Early voting starts for St. George elections

Early voting for the St. George elections began on March 15 and will continue until March 22. Key issues include a proposed Home Rule Charter that would establish a council-manager government and a mayoral race between Interim Mayor Dustin Yates and challenger Jim Morgan. The Home Rule Charter, drafted after a Supreme Court ruling, would give voters control over tax increases and allow residents to add items to the council agenda. Opponents argue it should have been shaped by the first elected council instead of appointed leaders. The mayoral race has become contentious, with Yates emphasizing his public service experience and Morgan positioning himself as an outsider. Both candidates have faced scrutiny over their campaign strategies and the salaries set for city officials, which some residents deem excessive.