Early votes favor Fayetteville’s civil rights ordinance

Jennifer Price (left), Washington County Election Coordinator, speaks with For Fayetteville representatives Danielle Weatherby and Kyle Smith inside the Washington County Courthouse shortly before early voting totals were released Tuesday.

Photo: Todd Gill, Flyer staff

Update: (10:15 p.m.) Voters approved the ordinance 53 percent to 47 percent.

Early voting totals show a lead for those seeking to pass Fayetteville’s Uniform Civil Rights Protection Ordinance.

According to unofficial early and absentee totals, there were 2,830 votes for the ordinance (68 percent) and 1,324 votes against (32 percent).

By comparison, early totals in the Dec. 9 public referendum showed a lead (56 percent to 44 percent) for those seeking to uphold the city’s Civil Rights Administration Ordinance, but the final count favored repeal of the law (52 percent to 48 percent).

The final, unofficial totals will be published as soon as they’re released.