Turnout for early voting has been low

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

YATES

Early voting for the city sales tax referendum has been disappointing thus far as election officials say just 130 people have cast their ballots since voting began last Friday.

“You’d hardly know we’re early voting,” said Election Administrator Donna Yates. “The turnout is way down from what we’re used to seeing.”

The referendum is asking city voters if they want to increase the local option sales tax in McMinnville from 2 percent to 2.75 percent. At stake, should the measure not pass, is a possible increase in city property taxes. A similar measure asking for a sales tax increase narrowly failed on last year’s ballot.

Yates said one reason for the disappointing turnout could be a hangover from a recent referendum in which city voters were asked for permission to borrow over $5 million in bonds to finance an indoor and outdoor pool complex. The measure was voted down; however, city officials found alternative financing and went ahead with construction of the outdoor pool which is now in operation.

“Some people felt their vote didn’t count because the city went ahead with the pool anyway,” Yates said. “What they didn’t understand is that the voters were voting on a bond issue and not actually on a pool.”

In the case of the sales tax increase, Yates said the results are binding, meaning if it is voted down, then there will be no sales tax hike. The vote, however, does not determine if property taxes will be raised or lowered.

Early voting will continue through Sept. 3. It’s being held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday in the rear of the administrative offices on Locust Street where early voting is normally held. The poll is additionally open from 3 to 5 p.m. on Fridays to accommodate those who cannot make the earlier times during the week. Polls around the city will be opened Sept. 4 for the main referendum. There are 7,000 people eligible to vote.

According to Yates, construction is under way at the administrative offices. However, the polls are still accessible from both Spring and Chancery streets. The only approach not presently open is the small lane running from Locust Street which passes in front of the county court clerk’s drive-thru window.