Voters in Benton and Washington counties are joining residents across the state in casting ballots today in the preferential primaries, nonpartisan judical races, and several local issues.

Two NWACC Board of Trustees races were decided by voters from the Bentonville and Rogers school districts. Zone 1’s Ashley Pointer turned back a challenge from Angela Calix, and in Zone 5, incumbent Ron Branscum defeated challenger Peter Bailey.

In Benton County, Austin McCollum defeated Carrie Perrien Smith in his bid for the GOP nomination for Benton County Judge.

In Washington County, incumbent Patrick Deakins will face challenger Tim Shepard in a March 31 runoff for the GOP nomination for Washington County Judge.

In Fayetteville, voters approved all nine bond items, continuing a one-cent sales that will allow refinancing existing bonds and proceeding with eight projects ranging from infrastructure improvements to an aquatics center. The latter had the narrowest margin of passage. The measure passed with 50.71 percent of the 14,876 total votes cast. The other bond measures passed by at least 75%.

Voter turnout in Washington and Benton counties was below 25 percent. Washington County voter turnout in this year’s primaries and general election nonpartisan contests totaled 23.58%, according to unofficial numbers. Benton County voter turnout for Tuesday’s preferential primaries and non-partisan judicial contests totaled just 16.43%, according to Benton County’s unofficial numbers. The Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office had projected turnout statewide at 20 to 25%.