With just one day of early voting remaining before Tuesday’s general election, more than 13,000 voters in Pope and Yell counties have already cast their ballots.
In Pope County, 10,600 people had voted early through Saturday, Oct. 31, representing nearly 30% of the county’s registered voters. Neighboring Yell County reported 2,511 early votes heading into Monday.
Combined, the two counties have recorded 13,111 early votes, with one final day remaining for voters who want to avoid the Election Day lines.
Pope County Clerk Pam Ennis previously reported that the county had 35,357 registered voters as of Oct. 16. Based on that figure, nearly three in every 10 registered voters have already participated through early voting alone. That percentage does not include absentee voting or any Monday early vote figures.
The numbers have climbed steadily since early voting began Oct. 19. Pope County had recorded 7,907 votes through Wednesday, Oct. 28, while Yell County stood at 1,841.
Early voting ends at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, across Arkansas.
In Pope County, early voting is being conducted at the Pope County Election Commission headquarters, 1509 East Main Street, Suite 7, in Russellville.
Yell County voters have two early-voting locations:
Both locations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.
While statewide races for governor, U.S. Senate and other offices are drawing attention, several contested municipal races will also be decided across the River Valley.
Pottsville has the most contested municipal offices in the three-county area. Voters will choose a new mayor between Pamela DuVall Scarber and Robert Alexander Jr., along with deciding contested races for city clerk-treasurer and two City Council positions.
In Russellville, incumbent City Council member Emily Young faces challenger Allan R. George for the Ward 2, Position 1 seat.
Across the river in Dardanelle, Mayor Jimmy Witt faces a challenge from City Council member Kurt Spears.
Johnson County voters also have several contested races. Clarksville features a four-candidate mayoral contest, with incumbent David Rieder Jr. facing Matthew Bewley, Barbara Blackard and Bob Senter. Two Clarksville City Council seats are also contested.
In Coal Hill, Colby Yates and Tommy Doss are running for mayor.
Other contested municipal races include council seats in Danville and Havana.
Voters will also decide federal and state legislative races and four statewide ballot issues.
For those who haven’t voted early, polls will be open Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Pope County uses a vote center system, meaning registered voters can cast their ballots at any of the county’s seven Election Day voting locations, regardless of where they live within the county.
Vote centers are located in Russellville, Pottsville, Atkins, Dover, Hector, London and the Crow Mountain area.
Voters in other counties should verify their assigned polling places before heading out Tuesday.
Arkansas voters must present an acceptable form of photo identification when voting. Those without qualifying identification may be able to cast a provisional ballot.
Anyone unsure of their polling location or what will appear on their ballot can visit Arkansas VoterView to check registration information, polling locations and sample ballots.
Pope County voters can cast their ballots at any of seven vote centers on Election Day, regardless of where they live in the county. All locations will be open Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Voters can find additional information on the Pope County Election Commission website.
