’Tis the season for municipal elections on Anna Maria Island.
And residents must register in order to vote.
The deadline for Manatee County residents to register to vote for the Nov. 7 municipal election is Oct. 10.
The three island municipalities — Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach — have open commission seats. On the ballot in Bradenton Beach, voters also will elect a mayor and vote on three charter amendments.
In Anna Maria, incumbent Commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland and Dale Woodland are running for re-election, while newcomer Laurie Jo Higgins is campaigning for one of the three available seats.
Anna Maria had 1,167 registered voters in the November 2016 election, according to Mike Bennett, Manatee County supervisor of elections.
Bradenton Beach voters can choose to re-elect Mayor Bill Shearon or elect former city mayor and commissioner John Chappie as mayor. Chappie also is a former county commissioner.
Incumbent Ward 3 Commissioner Ralph Cole has opposition from Randy White for his seat on the dais. Ward 1 Commissioner Jake Spooner is running unopposed and is automatically re-elected. Commissioners in Bradenton Beach must live within their ward, but are elected citywide.
Additionally, Bradenton Beach voters will face three charter amendment choices on the ballot, initiated by the grassroots group, Concerned Neighbors of Bradenton Beach.
CNOBB’s proposed amendments — if passed by the electorate — would replace the city four-ward representative system with at-large representation, amend residency requirements for elected officials from 24 months to 12 months, and prohibit changes to the city charter by resolution.
Of 741 registered voters in Bradenton Beach, 612 people voted in the November 2016 general election, according to the SOE.
In Holmes Beach, incumbent Commissioners Marvin Grossman, Pat Morton and Carol Soustek are running for re-election. Challengers Rick Hurst and Jim Kihm — both political newcomers — also are vying for the four available seats.
Three seats are for two-year terms, while one seat, that held by Grossman, is for a one-year term. The four highest vote-getters will take office. Three top vote-getters will serve two-year terms, while the fourth highest vote-getter will serve a one-year term.
According to the SOE, Holmes Beach had 2,806 registered voters as of Sept. 1.
The polls will open 7 a.m.–7 p.m Nov. 7. Voters also may vote by mail by obtaining a ballot from the supervisor of elections.
To vote in the 2017 municipal election, registration must be completed by Oct. 10 at votemanatee.com or at the SOE office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Suite 108, Bradenton.
For information, call 941-741-3823.