PAWNEE COUNTY — With the start of advance voting beginning next Wednesday and the fact that most candidate races were decided at the close of the August Republican primary election, Pawnee County voters may wish to speed through their choices for the general election leading up to Election Day on Nov. 5.

But before turning in their ballots, Pawnee County voters are advised to slow down, and check the back.

Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett noted that last February, the Board of County Commissioners of Pawnee County determined that voters should be given a choice as to the appropriate restriction to the sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption by the individual drink in the county. Currently, all licensed drinking establishments in the county that offer alcoholic liquor for consumption by the individual drink are required to derive at least 30% of their gross receipts from the sales of food.

The special question on the back of all general election ballots in the county reads: “Shall the following be adopted? Shall sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink in Pawnee County be allowed in public places without a requirement that any portion of their gross receipts be from sales of food?”

McNett said that a “Yes” vote would eliminate the 30% food requirement. A “No” vote would keep the restriction in place.

If passed the new liquor by the drink rule in the county would become effective Jan. 1, 2025.

As a reminder, the deadline to register to vote or update the voter registration information required to participate in the 2024 general election is Tuesday, Oct. 15. First day of advance voting is Tuesday, Oct. 16. Advance ballots by mail are transmitted and in-person advance voting may begin. Tuesday, Oct. 29 is the last day to apply for an advance voting mail ballot.