Early Voting For Gravette

BENTON COUNTY — The Benton County Election Commission will open three additional early voting sites for May’s primary elections.

Commissioners said they hope the move will help voters in Cherokee City, Maysville and Gateway get out and vote in light of the decision to close each city’s polling place.

Sulphur Springs polling site will be open this year but Sulphur Springs residents may wish to vote early in Gravette.

Satellite offices will open in BellaVista, Gravette and Prairie Creek for early voting.Voters who wish to beat Election Daycrowdswillbeabletocast their ballots early in those cities in addition to the County Clerk’s offices in Bentonville, Rogers and Siloam Springs, said E. J. Miller, election commission chairman.

Voters who choose to vote earlyattheBellaVista,Gravette and Prairie creek early voting sites must use electronic machines.Those who wish to useapaperballotduringearly voting may do so by visiting the County Clerk’s offices.

Helen Peltier, the election coordinator, said she would like to see some way to measure the success of the new early voting locations before determining whether to continue them after the primaries.

Bill Williams, election commissioner, said they would like to see how many voters the additional early voting locations draw before making a decision.

“What we are trying to give back to the communities is the convenience of early voting,” Williams said.

Early voting for the May 18 primaryelectionsisMay3-17. Hours for the three new locations have not yet been set.