Downtown Sarasota has a strong tradition of civic participation, and voting is an important part of it.

In the 2024 General Election, Precincts 203, 205 and 209, covering much of downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, recorded combined voter turnout of approximately 86.6%, compared with 84.25% countywide.

That pattern continued in the August 2026 primary, when the same three precincts recorded turnout of approximately 40.4%, compared with 33.28% countywide. Precinct 209 ranked third among Sarasota County's 98 precincts, with Precincts 203 and 205 also well above the county average.

Our elected officials know that downtown residents participate, whether by voting, responding to City surveys, attending public meetings or becoming involved in neighborhood issues.

With the November 3 general election approaching, DSCA encourages residents to become informed about the candidates and ballot measures, consider the issues most important to them, and vote.

On September 16, the DSCA Board unanimously adopted a resolution recommending a NO vote on Florida Amendment 3, citing concerns about the potential long-term effects on funding for essential municipal services, particularly those affecting public health and safety. The Board also unanimously supported two Sarasota County conservation ballot questions.

Read the DSCA Board's September Resolution

Whatever your views on the candidates and ballot measures, downtown's tradition of civic participation is worth continuing.