Turnout not robust as early voting comes to end
With early voting ending Saturday in the city’s local option sales tax referendum, there was an obvious disappointment in voter turnout.
Given the fact there are 7,000 registered city voters, election officials had expected a much greater turnout. In all, 597 votes had been cast at the close of early voting yesterday afternoon.
According to Election Administrator Donna Yates, the number was about half of what election officials anticipated. Yates noted 1,146 votes were cast early the last time a stand-alone referendum was held in the city.
At issue is whether the city will increase its local option sales tax from 2 percent to 2.75 percent. A similar referendum question failed by a slight margin last year. Failure to pass the sales tax increase could result in a property tax increase in the city.
While faced with disappointing early voting numbers, Yates said she remains confident voters will turnout for the main referendum this Thursday. Polls around the city will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 4 for those who elected not to take advantage of the early voting option.
“We’re remaining positive that people will get out and vote Thursday,” Yates said, noting anyone with questions regarding Thursday’s ballot my contact the election office at 473-5834.
Sales tax referendum
When: Thursday
Time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For: Registered city voters