Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,341
Confirmed Cases: 1,237
Probable Cases: 104
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 40

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 578
Confirmed Cases: 524
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 447
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 36
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 354
Confirmed Cases: 347
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 266
Confirmed Cases: 254
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 612 new cases; 9,571 active cases; 649 hospitalized, which is up 16 from Sunday; 102 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Sunday; deaths added today, 21, for a total of 1,833; a total of 106,727 cases; 89,730 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,965; antigen tests, 641.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 53; Washington, 45; Craighead, 42; and Sebastian, 37; and Benton, 30.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"These numbers should put everyone in Arkansas on alert. We are not having a steep escalation of cases but we do see the new cases steadily increasing in the last few weeks. The increased hospitalizations and deaths are somber reminders of the current threat. United, we will have success but it takes everyone to fight hard in the coming weeks. We must do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Arkansas, especially as we head toward what could be a very challenging winter."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Monday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,335
Confirmed Cases: 1,233
Probable Cases: 102
Total Active Cases: 69
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 44

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 577
Confirmed Cases: 523
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 447
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 36
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 354
Confirmed Cases: 347
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 263
Confirmed Cases: 253
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 2

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,327
Confirmed Cases: 1,229
Probable Cases: 98
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 41

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 568
Confirmed Cases: 515
Probable Cases: 53
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 446
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 35
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 350
Confirmed Cases: 343
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 262
Confirmed Cases: 252
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,301
Confirmed Cases: 1,221
Probable Cases: 80
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 35

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 556
Confirmed Cases: 510
Probable Cases: 46
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 432
Confirmed Cases: 402
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 342
Confirmed Cases: 335
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 260
Confirmed Cases: 251
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3

Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces Prosecuting Attorney Appointments

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to appoint the following prosecuting attorneys:

Charles E. Black, Texarkana, as Prosecuting Attorney of the Eighth Judicial District-South. Term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. Replaces Stephanie Potter Barrett.

“Charles Black has years of prosecutorial experience and has served the Eighth Judicial District-South for the last five years,” Governor Hutchinson said. “He is a seasoned prosecutor, and I am pleased he will continue his service to the Eighth Judicial District-South as Prosecuting Attorney.”

Charles E. Black issued the following statement:

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Governor for his consideration and appointment. Having been the Chief Deputy Prosecutor for many years, I anticipate a smooth transition next year.”

Erin Hunter, De Queen, as Prosecuting Attorney of the Ninth Judicial District-West. Term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. Replaces Bryan Chesshir.

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Erin Hunter as Prosecuting Attorney of the Ninth Judicial District-West,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Having served in various prosecutorial roles such as De Queen City Attorney, Drug Court Prosecuting Attorney, and most recently, as Sevier County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Ms. Hunter is highly qualified to serve in this role.”

Erin Hunter released the following statement:

“I would like to thank Governor Hutchinson so much for this opportunity. I am sincerely grateful. I look forward to continuing to fulfill the duties of the Prosecutor’s office that Bryan Chesshir faithfully executed during his terms as elected prosecutor.” 

Jason Barrett, Maumelle, as Prosecuting Attorney of the Eighteenth Judicial District-West. Term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. Replaces Andy Riner.

“Jason Barrett will bring years of experience in private practice and various deputy prosecuting attorney roles to the Eighteenth Judicial District-West as Prosecuting Attorney,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I appreciate Mr. Barrett’s willingness to serve.”

Jason Barrett released the following statement:

“I am honored and grateful that Governor Hutchinson has chosen me to serve as the Prosecuting Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial District-West. I look forward to serving the people of Montgomery and Polk Counties and am excited to again have the opportunity to work with some of the finest law enforcement officers in our state. Together we will continue the job of making our communities the safest and best places to live in Arkansas.”

Meet the Colts Event and Fish Fry on Friday at Skilled Trades UA Cossatot De Queen

UA Cossatot will host a Meet the Colts event and fish fry on October 21 through October 24. Festivities will take place in Nashville, Ashdown, De Queen, and Lockesburg. The Southwest Arkansas community and UA Cossatot Colts fans will have the opportunity to meet this year’s Colts and Lady Colts as well as purchase a fish meal to support UA Cossatot student-athletes.

