Baxter County voters begin going to the polls September 5 in early voting for the September 12 special election and will be required to provide a photo ID under Arkansas’s new law that became effective August 1.Passed earlier this year in the legislative session, Act 633 of 2017 requires people to verify their registration when voting in person or by absentee ballot by providing required documentaiton or identification card.
Baxter County Election Commission Chairman Judy Garner has just completed training with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Election Division regarding acceptable forms of photo IDs.
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Garner says those who do not have a photo ID may cast a provisional ballot.
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Garner says those who do not have a photo ID have the option of providing a utility bill that includes their address. Other acceptable forms of documentation and identification cards include a concealed handgun carry license, a U.S. passport and a U.S. military identification document.
Voters countywide will be considering levying a one cent sales and use tax for eight months beginning March 1, 2018. Net proceeds from the tax would be used to expand the Baxter County Detention Center, as well as furnish and equip the new portion, and provide for the operation and maintenance of the jail. Voters will also be asked to consider levying a countywide one-quarter cent sales and use tax beginning November 1, 2018, following the expiration of the one cent sales and use tax. The one-quarter cent tax would be ongoing.
In addition, voters in Mountain Home will be asked to consider levying a 3/8 percent sales and use tax that would benefit the city’s fire and police departments.
Early voting begins next Tuesday in the basement of the Baxter County Courthouse.
Polls will be open from 7:30 to 7:30 for the special election on September 12.
Garner says there is one significant change for those who normally would vote at the Baxter County Fairgrounds. With the special election falling during the annual fair week, that polling location has been moved to East Side Baptist Church.
Another significant change for the special election will be the use of paper ballots instead of the usual electronic voting machines.
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