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CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. – More than 1,400 Chatham County residents have already entered the doors at the Pittsboro Board of Elections office to take part in early voting on a county-wide referendum on mixed beverage sales.

And that issue has caused a lot of controversy. If passed, it would allow Steve Cote, co-owner of the City Tap, and others to sell more than just beer and wine; he would be able to sell mixed drinks.

“It probably will boost sales a little bit,” Cote said. “More importantly, the idea of more restaurants coming to town will help my business because this would be a spot.”

New businesses means additional tax revenues and job growth. But not everyone is on board, including retired minister Jim Wall.

“I have to vote no from a moral perspective,” he said. “I've seen too many families that have broken up because of alcohol.”

Wall is not alone. Others are afraid that if the referendum is passed, big chains could run small restaurants out of business.

But Heather Johnson, a Pittsboro resident, has another concern. She wants to know why county commissioners are spending thousands on a special election.

“It's irresponsible to spend $40,000 right now when it's a very difficult economic time for our county and everyone,” Johnson said. “They could've waited another year.”

Pittsboro Mayor Randolph Voller said the special election is costing $37,000, but the payoff will be worth it. Voller said it would be “ludicrous” to make local businesses wait another year to have the election when they could enhance their business sooner.

Chatham County residents only have a few more days to find out which side of the issue will support. Early voting ends May 2nd.

Residents can vote from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pittsboro Board of Elections office on 984 Thompson St.

Election Day is Tuesday, May 5, and you can vote from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Residents can vote at the same place they did in November.