Early voting continues: Election Day is Nov. 3

Early voting in the upcoming general election will continue through Monday, Nov. 2, and vote centers will be open across Carroll County for Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Voters will decide several contested races:

EUREKA SPRINGS

Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry, who took office in 2015, is seeking a fourth term. He is being challenged by former Eureka Springs City Council member Susan Harman and current council member Steve Holifield.

Aaron Borey and Michael Carey are candidates for the office of clerk-treasurer in Eureka Springs.

Incumbent Harry Meyer is seeking re-election to the Ward 3, Position 2 seat on the Eureka Springs City Council against challenger Shira Fouste.

Eureka Springs voters also will decide on a proposed 1 percent sales and use tax for 20 years, along with separate votes authorizing up to $10 million each in water and sewer improvement bonds. The bonds would be repaid with revenue from the tax if voters approve it separately. Remaining tax revenue would support operation, maintenance and improvements of the city’s water and sewer system. The tax could take effect even if voters reject the bonds.

Also on the ballot for Eureka Springs voters is a measure to approve or reject a now-expired 2024 ordinance that created a permanent entertainment district at Pine Mountain Village.

HOLIDAY ISLAND

Holiday Island voters will decide the question of levying a 2.5 percent sales and compensating use tax for general fund expenses and capital improvements, beginning July 1, 2027.

Holiday Island voters also will decide whether to authorize Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption between 10 a.m. and midnight.

CARROLL COUNTY

Carroll County Judge David Writer, a Republican who took office in January 2023, is seeking re-election. He is opposed by Democrat Jim Wallace.

Republican Sharon Lawlor and Democrat Al Selleck are seeking the District 1 justice of the peace position on the Carroll County Quorum Court, while incumbent District 7 JP Kellie Matt, a Republican, is seeking re-election against Democrat David Robinette.

STATE OFFICES

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican who took office in January 2023, is seeking a second term with opposition from state Sen. Fred Love, a Democrat, and Libertarian Colt Shelby.

Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge, a Republican, is running for re-election against Libertarian Michael Kalagias.

Three candidates are running for secretary of state: Democrat Kelly Grappe, Republican state Sen. Kim Hammer and Libertarian Michael Pakko.

Secretary of State Cole Jester, a Republican, and Libertarian Christopher Olson are candidates for commissioner of state lands.

FEDERAL OFFICES

Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton is seeking re-election against challengers Hallie Shoffner, a Democrat, and Jeff Wadlin, a Libertarian.

Incumbent District 3 U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, a Republican, is running for re-election. He is being challenged by Democrat Robb Ryerse and Libertarian Bobby Wilson.

STATE BALLOT ISSUES

Arkansas voters will decide on three proposed constitutional amendments and a statewide bond issue. All four measures were referred to voters by the state legislature.

Issue 1 would amend the Arkansas Constitution to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens who meet voter qualifications may vote in state or local elections. The constitution already requires U.S. citizenship to vote.

Issue 2 would expand the constitution’s right to keep and bear arms to specifically include lawful hunting, recreational use and other lawful purposes, along with possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories and components. It would designate that right as natural, fundamental and individual.

Issue 3 would authorize the legislature to establish economic development programs, public loans and grants, and permit local economic development districts. Property within those districts would be exempt from existing property taxes, including school taxes, while the districts could impose their own taxes, assessments and fees and issue bonds.

Issue 4 would authorize the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to issue up to $500 million in state-backed bonds to finance or refinance water, wastewater, pollution control, drainage, irrigation, flood control and wetlands projects.