Pulse THE POLK COUNTY
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October 14, 2020
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Ballot Guide Issue!
INSIDE:
Go to polls prepared Staff Report
Homecoming Courts
Pages 11-18
Columnist in this issue: An Arkieʼs Faith Richie Lawry - Page 8
History and Faith Jeff Olson - Page 9
Wanderlust & Arkansas Dust Lacey Yoakem - Page 22
Ouachita Bushcraft & Survival Steve Stillwell - Page 23
Your Pulse! Positive Perceptions
Page 3
Ready, Set, VOTE
Photo by Jeri Borst
The Polk County Election Commission gave voting machines a run through under the direction of Polk County Clerk Terri Harrison last week to ensure the machines are ready for the election. The machines are under safeguards to prevent tampering, and will be transported to the Old Armory Building on De Queen Street for Early Voting, which begins Oct. 19. The Early Voting location was changed from the County Annex Building on Pine Street to the larger De Queen Street Armory to accommodate for social distancing measures. Sanitation measures will be taken at poll locations as part of safety measures due to COVID-19, Harrison said.
The November General Election is upon us, with Early Voting begining Monday, Oct. 19. Those who wish to cast their ballot by mail can request an absentee ballot from the Polk County Clerk’s Office at 394-8123. The deadline to request ballots by mail is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Arkansas is one of 15 states where residents can propose an amendment to the state constitution or refer a state law to voters. Legislators also have the authority to refer up to three amendments to voters. Arkansas legislators voted to put three constitutional amendments on the November ballot. Citizen groups also proposed two constitutional amendments, but the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled on Aug. 27, 2020 that Issue 4 and Issue 5 did not qualify for the ballot. A federal judge on Sept. 15 dismissed an appeal from sponsors. The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled on Sept. 17 that Issue 6, a referendum, did not qualify for the ballot either. In this issue you will find information about the legislative ballot measures. The information is reprinted from the University of Arkansas’ Ballot Issue Voter Guide, which can be found at uaex.edu/business-communities/voter-education or a copy can be picked up at the Polk County Extension Office or Polk County Clerk’s Office. Issue 1 can be found on page 2; Issue 2 information is on page 6 and Issue 3 can be found on page 19. Ballot information is on page 27.