With less than a week until Election Day on Tuesday, early voting participation is steadily climbing in North Arkansas counties. As of late Tuesday, Sharp County reported 12,184 early votes, Fulton County recorded 1,001, Izard County logged 1,069, and Lawrence County saw 1,094.
In Lawrence County, heightened interest surrounds the proposed increase to the county road property tax rate, a measure that voters will find on the general election ballot. The proposal seeks to raise the county road millage rate by one mill, increasing it from two mills to three mills if approved.
The Lawrence County Quorum Court voted in July to put the millage increase before voters, despite its authority under the Arkansas Constitution to raise the millage rate for county roads to three mills without a public vote. County Judge Gary Barnhill has emphasized the funding is critical to the road department’s maintenance and operations.
If the measure passes, the additional revenue would be allocated for various infrastructure improvements. These include purchasing materials such as gravel, culverts, asphalt, or concrete, as well as enhancing drainage systems through ditch cleaning or digging. The funds may also support upgrades to road department equipment, including replacing leased machinery. Judge Barnhill addressed county officials earlier this month, noting the need for two new motor graders, which he said the county currently cannot afford.
The outcome of the proposal will be decided as voters make their way to the polls over the coming days or cast their ballots on Election Day.