sway Sarasota County voters
Sarasota News Leader, Jan 28, 2022, Rachel Brown Hackney: Sample ballot for March 8 Special Election available on Supervisor of Elections Office website
On March 8, Sarasota County will hold referendums for School District millage and County Commission elections
- Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, February 7
- Early Voting: Saturday, February 26 – Sunday, March 6, 8:30-4:30 daily
- Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot be mailed: 5 p.m., Saturday, February 26
- Polling location changes
- View the School District Millage Referendum Resolution
- View the County Charter Referendum Ordinance