High turnout predicted for Tuesday election

With thousands of Union County voters having already cast their ballots, local election officials are predicting a high voter turnout for Tuesday’s general election.

Election Commission Chairman Kermit Parks said based on early voting numbers, he would expect to see quite the turnout, perhaps even reaching record levels.

On Thursday, the Union County Clerk’s Office reported that more than 4,000 ballots had been cast in early voting so far.

“You’d have to think it’s going to be good to excellent,” Parks said, referring to Tuesday’s turnout.

Early voting will continue tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Union County Clerk’s Office in the courthouse.

Parks added that several local races have garnered significant attention, including the races for El Dorado mayor, Union County judge, Union County coroner and Union County clerk.

“We have some of the most significant races in the county (on the ballot),” he said, adding that the only large county office not up for election this year was sheriff.

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 mayoral and council races in other cities in Union County.

Parks noted that Arkansas philosophy is that “every citizen should get to vote and that is the consensus of the Union County Election Board.”

Polling sites Tuesday will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Parks said that voters would need to bring a photo ID in order to cast a ballot.

Check today’s Living section to see the NewsTimes Voter’s Guide, with information on all items on the November ballot.