Extension Offers Voter Guide on 2018 Ballot Issues
Before you go to the poles to vote, make sure you understand the issues on the ballot.
The following article will point you to the source of unbiased information.
Nashville, Ark. – Arkansas voters have some decisions to make this fall when it comes to the state constitution.
It’s that time of year when constitutional amendments proposed by the legislature and public make their way to voters. This year, the ballot includes amendments seeking to:
- Limit how much money an injured person or their family can receive in punitive and non-economic damages in a lawsuit, how much attorneys can be paid for their work in certain lawsuits, and give the legislature authority to create or change court rules (Issue 1)
- Require Arkansans to present photo identification in order to vote (Issue 2)
- Reduce the number of years state legislators can serve in office (Issue 3)
- Allow casino gaming in four locations in the state (Issue 4)
- Voters will also decide Issue 5, a proposed state law that would increase Arkansas’ minimum wage.
The legislature referred Issue 1 and Issue 2 to voters. Citizen groups collected thousands of voter signatures to put Issue 3, Issue 4 and Issue 5 on the ballot.
To help voters understand the complexity of the issues and the arguments on both sides, the Public Policy Center of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has developed information sheets on each ballot issue.
Understanding the issues: On Election Day, voters see the popular name and ballot title of each proposal. There are more details you won’t see unless you read the full amendment elsewhere ahead of time.
The outcome of these complex proposals affect every Arkansan so we want voters to feel confident in making their choices this November.
Extension’s voter guide includes:
- How the proposal will appear on the ballot
- What yes and no votes would mean
- Basic Q&As about what the proposal would do
- Supporter and opponent viewpoints
The voter guide is published online at www.uaex.uada.edu/ballot. You can also find a printed copy of the voter guide at Howard County Extension Office located on the second floor of the courthouse. We also have an exhibit available on the first floor of the courthouse and at the Howard County Library.
Although the deadline has passed for the Secretary of State to set the ballot, you might see some last-minute changes, if there are court challenges. Check out our website, www.uaex.uada.edu/ballot, for up-to-date information or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Sign up to receive the Public Policy Center’s email newsletter on ballot issues by emailing publicpolicycenter@uada.edu.
The guide presents the information in a neutral form and covers all five issues from the legislature and the public. They are free of charge! Extension’s mission is strictly educational.
For more information contact the Howard County Extension Service at 870-845-7517.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Recipe of the Week
This is a great, easy-to-prepare recipe for busy nights. Deb Kreul, a member of the Liberty-Belles EHC Club, shared this recipe at the Howard County Extension Homemaker Fall Council meeting. She presented a program on Halloween treats and decorations. This recipe would be perfect to prepare and serve before heading out to trick-or-treat.
Bats and Cobwebs
1 (8oz.) pkg. Bowtie Pasta
1 lb. Ground Beef
24 oz. jar Pasta Sauce
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
8 oz. Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 c. shredded Parmesan Cheese
In a saucepan, add the onion, garlic and ground beef and cook until the ground beef is no longer pink. While this cooking, boil your water for your pasta (bats). Once the ground beef is fully cooked, drain and add in the pasta sauce. Let it simmer until you are ready to add it to the pasta. In a large pot, add the fully cooked pasta, sauce mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix it well until the cheese just starts to melt. Put the mixture into a 9x13-inch pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Add the other half of the mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative
action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need
materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other
appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin,
religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any
other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.