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SARASOTA COUNTY – Suncoast voters take to the polls. Saturday is the first day of early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary.

There are five sites in Sarasota county to vote: North Sarasota Library, the Terrace Building in downtown, the Sarasota Square Mall, the R. L.  Anderson building in Venice and at the Biscayne Plaza in North Port.

The deadline for mail ballot request ended today.

Supervisor of Elections, Ron Turner, says every election is important. 

“You know, whether it’s the President of the United States or a local election,” Turner said. “In this particular election here in Florida, registered democratic voters have the opportunity to vote for Democratic presidential candidates. Registered Republican voters can vote for a Republican presidential candidate .

Some people stood outside to spread awareness about the importance of elections. Suncoast voter, Frank Buffone, says people should decide in an informed way.

“It’s important because one should pick a candidate who represents your values and your beliefs and is responsible to the people of this country,” Buffone said.

Early voting ends Saturday, March 14. St. Patrick’s day, March 17th, is election day.