MANATEE COUNTY – The coronavirus might be affecting Suncoast voters on Florida Primaries, Tuesday.
“We’ve had some supervisors having a difficult time getting the poll workers,” Manatee County Supervisor of Elections, Michael Bennett, said.
Bennett, says they’re combining precincts due to the lack of poll workers.
They’ve combined a small number of precincts for Election Day. The following locations will be affected, Tuesday, March 17, Presidential Preference Primary Election:
- Voters in Precinct 107, Palmetto Point Civic Association, Palmetto: Will now vote at Precinct 201, Family of God United Methodist Church at 5601 16TH Ave E, Palmetto.
- Voters in Precinct 411, Plantation Village West Rec Hall, Bradenton: Will now vote at Precinct 413, Sara Bay Baptist Chuch at 415 67th Ave W, Bradenton.
- Voters in Precincts 403, South Manatee Library; 405, Trailer Estates Auditorium; and 407, Midway Church of Christ (All 3 Precincts): Will now vote at Precinct 421, Bayshore Gardens Rec Center at 6919 26th St W, Bradenton.
Bennett, says he thinks it’s because of St. Patrick’s Day and spring break, along with concerns about the coronavirus.
“I think for some people, the virus is a good excuse not to work because of the holiday,” Bennett said.
Early voter, Gerhard Kall, says virus or no virus, people should still go out and vote.
“I’m advising the Hispanic population, that you can still vote,” Kall said. “Come and vote. Have your precautions: wash your hands, don’t touch anything you don’t need to touch, and you’re protected.”
Bennett says he encourages people to go early voting.
“There’s basically no line,” Bennett said. “If they want to avoid a crowd, come on down. We’ll take care of them.”
Saturday, March 14, is the last day of early voting. Tuesday, March 17, is the Democratic Presidential Primary.