Early and absentee voting began Wednesday, Oct. 15, for a special election ahead of November 4, where voters in ten counties will decide on various issues.

One issue that has been watched closely is a proposal in Greene County that places a 3% tax on visitors staying in hotels or motels, which would be used to finance the construction of a new convention center in Springfield. The Springfield City Council has already approved the measure, and it is now up to voters to make the final decision at the ballot box.

"The new convention center could bring more visitors and money into the city," said Amanda Ohlensehlen, Economic Vitality Director for the City of Springfield. "It would help attract major events, new sporting activities, and support local programs and initiatives."

The increase t

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