CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Winona Wet/Dry Election To Take Place Today

Winona Wet/Dry Election To Take Place Today

By Hayley Wielgus

Winona residents will head to the polls again on Tuesday to vote on a proposition that would allow the sale of alcohol within the city limits.

On May 9, the proposition failed but was ruled invalid because of illegal voting. Now the proposition is getting a second chance.  

Alcohol is an issue that has divided the quaint East Texas town of Winona.

"It's a small town but times change and a town can change, too," Winona resident Chris Mason said.

Mason grew up in Winona and recently moved back.  He's for the proposition that would allow beer, wine and liquor to be sold in the city.

"If we allow alcohol sales, we can generate revenue and attract bigger businesses to come," Mason said.

"To me I say at what price," said Tony Watson of the Keep Winona Dry Committee.  "At what price are we willing to sell ourselves out to try to make a few bucks."

Watson said bringing alcohol into the city would change the family-friendly climate and he's confident enough voters feel the same way.

"I've got a lot of encouragement, support in the community," Watson said. "I really feel strongly the no side is going to win again."

Brenda Brown plans to vote against the proposition. But she said a true consensus can only be reached if voters head to the polls.

"The beauty of our democratic system is everyone has a voice and we just encourage everyone, whether it's a yes or no," Brown said.

Mason predicts this time, the yeses will prevail.

"I think the people that want alcohol in the town for whatever reason, for the revenue or for the availability, I think they're going to outshine," Mason said. "There's too many people that want to change for the better."

Only current Winona residents are eligible to vote in this election.

And those ballots can only be cast at the Winona Independent School District administration building.

For information about other items on the Nov. 3 ballot:

http://www.smith-county.com/Government/Departments/Elections/ElectionInfo.aspx

*Sample ballots are available with exact wording of items.