Polls are open across Baxter County today, giving registered voters until 7:30 p.m. to participate in Election Day. Voters can cast their ballots at any of the 11 vote centers in the county, regardless of where they live, allowing for convenience in scheduling.

According to officials, more than 8,600 residents—or 27% of registered voters in Baxter County—voted early through Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home. That still leaves over 20,000 eligible voters who could head to the polls today.

The 11 vote centers in the county are: - Baxter County Training Center, 170 Dillard Drive, Midway - Big Flat Community Center, 44 Community Drive, Big Flat - East Side Baptist Church, 718 E. 9th St., Mountain Home - First United Methodist Church, 605 W. 6th St., Mountain Home - Henderson Fire Station, 12487 Highway 62 East, Henderson - Lakeview Civic Center, 14 Skyles Lane, Lakeview - Lone Rock Baptist Church, 6726 Push Mountain Road, Norfork - Norfork First Baptist Church, 36 2nd St., Norfork - Northeast Lakeside Fire Station, 5482 Highway 62 East, Mountain Home - Salesville City Hall, 46 Gillespie St., Salesville - The Good Shepherd Methodist Church, 179 Memory Lane, Cotter

Voters should bring a valid photo ID, such as an Arkansas driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, concealed handgun license, Arkansas college ID, or a county-issued voter ID card. Expired IDs are accepted as long as they expired within the past four years. Voters without ID may cast a provisional ballot and have until noon on Monday, November 9, to verify their identity with the Baxter County Clerk or the election commission.

Rain is expected throughout the day, so voters are advised to come prepared with umbrellas. However, anyone in line at 7:30 p.m. will still be able to vote, regardless of the weather.

Sample ballots are available at vote centers and online at voterview.ar-nova.org for those who wish to review the ballot before heading to the polls. Absentee ballots must reach the Baxter County Clerk’s office, located at 1 E. 7th St., Suite 103, by 7:30 p.m. today to be counted.

The local ballot features several notable contests. Incumbent Republican Rep. Stetson Painter seeks a third term in State House District 3 against Democratic challenger Carrie Huddleston, both of Mountain Home. Justice of the Peace District 8 also sees a contested seat between Republican Eddie Griffin and Democrat Micha Johnson.

Key municipal races include Mountain Home’s Ward 3, Position 2 council seat, where Carry Manuel faces Mary E. O’Shields. Salesville voters will choose between mayoral candidates Scott F. Sillence and Lynley E. Christian, while Cotter and Gassville residents weigh in on contested council seats.

Statewide, high-profile races include U.S. Senator Tom Cotton seeking a third term against Democrat Hallie Shoffner and a Libertarian challenger. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is running for re-election against Democratic state Sen. Fred Love and Libertarian Colt Shelby. In the 1st Congressional District, Rep. Rick Crawford faces Democrat Terri Green, Libertarian Steve Parsons, and independent Jason Gaines.

Voters will also decide four proposed constitutional amendments: - Issue 1 specifies that only U.S. citizens may vote. - Issue 2 extends the right to bear arms to include ammunition, accessories, and components. - Issue 3 allows the Arkansas Legislature to create economic development districts. - Issue 4 authorizes up to $500 million in state bonds for water, waste disposal, and flood control projects.

State election officials expect about 920,000 ballots to be cast by the end of the day, with more than 518,000 Arkansans already voting early or by mail. Unofficial results will begin taking shape after polls close, starting at the Baxter County Courthouse at 7:30 p.m. The county election commission plans to certify results on November 13.

For those heading to the polls, don’t forget to collect an “I Voted” sticker on your way out.