The fish meal includes fried catfish, french fries, hushpuppies, and coleslaw for a donation of $10 or more. Colts merchandise will also be available for purchase.

The Nashville event and fish fry will take place at the Howard County Courthouse on Wednesday, October 21. The Ashdown event and fish fry will take place at the Little River County Courthouse on Thursday, October 22. The De Queen event and fish fry will take place at the Skilled Trades Building of UA Cossatot on Friday, October 23. The final event and fish fry will take place in front of UA Cossatot’s Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium on Saturday, October 24. Each event and fish fry will begin at 11:00 am and end at 1:00 pm.

UA Cossatot Basketball Coach, Robert Byrd said, “We're excited about the upcoming Meet the Colts Week. Our student athletes will have the opportunity to visit the counties we serve. We are looking forward to interacting with members of each community.”

Business to-go orders are available for delivery. Pre-orders for deliveries are available now until October 20 by contacting Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu. Pre-order payments and general donations to the UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts can also be made by texting CossatotColts to 41444

Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves

Thursday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,291
Confirmed Cases: 1,221
Probable Cases: 70
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 30

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 546
Confirmed Cases: 503
Probable Cases: 43
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 426
Confirmed Cases: 396
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 341
Confirmed Cases: 334
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 31
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 258
Confirmed Cases: 249
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 3

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,202 new cases; 8,730 active cases; 612 hospitalized, which is down 24 from Wednesday; 96 on ventilators, which is down 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 21, for a total of 1,772; a total of 102,798 cases; 87,311 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,039; antigen tests, 1,405.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 115; Benton, 93;Craighead, 70; Washington, 50; and Garland, 39.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“I continue to watch the week-to-week trends. Last Thursday, we reported 1,278 new cases. Today, there is a slight decrease to 1,202 new cases. If the trend continues similar to last week, then we will see around 1,000 new cases tomorrow. Let's work to beat last week's numbers as we are challenged in this pandemic. Let's pull together; let’s protect each other and be safe. Earlier today, I spoke with Secretary Alex Azar of the Department of Health and Human Services on vaccine distribution plans. There is hope on the horizon.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Community Project Planning Meeting October 28 at De Queen Sportsplex

A Community Project Planning Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th at 6:00pm at the De Queen Sportsplex.

All local residents who are interested in helping organize efforts to support the minority populations of De Queen are encouraged to come out and participate.

The purpose of the meeting is to begin planning a Southwest Arkansas Juneteenth celebration, discuss fundraising options for a Sevier County African American museum and multicultural center, and to develop programs that provide regularly scheduled Sevier County Latino and black history education for the public.

People of all races, ages, backgrounds and identities are welcome to attend. Please wear a face mask and practice social distancing. An online option to view the meeting will be available as well.

For questions, please contact Kevyn Wayne or email DQunity@gmail.com.

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,155 new cases; 8,520 active cases; 636 hospitalized, which is down 1 from Tuesday; 99 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 23, for a total of 1,751; a total of 101,596 cases; 86,520 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,674; antigen tests, 1,368.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 84; Craighead, 53; Benton, 44; Washington, 42; and White, 38.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"We are testing at record levels and we continue to see a high number of new cases across Arkansas. Compared to last Wednesday, we are plus 76 cases. Today we have 14 counties with more than 20 cases, once again highlighting the fact that this virus is not contained to one part of the state. We must all remain focused in our fight against COVID-19. Let’s be careful of the social gatherings and remind each other that wearing a mask protects those around us. Today everyone understands the need for social distancing."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,280
Confirmed Cases: 1,217
Probable Cases: 63
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 544
Confirmed Cases: 501
Probable Cases: 43
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 420
Confirmed Cases: 390
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 340
Confirmed Cases: 333
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 254
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 3

Five Students of UA Cossatot Will Be a Part of Leadership Institute Virtual Event

We are pleased to announce that there will be five students to represent at this year HACU’s ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute Conference scheduled to begin Sunday, October 25-28.  HACU's ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute Virtual Event is a four day career leadership & development networking symposium designed to build the career & leadership skills of undergraduate students. Over 500 students from the U.S. and Puerto Rico will attend presentations, workshops, luncheons, and a town hall meeting as well as meet with conference exhibitors and recruiters. These students represent a wide range of academic disciplines. They arrive with resumes, eager to discuss career, internship, research and advanced education opportunities.
 

