Turnout lackluster during early voting
Early voting still continues to be off pace with just four days left for city voters to cast their ballots early in the local sales tax referendum.
According to the election office, about 340 people had taken advantage of the early voting option as of Tuesday afternoon. The number is considered extremely disappointing according to election officials, given the fact a large part of the McMinnville-Warren County electorate has tended to vote early in recent years.
In question is whether McMinnville voters will approve increasing the local option sales tax from 2 percent to 2.75 percent. Failure of the measure could mean an increase in property taxes in the city. A similar measure on last year’s ballot failed by a slim margin. The entire county will likely vote on the issue next year.
The main referendum will be held Sept. 4 when polls open across the city from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting will continue through this Saturday in the early voting room located in the rear of the administrative offices on Locust Street.
Voting hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today through Friday, with an addition voting time of 3 to 5 p.m. offered this Friday. Early voting will conclude Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Voting is open to all registered city residents and people who live outside the city but are registered to vote on property they own in the city.