Local candidate qualifying period opens

MANATEE COUNTY — The primary and general elections are still months away, but local candidates must secure their bid to run for public office in the coming weeks.

The official candidate qualification period runs June 16 through June 20. To qualify, candidates must turn in their application fee, which varies according to the salary for each office, and appropriate paperwork by noon June 20.

In the East County, 38 seats, including those for County Commission and special taxing districts (community development districts), are up for election.

Supervisor of Elections Michael Bennett, a former Florida senator, says involvement in local politics has the most immediate impact on one’s community.

“I used to say a lot of the issues in Washington don’t affect the average Joe, but a speed limit or landscaping — neighborhood issues — those do,” Bennett said. “(People) should get involved and care about who’s involved (in their local government.”

The qualification period for candidates in Manatee County runs noon June 16 through noon June 20. Candidates must submit the proper paperwork in writing or by mail at that time to be placed on the appropriate 2014 ballot.

The pre-qualification for candidates began June 2.

Fees for applying vary depending on the salary of the office. For example, qualification for a Manatee County Board of County Commissioners seat costs $4,700.88 (6% of the job’s salary), while CDD application fees are only $25.

Primary elections will be held in August for the larger races, with the general election in November. CDDs do not have primary elections, so those candidates will only appear on the November ballot, Bennett said.

For more information about becoming a candidate or the elections, visit votemanatee.com.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].