We are excited to have students represent UA Cossatot college and Arkansas!  

Carlee Helms Honored as De Queen Lions Club Student of the Month

Carlee Helms, senior of De Queen High, was recognized as Student of the Month at Tuesday’s meeting of the De Queen Lions Club. Carlee is a member of the National Honor Society and Gifted and Talented. She has been a cheerleader for De Queen High for 3 years, and All American Cheerleader for 2 years. Carlee is a member of the Lady Leopard Softball Team and has recently been selected as a senior maid for De Queen Homecoming. Megan Blanton presented Carlee with a framed certificate.

De Queen Lions members collected candy for the upcoming Trunk or Treat at the De Queen Sportsplex. Megan Blanton, on behalf of the Lions Club, is pictured with Alicia Gonzalez to contribute sweet treats for the kids on Halloween night.

In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month

The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize another UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that is making an impact on campus throughout the month of October!

Erika Buenrrostro

Erika Buenrrostro was born in Mexico City, Mexico and has resided in De Queen Arkansas since 1989.  Working for UA Cossatot in De Queen Arkansas as a college recruiter and Coordinator of the Center for Student Success for the past 6 years.  She received her Associates of Arts degree in 2006 at UA Cossatot,  Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development in 2008 and Masters of Education from U of A Fayetteville in 2016.  She has also completed 18 Graduate level credits towards a second Masters in Romance Language from the University of New Orleans allowing her to also serve as adjunct while teaching Spanish for UA Cossatot.

Erika is in charge of the Food Pantry on campus which helps provide food assistance for students with food insecurity and also serves as a ROTARACT sponsor.  Erika is an exceptional, highly motivated, dedicated person who carries the attitude and compassion for the community she serves.  Because Erika has developed a strong sense of devotion for Higher Ed, community organization and change she is one of many that help lead several student initiatives for the Sevier County area while also representing the college on state wide panels and conferences. 

In addition to her service and education Erika is a board member for CADC, ROTARY, Single Parent Scholarship of Sevier Co. and sits on other various local and state wide committees.  Erika is a prime example of “If you can believe it, you can achieve it”. 

In her spare time she loves to spend time with the most important people in her life… her 3 kids, her parents, friends and enjoys salsa dancing with her husband.  Erika states that being a female Latina means “stepping out of your comfort zone and all the boundaries that are set for you.  It means coming for the world and creating change that will impact future generations.  It also means love for family, friends, music and of course, FOOD!”.

We are proud to have Erika Buenrrostro as part of our campus community! If you or someone has questions in regards to the Center for Student Success, you can call and ask for Erika Buenrrostro at: 870-584-1133. 

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (10.20.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.

Tuesday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,274
Confirmed Cases: 1,216
Probable Cases: 58
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 544
Confirmed Cases: 501
Probable Cases: 43
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 417
Confirmed Cases: 387
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 342
Confirmed Cases: 335
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 254
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 531 new cases; 8,658 active cases; 613 hospitalized, which is up 41 from Sunday; 99 on ventilators, which is up 2 from Sunday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 1,714; a total of 99,597 cases; 84,770 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,918; antigen tests, 803.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 53; Craighead, 45; Washington, 25; Sebastian, 24 and Benton, 23.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"We saw another decrease in new cases yesterday, and I am hopeful that the cases will stay low through the week. I applaud our students and educators for reducing the active cases in our schools. Let’s stay vigilant, and while cases usually go up in the next four days, let’s remember that it is up to each of us to do our part to help slow this virus and protect ourselves, our family, and our neighbors."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,271
Confirmed Cases: 1,214
Probable Cases: 57
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 29

