Eureka Springs, Ark. – The city’s November election includes a puzzling ballot measure concerning the Pine Mountain Village entertainment district. While the downtown district completed a trial period in September, the Pine Mountain Village area – located on the south side of town near the Harley‑Davidson dealership on Highway 62 – is the focus of Ordinance No. 2357, originally passed by the City Council in 2024.
What the ballot language says
The ballot reads: “That Ordinance No. 2357 of the City Council of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, authorizes the Creation of a Permanent Entertainment District at Pine Mountain Village be referred to the people of said Municipality, to the end that the same may be approved or rejected by a vote of the voters.”
Complicating matters, the ordinance’s provisions expired before the question reached the ballot, meaning the district is no longer active. A citizen petition that was filed when the ordinance was first discussed secured its placement on this election’s ballot, marking the first time voters will see it.
Mayor’s explanation
Mayor Butch Berry acknowledges the confusion. “It’s a confusing issue from the ballot standpoint because of the way that it reads. If you vote for the issue, then you’re voting to repeal the ordinance. I’m getting confused myself. A vote against, then you’re voting to keep the entertainment district. However, the entertainment district has already expired, so it’s really kind of a null vote, you might say,” Berry said.
He adds that the vote is essentially a show of public opinion – a “for” vote signals opposition to reinstating the district, while an “against” vote indicates support for bringing it back, even though no immediate action will result from the outcome.
Why the wording matters
The reverse‑logic wording has caught the attention of local residents who are trying to understand how their vote will be counted. “It’s one of those tricky ballot questions that we see every once in a while, just because of the way that it was written,” Berry explained.
Voters are encouraged to read the ballot language carefully and to consult the sample ballot available online before heading to the polls on Tuesday. The city has provided a link for residents to view the full ballot.
How to vote
Mayor Berry urges all eligible voters to participate. “Be sure to vote, and be able to read the ballot questions because it’s going to be very confusing. That’s the only confusing issue I’ve seen on there. I’ve already voted. I was an early voter, so get out and vote,” he said.
For those who need assistance or have questions about the ballot, the city’s election office can be contacted, and the official sample ballot can be accessed through the city’s website.
What’s next?
Regardless of the outcome, the vote will provide the city council with a clear sense of community sentiment regarding the future of Pine Mountain Village’s entertainment district. If the majority votes “against,” indicating support for reviving the district, the council may consider drafting new legislation to re‑establish a permanent zone. Conversely, a “for” vote would reaffirm the community’s desire to keep the area free of an entertainment district.
Residents should stay tuned for post‑election updates from the city council and the mayor’s office, which will outline any next steps based on the vote’s results.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
