Ballot Issues

Candidates are only part of the November ballot. Voters will also decide several important constitutional amendments and local ballot questions.

The Bradenton Times will provide plain-language explanations of what each proposal does, arguments for and against the measures, fiscal impacts when available, and our editorial recommendations where appropriate.

Florida Constitutional Amendment 1

Budget Stabilization Fund

Would increase the maximum size of Florida's Budget Stabilization Fund from 10% to 25% of general revenue collections, establish annual transfers to the fund under specified conditions, and allow withdrawals for certain critical state needs.

Applies to: All Florida voters
Required for passage: 60%

Florida Constitutional Amendment 2

Agricultural Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption

Would exempt certain tangible personal property used in agriculture or agritourism—such as qualifying equipment and other property located on agricultural land—from ad valorem property taxes.

If approved, the amendment would first apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2027.

Applies to: All Florida voters
Required for passage: 60%

Florida Constitutional Amendment 3

Homestead Exemption and Non-Homestead Property Assessments

Would make significant changes to Florida property taxation, including increasing the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes and reducing the annual assessment-increase cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%.

The proposal would also make other changes affecting the use of property-tax revenues by counties and municipalities.

Applies to: All Florida voters
Required for passage: 60%

Manatee County Environmental Lands Referendum

Water Quality Protection, Overdevelopment Prevention, Natural Lands Preservation and Public Preserves

Manatee County voters will decide whether the county should issue up to $75 million in general obligation bonds and levy an additional 0.16 mill property tax to acquire, improve and maintain environmentally sensitive lands and property interests.

According to the ballot language, the program is intended to protect drinking-water sources, water quality, wildlife habitat and environmentally sensitive lands from overdevelopment and to provide public preserves.

Voters will choose:

FOR BONDS
or
AGAINST BONDS

Applies to: All Manatee County voters

City of Bradenton Charter Questions

Bradenton voters will also decide proposed amendments to the City Charter.

One question would change the mayor's relationship to the City Council by removing the mayor's designation as ex officio president of the council, eliminating the mayor's authority to cast a tie-breaking council vote, and providing that the mayor is not a member of the council.

A second question would establish term limits for the mayor and City Council members.

Applies to: City of Bradenton voters only

Additional municipal ballot questions, if any, will be added as official General Election sample ballots are released.

FIRE DISTRICT ELECTIONS

Depending on where they live, voters may also elect members of their local fire district boards. Only voters residing within the applicable district vote in that district's election.

The current Manatee County candidate records show six contested fire commission races.

JUDICIAL RETENTION

Florida voters will also see merit-retention questions for judges.

These include:

Florida Supreme Court

• Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz

Second District Court of Appeal

• J. Andrew Atkinson
• Morris Silberman
• Chief Judge Daniel H. Sleet
• Andrea T. Smith

A merit-retention election asks voters whether a justice or judge should remain in office for another term.

The Bradenton Times Election Coverage

Throughout the campaign, look here for:

• Candidate interviews and questionnaires

• The Bradenton Times Podcast candidate interviews

• Campaign and election reporting

• Candidate records and background

• Campaign-finance coverage

• Analysis of ballot amendments and referenda

• Editorial opinions and recommendations

• Voting information and important deadlines

Candidate reporting and editorial recommendations are presented separately. Recommendations represent the opinion of The Bradenton Times editorial board; our news coverage remains independent.

Check Back Often

The Election 2026 Guide is a living resource and will be updated through Election Day as new interviews, articles, ballot information and recommendations are published.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Make an informed choice—and vote.

Whether you’re a first-time voter, a longtime resident, we want you to know that your voice matters and your participation strengthens our democracy.

Our office is dedicated to conducting secure, accurate, and transparent elections. My team pledges to provide professional, courteous, and respectful service to every person who walks through our doors, calls our office, or visits our website.

We encourage all eligible citizens of Manatee County to register to vote, become familiar with the candidates and issues, and to cast your ballot in every election. We’re here to answer your questions and ensure your voting experience is positive and empowering. Thank you for being an engaged citizen of Manatee County.

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