Democratic precinct captain candidates clash over sample ballot campaign tactic on Longboat Key

The challenger in the race for Precinct 201 Democratic Committeewoman cried foul mid-morning Tuesday during Primary Election Day at the Longboat Key Town Hall polling place.

Dr. Doreen Dupont, trying to unseat co-precinct captains Arlene Skversky and Barbara Katz, said a volunteer campaign aide for the incumbents gave filled-out ballots to voters walking to the polls.

Dupont is a 24-year resident of Longboat Key Country Club Shores, according to her campaign materials, and was a Florida delegate to the July 25-28 Democratic National Convention in Cleveland.

Dupont said the “illegal” campaign tactic took at least one voter by surprise.

“I truly think she was a little thrown,” Dupont said.

When the voter gave Dupont the sample ballot, she said a rival campaign worker tried to rip it from her hands.

The voter gave Dupont her name and number but did not immediately return a call for comment.

Skversky, Longboat Key Precinct 201 committeewoman since 2008, said she wasn’t there when the incident occurred. Speaking at the polling place afterward, she said her aide was simply trying to help.

“A lady came up asking for advice,” Skversky said. “She showed her a campaign ballot.”

She denied her workers tried to rip the sample ballot away from Dupont.

“I believe in Democratic values,” Skversky said. “They are my values.”

Polls will close at 7 p.m.

The Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office can be reached at sarasotavotes.com or by calling 941-861-8600.

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office is at votemanatee.com or call 941-741-3823.