by David Cox
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Early voting in Arkansas began this week.
This weekend, those in Washington County can vote at Bud Walton Arena.
The “basketball palace” is the first on-campus voting location, approved just in September.
Associated Student Government President Julia Nall said it was a lengthy process that started early last summer.
“We started talking to athletics, parking and transit, facilities people, all of that good stuff to make sure that we would be able to use Bud Walton,” said Nall.
Nall said ASG has records that go back at least 12 years trying to get a voting site on campus.
She attributed campus growth and COVID-19 as two major factors that helped get the arena approved.
“Our campus has grown a lot since 12 years ago, we’re much much larger than we used to be,” Nall said, “and COVID I think really pushed us forward this year to help break down some of those barriers.”
Inside the arena in the concourse area, voters line up on marks of tape spaced out for social distancing, along with signs and workers to guide voters.
Voter Natalie Jerry said she appreciated the measures put in place.
“Everyone was super helpful, they explained what you’re supposed to do, the lines were very fast, and I did enjoy that it was non-contact as well,” Jerry said.
Nall hopes students who come to the arena to vote educate themselves on the entire ballot, not just the top of the ticket.
“It’s about so much more than who you vote for president,” Nall said. “Who you vote for city council can determine what your roads look like or what your taxes look like.”
Washington County residents can vote at Bud Walton Arena on Thursday, October 22nd and Friday, October 23rd from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday, October 24th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Early voting in Arkansas ends November 2nd.