Prepare to Vote: Issues Forum, Local Ballot

Senior Staff Writer

   With the 2008 election only two weeks away, there is still time to get informed on the issues.  In addition to electing the new president and vice president, Arkansas voters will vote on several other issues.  The University of Arkansas at Monticello will present an Issues Forum in order to educate the public about specific ballot initiatives prior to the Nov. 4 election.

   The forum will take place in the John F. Gibson University Center Green Room  Tuesday, Oct 21 at 7 p.m.  Supports and opponents will discuss issues such as the proposed state lottery, the adoption ban on unmarried couples and the Water Bond Act.  Representatives from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, Hope for Arkansas, Arkansas Family Council and Arkansas Families First are scheduled to speak in the town-hall style forum, though other representatives may sign on prior to the event.

   The forum sponsors - the UAM American Democracy Project chapter, Journalism Club and Speech and Debate Program - invite all interested persons to attend free of charge.  For more information on the 2008 Election Issues Forum, contact assistant professor of Journalism Ron Sitton at 870-460-1138 or sitton@uamont.edu.

   In addition to the presidential election, the official ballot for the 2008 general election for Drew County includes voting for the Senate and the Congress District 04, as well as the circuit clerk and all unopposed candidates.  Arkansas voters will also be able to vote on three proposed constitutional amendments, which includes the proposed state lottery; one proposed initiative act, which covers the adoption ban on unmarried couples; and one referred question, which covers the Water Bond Act.

To view the Official Ballot for General Election in Drew County please click here.

   Early voting will begin Monday, Oct. 20 and continue through Nov. 3.  The times for early voting are scheduled as follows:

• Oct. 20 - Nov. 1
• Monday - Friday:  8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday:  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday:  Closed
  
• Monday, Nov. 3
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

    For more information on early voting and voting locations, please contact the Drew County County Clerk Lyna Gulledge at 870-460-6260.

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