E arly voting for the November 3 State and Federal General Election begins Wednesday, October 14, and runs through Thursday, October 29. There is a very important issue on the ballot for Moore County, that being the Sales and Use Tax Referendum. If voted for, it would raise the sales tax in Moore County from 9.50 to 9.75 percent, the same as every county surrounding Moore County. That increase amounts to 25 cents per 100 dollars spent.

Any resident that shops outside of the county already pays that tax rate. The additional amount would not cause any undue strain on even the strictest budget, as far more of any household’s disposable budget is spent outside of Moore County rather than inside the county.

The clear advantage here is that the lion’s share of the extra taxes collected would be paid by tourists. Tourists come to Moore County see the sights, and they spend their money here. And, no, the increase will not dissuade a single tourist from coming here. So, voting for the increase will give our visitors the opportunity to pitch in and help relieve some stress off of the county’s budget.

In addition to the state and federal offices on the ballot are three state constitutional amendments.

Amendment #1 will allow courts to hold an accused person without bail before trial for the most violent and heinous of crimes. Those crimes are listed on the ballot.

Amendment #2 will prevent the state from imposing a state tax on real, personal, or mixed property. Though not currently imposed, there is a law still on the books allowing the state to impose a state property tax. This amendment would remove that law.

Amendment #3 concerns victim’s rights. It clarifies and adds to the rights of victims of crime concerning their cases, and gives more voice to victims concerning their cases.

This election is important in voters determining what we wish our government to do in light of the issues presented. Hopefully, Moore County’s voters will show up and speak their minds.