FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — A motion seeking an injunction from a Washington County judge that was filed by a group that opposes the new civil rights ordinance in Fayetteville will not stop early voting in the special election from starting Tuesday (Sept. 1).
Protect Fayetteville filed a lawsuit and requested an emergency injunction Monday that would halt the special election for the Uniform Civil Rights Protection Ordinance 5781 that is scheduled for Sept. 8. If approved by voters, the ordinance would extend protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Fayetteville residents and visitors in matters of employment, housing and public accommodations.
A hearing regarding the emergency injunction is set for Friday at 9 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse, which means early voting will continue as planned until there is a decision made by a judge stating otherwise.
Early voting will also end Friday and there will be no early voting Monday, Sept. 7 because of the Labor Day Holiday. Voters can cast their ballots at the County Clerk’s office at the Washington County Courthouse located at 280 N. College from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. On Sept. 8 several polling sites will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For a list of polling sites, click here and for a look at the sample ballot click here.
The fate of the special election and any votes cast during early voting depends on the outcome of Friday’s hearing.
