County sees high turnout for early voting

With Election Day right around the corner, thousands of Union County voters are taking advantage of early voting.

Through early Thursday afternoon, the Union County Clerk’s Office reported just over 4,000 ballots cast in early voting ahead of Tuesday’s general election. That number is far surpassing the 2,603 ballots cast in May’s preferential primary, just under 10 percent voter turnout, according to the Arkansas Secretary of State.

“I think we’re having a really good turnout,” said Shannon Phillips, county clerk. “It’s right up there, close to a presidential election.”

Presidential elections

typically see the highest turnout. In November 2016, nearly 17,000 ballots were cast by Union County voters in the presidential race, according to the Arkansas Secretary of State.

On Thursday afternoon, there was a steady, short line in the clerk’s office of people waiting their turn to cast a ballot

Phillips said even with the higher turnout, things have been running smoothly during early voting. With five machines running, she said, the lines move pretty quickly. “It runs well,” she said. Early voting continues from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday. Anyone interested in voting early will need to bring their photo ID to the county clerk’s office in the Union County Courthouse to cast a ballot.

Phillips said that anyone who has had a change of

address should call the clerk’s office today to get the change entered and ensure they can vote in the right precinct. The clerk’s office can be reached at 870-864-1910.

There are several contested local races on the ballot, in addition to a congressional race, several statewide races and several issues. Contested local races include: Union County judge, Union County clerk, Union County coroner, and El Dorado mayor.

There are also races set for the District 1 Union County justice of the peace seat, El Dorado City Council seats in Ward 1 and Ward 4 and several contested mayoral and council races in the other cities in Union County.

Check out Sunday’s Living section to see the News-Times Voter’s Guide, with information on all items on the November ballot.