Issue 3, a proposal to create new economic development zones with locally governed boards, failed in Tuesday’s statewide election, according to uncertified results. While the measure was rejected overall, it received significant support from rural counties in Northeast Arkansas.
Supporters, including Graycen Bigger, executive director of the Northeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority, had promoted Issue 3 as an opportunity to enhance economic opportunities in smaller, rural communities. Bigger expressed disappointment in the measure's defeat.
“I’m sad that it didn’t pass because it’s something that our community asked us for—better access to retail and to amenities—and we weren’t able to provide them,” she said.
Bigger pointed to strong support from rural areas, particularly in eastern, southern, and southwestern Arkansas, as evidence that these communities saw a need for the measure. In contrast, urban and metropolitan areas overwhelmingly rejected it.
Randolph County was the only county in Northeast Arkansas to vote against the measure, with a slim 51% majority opposing it. Residents in counties that supported the initiative had pushed for improved access to basic services such as retail, restaurants, healthy foods, healthcare, and childcare, according to Bigger.
Political experts suggest that voter confusion may have contributed to the outcome. Dr. Cameron Wimpy, chair of government and law at Arkansas State University, said the measure's ballot language might have discouraged some voters.
“It gives them... I don’t necessarily want to say a blank check, but it gives them a lot of latitude in how they implement it,” Wimpy said. “I think people were not in a mood to give anything up to the government, as we see on other issues, too.”
Wimpy noted that the mix of high inflation, complex language, and a broader national distrust in government likely played a role in the defeat. Bigger also attributed the outcome to misinformation, saying some voters mistakenly tied the measure to national debates over data centers and large industrial projects.
Ultimately, 41 of Arkansas’ 75 counties voted to pass Issue 3. However, populous counties such as Pulaski, Faulkner, Washington, and Madison overwhelmingly voted against the measure. Bigger acknowledged that urban and suburban areas already enjoy robust amenities and grocery options, whereas rural communities are often overlooked by businesses prioritizing areas with higher populations and greater purchasing power.
“The Delta and the South largely supported this because we deserve access to the same things—like healthy foods and better healthcare—as those in central Arkansas or the Ozarks,” Bigger said.
The official election results will be certified in the coming weeks.