Independence County voters will see a significant change in how they cast ballots during the March 3 election, as election officials move to a countywide vote-center model.
The Independence County Election Commission has approved the new system, which will allow registered voters to cast a ballot at any open vote center in the county on Election Day, rather than being limited to an assigned precinct. Election administrators say the change is intended to provide flexibility and reduce confusion as the county adjusts to paper ballots.
Two locations — the Batesville Community Center at 1420 20th St. and Southside City Hall at 2180 Batesville Blvd. — will offer early voting from Feb. 17 through March 2. On Election Day, six vote centers will be open: the Batesville Community Center, Charlotte Fire Department, Cushman Fire Department, Pleasant Plains City Hall, Newark Fire Department, and Southside City Hall.
Election officials are encouraging voters to consider early voting and to be prepared to use alternate locations if lines become long. County leaders thanked residents for their patience, noting that delays or unexpected issues are not controlled by poll workers.
The move comes after Independence County voters approved an ordinance in November 2024 requiring elections to be conducted using hand-marked, hand-counted paper ballots.
The ordinance mandates paper ballots for all voters, with exceptions for voters with disabilities who may continue using voting machines. Supporters of the measure have said the change is intended to increase transparency and voter confidence in elections.
Because hand-counted ballots require additional staffing, materials, and logistical planning, the vote-center model is designed to help streamline operations and manage resources more efficiently across the county.
Officials are urging voters to take advantage of early voting and to be prepared to switch locations if lines are long. Leaders thanked residents for their patience and reminded voters that poll workers do not control delays or unexpected issues at the polls.
Election administrators say the new model is intended to ensure a smoother, more flexible experience for all voters.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
