Early voter turnout heavy in Crawford, Sebastian Counties

story by Marla Cantrell and Michael Tilley
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Early voting in Crawford and Sebastian Counties has been heavy, with the turnout in Sebastian County up more than 190% compared to the 2008 primary.

As of 3:45 p.m. Friday (May 14), the Sebastian County Clerk’s office reported that 3,111 early votes had been cast since early voting began May 4. The early voting period during the 2008 primary saw 1,059 voters. A total of 5,385 Sebastian County residents voted in the 2008 primary, or 8.66% of the registered voters. The 2006 primary saw 11,490 votes cast in Sebastian County.

There are more votes coming. The early voting site in the Sebastian County Courthouse is open Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Monday between 8 a.m. and 5. p.m.

Primary election day (May 18) hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“It’s been smooth. No problems,” Sebastian County Deputy Clerk Angie Hatwig said when asked about the process so far.

As of 3:30 p.m. Friday, 1,206 Crawford County residents had cast early votes prior to the May 18 primary election. The county clerk’s office said voting has been steady and that ballots are equally between Democrats and Republicans. The county did not readily have an early vote count in the 2008 cycle, but 3,854 (13.9% of registered voters) voted in the primary.

In an earlier interview, Crawford County Judge John Hall predicted there would be a dramatic shift this year in the traditionally Republican dominated territory.

“I think it will be the first time in Crawford County history that the Republican Primary spurs more interest than the Democratic Primary,” Hall said. ”In the past, 80% would vote in the Democratic Primary and only 20% in the Republican in Crawford County. But this year there will be a drastic change, I think, because the interest in the U.S. Senatorial race with Democrat Blanche Lincoln, in the congressional race for U.S. Congressman Boozman’s position and in the state representative’s race that’s here in the city of Van Buren and Kibler.”

It’s likely the races Hall cited are exactly the reason for the turnout. The Republican race between Kevin Holmes and Gary Deffenbaugh for the District 66 State Representative slot on the November ballot has drawn considerable interest. It is the local highlight of the Republican ballot.

Republican candidates for county treasurer, tax collector and county assessor do not face competition within their own party.

Democrats have a few contested races on the Crawford County ballot. Circuit Clerk Sharon Blount faces Jill Gregory and Coroner Pam Wells faces Aaron Beshears in the Democratic primary. The District 9 Constable race is also contested.

The county will update voting results on its website throughout Tuesday night.

Early voting ends May 17.