Voters are deciding whether Madison Co. should become wet. A special election today is determining whether beverages with more than 6.243 percent alcohol can be sold in the county.
Former Madison Chamber of Commerce executive director Ted Ensminger says, he and his group, MadisonYES!, campaigned to get alcohol sales on the ballot as an economic growth catalyst.
“We’ve had one major resort within the last couple of years," he says. "And we see some hospitality development opportunities at the Interstate 10. We have four interchanges there.”
The county already allows the sale of beer below the alcohol-content threshold. Michael Halley, of the Concerned Citizens of Madison County, says he thinks, more alcohol sales would lead to more impaired drivers.
“I’m happy that we live in a country where we are free to get out and express our opinion at the poll," he says. "I thank God for that. If [voters] haven’t voted, give it some prayerful thought. Think about our young people.”
With polls closing at 7 p.m., both men say they’re confident their side will prevail.