By: Drew Chamberlain
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – Voters in Arkansas joined several other states in casting their ballots on Super Tuesday, a pivotal day in the U.S. presidential primary process. Across the nation, states vote on presidential primaries, local legislation, and other caucuses.
According to UofA Advanced Instructor of Journalism, Gina Shelton, local voters are aware of the national impact of their vote, even if the outcome of the primary in Arkansas might seem predetermined.
“The big issue is the presidential race, in some states, you actually have a little bit of competition, and that brings up the voter turnout here in Arkansas,” Shelton said.
Shelton attended a polling station with one of her classes, speaking with local voting community members about their decisions and feelings on Super Tuesday.
“The voters we talked to said they felt it was important to show up, to have their voice heard, they felt like they were an important part of the political process,” Shelton said.
In addition to the presidential primary, voters have the opportunity to vote for both party candidates for positions in the State House of Representatives, U.S. House of Representatives, State Senate, Arkansas Supreme Court, and Court of Appeals.
“I think that it’s great to have people turning out, but the big show is going to be in November,” Shelton said. “Today, there were not long lines at the polling places, but in November, there will be.”
Since 2000, Arkansas’ primary election winners have been Republican. However, some voters are using the primary as an opportunity to express support for candidates who have already dropped out of the race or have a smaller chance of receiving a nomination. For example, some Republicans are showing their support for Nikki Haley despite the significant difference in votes between her and Donald Trump.
“As I was running through the candidate list on Arkansas’s ballot, most of them have dropped out. They’re no longer candidates anymore,” Shelton said.
Super Tuesday originated in 1984 as a strategy to provide states with a crucial role in the presidential nomination process. Shelton believes the issue with the outcome of Super Tuesday results has to do with the date on which the day falls in neighboring states.
“Our date is still not that early,” Shelton said. “But there are some states that vote in February, way in advance of the November general election.”
This year, the inclusion of incumbent candidates, Joe Biden and Donald Trump, possibly has lessened the excitement surrounding Super Tuesday. Shelton believes this has somewhat impacted the day’s importance, despite its historical significance.
“People are letting it be known who they want to be on the November ballot, but it’s not going to be a large turnout because also on the ballot are some other smaller issues,” Shelton said.
Voting takes place across states in America, meaning it will take days to determine the winning party candidates to move onto the presidential ticket, state legislative roles, and congressional seats.