Early voting is now available for the special election regarding a hotel motel tax in the city of Washington.

If passed, it means a tax would be collected by the local hotels and lodges by those who rent rooms when visiting Washington, not a general tax on local residents. Election Day is August 1st, but absentee ballots are now available. Residents of the City of Washington may vote early in person at the auditor’s office in the courthouse, or you may request a ballot be mailed to you.

Local realtor Charla Howard says she supports the measure because the money will be used to promote Washington and improve the local community, “It’s important that everyone understands this revenue and tax, whatever you want to call it even though we’re not being taxed here in the city, it’s really important for people to understand that it’s going to improve where they live and increase that quality of life that we all desire to have.” The committee states the measure is supported by the local hotels and lodging entities in town.

A simple majority is needed for the referendum to pass. Absentee ballot requests must be turned in no later than 5 p.m. July 28th. Polls will be open August 1st.