The group working to let voters decide if Benton County should become “wet” is just 5,000 signatures away from reaching their goal.
Organizers with Keep Dollars in Benton County said they’ve gathered more than 35,000 signatures since started their petition drive in mid-February.
The group must submit at least 40,000 signatures to the Benton County Clerk for verification by early August if the issue is to make it on the November ballot.
In a final push to gather the remaining signatures needed, the group will host a “Drive Up Sign Up” event from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m this Saturday, May 12 at various locations in Benton County. Residents wishing to contribute to the campaign can drive through a line, sign a petition from their cars and then go about their day.
“We’ve received great feedback from residents in the county who want to sign the petition, but just don’t know where to find it,” said Marshall Ney, a spokesman with the group and an attorney with Mitchell Williams Law Firm in Rogers. “Having pre-determined locations in one single day throughout the county will provide quick and easy outlets for residents to sign the petition and make their voices heard on this issue.”
The locations are:
- Bentonville – FastTrip/Conoco, 307 Walton Boulevard; EZ Mart, 2401 SE 14th Street
- Bella Vista – Phillips 66/Conoco (The All In One), 2811 Bella Vista Way
- Rogers – Hibachi Grill Buffet, 102 South 21st Street
- Siloam Springs – Empty Lot across from Walmart and The Waffle House; Corner of Progress and Highway 412 East
Initial funding for the petition drive came from Steuart and Tom Walton, grandsons of Walmart founder Sam Walton.
“As natives of this area, both my brother Tom and I are passionate about doing what we can to help Benton County and the whole region continue to thrive and develop,” said Steuart Walton in February. “We respect, of course, that there are differing points of view on this issue, but that is all the more reason to take this to the voters and to give our democratic process an opportunity to work.”
