NWA county officials give tips for upcoming election

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — As we get closer to Election Day, two counties in Northwest Arkansas are ensuring that voters are prepared.

Early voting begins October 21 and runs through November 4. Election Day is November 5.

“The county wants to ease some voter frustrations prior to voting,” Washington County Election Commission director Jennifer Price said.

There are a couple of things voters should know before the upcoming election. “If you are not registered to vote, you still have time to do that. The deadline is 30 days before the election, and that’s October 7.” said Price. “Washington County is striving to make sure the voters trust the process because the election commission does tests on voting machines before the ballots are set up.”

“We do before every election what is called logic and accuracy testing, and that’s making sure that when you vote for ‘Candidate A’ that your ballot shows for ‘Candidate A’ and the results show for ‘Candidate A,'” said Price.

She also wants Washington County residents to know if they have any questions regarding the upcoming voting process for the election, their office is always open.

More information on Washington County voting options can be found here.

Benton County Communications Director Melody Kwok pointed out that the voting process is designed to avoid any uncertainty. “You’re the only person that the ballot will touch after it gets handed to you,” Kwok said. “That blank ballot you insert into the machine, you make your elections, double check your selections, have it printed from the machine and then you put it into that ballot box. So, you would be the only person to touch the ballot after things have been marked on it.”

For young Arkansas voters, especially students who are voting for the first time, there are a few things they should be prepared for. “For students, you can also bring in a student ID from an accredited college, and that will count as your identification for you to vote. And those will get scanned in our voting machines where they’ll get looked at by a poll worker.” said Kwok.

Voters do have the option to also mail in their ballot.

Benton and Washington counties are also encouraging voters with any questions to contact them directly. Benton County voting options can be found here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.