In the first week of early voting in the March 3rd election, Washington County has smashed all previous records for a primary vote!
Record High Turnout
Overall, countywide turnout is 31% higher than in 2022, the previous record high, according to unofficial early vote numbers. 5,256 people have voted.
Every single day of voting has broken records.
Wednesday, February 18, was the biggest single day for turnout so far in our county. The weather was beautiful. 1,325 people voted, representing a 75% jump from the previous first Wednesday record high, set in 2020. The year 2020 was a presidential primary election year.
So far, Washington County is ahead of Benton County in voter turnout, even though Benton County has a larger population than we do.
This year, the Washington County Election Commission has opened more early vote sites than ever across the county, not just the County Courthouse. That has made it more convenient to vote.
The Election Commission is releasing data daily on its Facebook page.
Partisan Split (So Far)
Most voters can choose either a Democratic Primary ballot, a Republican Primary ballot, or a nonpartisan ballot (which only has nonpartisan races like judges and ballot measures). The Democratic and nonpartisan ballots are open to anyone. Only those voters who are not registered Democrats can vote on the Republican ballot, which is new this year. Nearly 87% of registered voters have their party listed as Optional, according to the Secretary of State’s office - those voters can continue to choose any ballot. You are also allowed to change your party registration at the time you go vote - ask for a supervisor before voting.
So far, here is the partisan split among the ballots:
- Total Democratic Ballots Cast: 2,382; 45.3%
- Total Republican Ballots Cast: 2,647; 50.4%
- Total Nonpartisan Ballots Cast: 227; 4.3%
However, those ratios have been changing daily. On Friday and Saturday, the majority of voters selected Democratic ballots - 50% on Friday and 55% on Saturday. The percent of Republican ballots was 48% Friday and 40% Saturday. Nonpartisan ballots have hovered between 2% and 6% daily.
A lot more people will be voting between now and Election Day. The final totals are still anyone's guess.
Make a Vote Plan
Everyone who is registered should go vote! It's your right and your voice.
The Washington County Election Commission's website has everything you need to know about how, where, and when to vote. This includes new election laws; early vote locations, dates, and times; a list of everyone and everything that is on the ballot; and Election Day vote locations.
You can make sure you're registered and see your sample ballot ahead of time at VoterView.
Early Voting continues through Monday, March 2.
Election Day is Tuesday, March 3.
Go vote!
I hope Democrats really show up and out vote Republicans. Why? Because it will put fear into the Republicans and maybe some of them will vote for policies that are good for working people in Arkansas. Or at least turn on Trump. Either one helps.
I just found this website. What a great idea. Have you interviewed Robb Ryerse yet? If not get him on your list!