Elections

Manatee County commission results: Arnold and Poulton lead, Ballard narrowly ahead

By Lakewood Ranch Beacon staff · November 4, 2026 · 1 min read

Tara Poulton, a candidate for Manatee County Commission District 6. — Tara Poulton, candidate for Manatee County Commission District 6. Courtesy Tara Poulton campaign. Tara Poulton campaign

Unofficial Manatee County returns show Elizabeth Arnold leading Sari Lindroos-Valimaki in District 1, 31,934 votes (65.97%) to 16,422 (33.93%), with 14 of 14 precincts reporting. In District 2, incumbent Amanda Ballard leads Charles B. Smith Sr. by 173 votes, 10,340 (50.42%) to 10,167 (49.58%), with 14 of 14 precincts reporting. In the countywide District 6 race, Tara Poulton leads Reggie Bellamy, 103,902 votes (58.08%) to 75,007 (41.92%), with 71 of 71 precincts reporting. The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections report was last updated at 10:56 p.m. Nov. 3 and says vote-by-mail returns are partially reported. Totals remain unofficial pending canvassing and certification.

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Megan O'Neill

Editor

Megan published her first poem in the Sun Sentinel at the age of 11 and has been locked in ever since. She attended UF and FIU and has a degree in Communication Arts. Her professional background includes photography, editing, writing, translation, and graphic design. Megan enjoys learning language, art and vegan foods.