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 539
Confirmed Cases: 497
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 413
Confirmed Cases: 383
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 342
Confirmed Cases: 335
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 254
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

October is breast cancer awareness month. This is an opportunity to remind Arkansans of the importance of mammograms for early detection and lifestyle changes that could help prevent cancer. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat, and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. It is important to still get checked for breast cancer regularly, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. As long as you’re not feeling sick or having any COVID-19 symptoms, experts say it’s safe to get a mammogram. 

In 2017, there were 2,163 new breast cancer cases and 414 cancer deaths in the state. However, Arkansas is ranked as one of the lowest states (37th) for breast cancer screening, according to the CDC Wonder (2018).  

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.  

In 2017, the General Assembly passed Act 708, which ensures that insurance policies cover annual mammograms for women over 40. It also ensures that 3D mammograms or ultrasounds are covered for women with dense breast tissue. While traditional mammograms are effective for many women, the ultrasound can detect changes in women with dense breast tissue. 

Only about 5–10% of breast cancers are believed to be hereditary, meaning they’re caused by abnormal changes in certain genes passed from parent to child. 

The vast majority of people who get breast cancer have no family history, suggesting that other factors must be at work, such as environment and lifestyle. 

If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram through the Arkansas BreastCare program. BreastCare’s mission is to increase the rate of early detection of breast and cervical cancer and reduce the morbidity and mortality rates among women in Arkansas by lowering barriers to screening that result from lack of information, financial means, or access to quality services.

It is funded by the Arkansas Department of Health with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax.

For more information, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.

Arkansas Department of Health

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UA Cossatot Receives a $2.2 Million Grant from U.S. Department of Education

Sunday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,264
Confirmed Cases: 1,213
Probable Cases: 51
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 537
Confirmed Cases: 495
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 413
Confirmed Cases: 383
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 341
Confirmed Cases: 334
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 254
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Voting to Determine Our Future

LITTLE ROCK – Monday is the first day for early voting, and today I’d like to talk about what will be on the ballot.

At the top of the ballot, of course, are the names of those running for president. You’ll also find the names of Arkansans who are running for the U.S. Congress and one statewide senate race. Of course, this year you will have local legislative races, school board elections, county government candidates, and perhaps, local issues to decide. In other words, we need to do a little homework before we vote. But most importantly, we all need to vote.

On the statewide ballot, we have the chance to vote on three proposed amendments to the constitution that members of the 92nd General Assembly referred to voters.

Issue 1 asks voters to indefinitely extend a half-cent sales tax that will be dedicated to the maintenance of roads, bridges, and highways. Voters approved the tax in 2012. Without voters’ approval to extend it, the tax will expire at the end of 2022.

Issue 2 restructures term limits for state legislators. Current law limits legislators to sixteen years in the Senate, the House, or in combination. The proposed change would limit service to twelve consecutive years. A former legislator would be able to serve again after a four-year break.

Issue 3 changes the way the citizens and legislators refer proposals to constitutional amendments for a statewide vote.

Since the founding of our nation, we have elected forty-five presidents. Since Arkansas became a state, we have elected forty-six governors. The freedom to vote and elect our leaders is a hard-won right and privilege that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. At all levels of our nation – city, county, state, and federal – the ballot box is an equalizer that gives every citizen a voice in governing.

Millions of Americans have written the history of our nation by participating in our elections. The voting booth links us to the past as we determine our future. I know that sometimes the lines are long, and voting can be inconvenient. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, voting may be even more difficult. But don’t let that stop you from voting.

The leaders of Arkansas’s major political parties are united in their determination to ensure that every registered voter can safely and securely cast a ballot on November 3. Arkansans may not agree on everything, but I know we agree that every vote counts.

This year, you can vote by absentee ballot, you can do early voting starting Monday, October 19, or you can do it the traditional way by voting in person on Election Day.