Town hall to open Saturday for absentee ballot requests
Editor's Note: This story has been made available to the public to help local residents get informed on the upcoming election and encourage every eligible voter to participate in Tuesday's election.
Decatur voters are heading to the polls on Tuesday to decide whether they want to allow any alcohol sales in its city limits.
More than 200 voters petitioned the Decatur Board of Mayor and Aldermen to hold a special election to decide two issues. The polls will be open at Decatur Town Hall from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, and the referendum is only open to registered voters inside the city limits.
For voters who are going to be out of town for the vote, they still have an opportunity to vote absentee through noon Saturday at town hall. According to state law, the city must keep its office open on the Saturday before the election to allow voters a chance to
First, voters will vote “yes” or “no” on a resolution to allow the sale of beer and light win. Second on the ballot will be a resolution to allow the sale of liquor.
Alderman Phil Sutphin said he has not made up his mind which way he will vote on the issue.
“Voters can for one or the other or for both or neither,” Sutphin said. “I haven’t decided whether I will vote for one or both or neither. I will make that decision when I vote next Tuesday.”
Ada McGrevey, who helped organize the petition to request the referendum, said she is encouraging everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday.
“Decatur is my hometown, and I am so proud of the people who live here,” McGrevey said. “Two hundred and fifty of these citizens signed a petition to get the sale of beer/wine and alcohol on the ballot so we all could vote. The Board of Aldermen have been working diligently on the ordinance giving the guidelines for how these sales will occur if the vote passes. Please vote whether you are for or against this measure. Let your voice be heard.”
A group of residents who live inside and outside the town leading a “vote no” campaign declined an opportunity give a statement for this story.
Alderman Mark Buntyn said he echoed McGrevey’s call for everyone to show up and vote.
“As an aldermen, we were legally responsible to accept the petition and set an election day for the referendum,” Buntyn said. “My vote counts just as much as every voter in this community. We did our job to publicize this. We hope that voters will show up and vote on this issue.”
Sutphin said one of the main reasons for the petition was started was due to the city’s sales tax revenue. In the month of May, Decatur has received only $81,294 compared to $62,823 for Lake, $70,333 in Hickory, $105,539 for Union and $554,960 for Newton.
“The number that’s been rumored is about $20,000 in revenue each month,” Sutphin said. “If the town approved liquor sales, the town would receive a larger portion of the sales each month, that’s if the city could support a package store.
“But the other benefit would be the opportunity to draw nicer restaurants. That could help increase sales tax revenue.”
Just the Facts
The Town of Decatur will hold a referendum on the following issues:
• “The legal sale of light wine of an alcoholic content of not more than five percent (5%) by weight, light spirit product of an alcoholic content of not more than four percent (4%) by weight, and beer of an alcoholic content of not more than eight percent (8%)by weight.”
• “The legal sale of alcoholic liquors in the Town of Decatur.”
Only voters in the city limits of Decatur may vote “yes” or “no” on each issue.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Decatur Town Hall.
Absentee ballots are available through Saturday at noon.
