Election day arrives

Island voters were set to head to the polls Nov. 2 to cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for candidates at the local, state and federal levels.

In Anna Maria, balloting was to take place at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave. There are 1,332 voters in the city, where absentee and early voting already was strong, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office.

Voters in Bradenton Beach were to cast ballots at Tingley Memorial Library, 111 Second St. N. There are 923 voters in the city.

And, in Holmes Beach, voters, depending on their precinct, were to either cast ballots at either Precinct 92, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6608 Marina Drive, or St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 S. Harbor Drive. There are 1,613 voters in Precinct 92 and 1,706 voters in Precinct 93.

Each Island city was hosting a single municipal race.

In Anna Maria, voters were to decide between Sandy Mattick and Michael Selby for mayor. Mayor Fran Barford chose not to seek re-election.

In Bradenton Beach, voters were to elect a Ward 4 commissioner — either appointed Commissioner Jan Vosburgh or challenger Michael Harrington. Ward 4 is from First Street North to the city’s southern limits.

In Holmes Beach, two commission seats were up for election, with three candidates in the race — incumbent Commissioners Sandy Haas-Martens and John Monetti and challenger Jean Peelen.

A number of other races were to be decided in the intensely monitored midterm election, including county commission, school board, fire district commission, judicial retention, state representative, statewide offices, U.S. representative and senator.

Additionally, voters across the state were to decide several controversial constitutional amendments and, at home on the Island, Bradenton Beach voters faced a series of charter amendments.

For more information about voting, including to view sample ballots or to check voter registration status, go to www.votemanatee.com.

For more information about the issues and candidates, as well as the newspaper’s endorsements, go to www.islander.org.

Easy victories
There is no contest in several elections on the Island, resulting in several automatic returns to office.

In Anna Maria, incumbent Commissioners Jo Ann Mattick and Chuck Webb will remain at the dais for another two years.

In Bradenton Beach, Bob Bartelt, a former commissioner appointed mayor in June, will continue to serve as mayor for two more years. Also, Ed Straight will replace Bob Connors as Ward 2 commissioner.

In Holmes Beach, Mayor Rich Bohnenberger will serve another two-year term.