By Ashlyn Brothers
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — March 3, 2020 marked a big day in American politics as Arkansas took part in Super Tuesday elections for the second time. In the past, residents of Washington County were limited to voting at their precinct, only now constituents can vote at any local polling site with a valid ID. Those looking to vote out of state in the future can request an absentee ballot. If you have yet to register, click here to learn how.
Voter turnout tends to decline during the primaries, but local leaders argue smaller races shouldn’t be overlooked. Constituents consider issues directly impacting their pocketbooks. In local elections, you’re not just a number but a tie breaker.
“When we look at local races and you look at local issues, particular school board issues, local sales tax issues, local city council issues, city council member,” said Jennifer Price, executive director of the Washington County Election Commission. “We have votes that are within five votes, 35 votes, so your vote does matter when it comes especially to local issues which tend to impact you more than what you might think.”
Political activists continue to voice the importance of the young vote. State Representative Lance Eads (R) emphasized education and advocacy. He said individuals should vote for their voice to be heard, just as the Constitution’s Founding Fathers adopted.
“If you don’t vote you don’t have a right to complain,” Representative Eads said.
According to the Pew Research Center, voter turnout increased 79% among 18 to 29 year olds from 2014 to 2018. Though, data projects we can’t say the same about the upcoming election. Despite the increase in millennial eligibility due to naturalization, it’s estimated that in the 2020 presidential election, millennials will account for a slightly smaller share than before.
“There was a number of constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot this fall that are going to be very important. One relating to term limits, one relating to highway funding which is obviously here in our part of the state a huge issue and a big concern to a lot of business and industry growth that we are seeing in this area,” said Representative Eads. “There are also a few things related to how difficult it is to get something on the ballot, which can be a concern here in Arkansas. Some people say it’s too easy, so that we have groups from out of state coming here and trying to impact our Constitution for a fairly inexpensive method compared to some other states. Some people want to try and limit that a little more.”
A lot of factors influence the outcome of the electorate—where are you from, your ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and a big one which is how old are you.
“When we look at our data from different elections, we do notice that there are a larger number of voters who are 60 and above that participate compared to the voters between the ages of 18 and 24, and then even 25 to 35, ” Price said.
Many Americans are on the cusp of casting their ballots for the first time in November.
“We have worked really hard to engage our high schools in this area to make sure that we are registering students at the age of 17 and a half, so if they turn 18 by election day, they’re eligible to vote,” said Price. “So, we have several school districts that are actively involved in promoting voting and getting the students registered to vote in this area.”
The Pew Research Center projects the leading edge of Gen Z, ages 18 to 23, will comprise one-in-ten eligible voters. They are on track to be more racially and ethnically diverse than their predecessors. Price said the Washington County Courthouse has actively sought out bilingual students who can volunteer their time.
There are ways to get involved and educate yourself on the issues at hand. Young Democrats Treasurer Gabe Edwards said his RSO encourages political engagement, so college students not only vote in the primaries but vote smart.
“Just this semester we’ve done at least 10 phone banks for the congressional candidates and state representative candidates and we’ve done voting drives,” said Edwards. “We table often in the Union and right outside of the Union as well, and we always have voter registration forms to get students registered to vote. We’ve been pushing for a while to get a polling place on campus.”
Edwards said Young Democrats also sends students to Washington, D.C. to lobby for climate issues. Plus, they have teamed up with the OMNI Center on multiple occasions. Young Republicans also offers opportunities for involvement. New voters looking to get involved can endorse a candidate of choice.
“You can canvas, knock doors, phone bank and text for candidates,” said Edwards. “You can still get involved by supporting campaigns, by going out on social media and supporting those campaigns. People see that and it will have an impact.”
Taking a look at what students in NWA saw on the ballot, the Democratic preferential primary included contested Democratic races sporting the presidential primary, Justice of the Peace of Precinct 7, and Constable of District Two. Plus, the contested Nonpartisan Judicial General Election race and contested Annual School Board candidates. Now, the Republican preferential primary ballot included contested conservative races featuring presidential candidates, Justice of the Peace of Precinct 4, and Constable of District One. Those who prefered to refrain from associating with a particular party could request a Nonpartisan Judicial General Election ballot. Though, they were only able to vote for judicial candidates, school board candidates and tax initiatives. This recent election consisted of several unopposed candidates, as well.
Taking a closer look at a special election initiative, the 0.25% sales and use tax will take place over a period of 12 months and will be used to improve public safety communication systems in Washington County.
For a full list of Washington County results, click here.