The polls are finally open in Murray and Marshall County, Kentucky, as the two communities finally get their say on the controversial alcohol sales issue.
 
This is especially true in Marshall County, which is currently a dry county.  The issue has come a long way in a short amount of time.

On February 24th the group called Marshall First declared its intention to bring alcohol sales to the county.
     
Five days later they circulated a petition to get the issue on the ballot.

The following week, opponents launched an aggressive campaign called "Say No Now."

But it didn't stop the issue from being on the ballot, as Marshall First's petition was certified April 17th, and in the nearly five months leading up to this vote, almost everyone has picked a side.

It's a debate that has pulled the people of Marshall County in two different directions.  Stay dry, or allow alcohol sales.

"There will be a lot of controversy per that I'm sure," said Marshall County resident Patti McClove back in February.

And controversy there was.  The Marshall County Chamber even held an open forum in April, where both sides attempted to make their case.

"Where our county can receive the tax monies off this sale to create jobs and help attract more business and developments here for our people and our county," said Sissy Womack of Marshall First, who is in favor of alcohol sales.

"The question we have to answer is what are we willing to pay for economic development," said Brother Chris Moore of Say No Now, a group against alcohol sales.  "What dollar figure are we willing to put on a life.  What dollar figure are we willing to put on a broken home?"

As voters weighed each side, emotions started to get the best of people.  There were reports of stolen and vandalized signs, even threats.

"It's been ugly, I been told to leave town, pack my bags, keep my mouth shut," Womack added.

"There's so many other things out there that's more important than being able to buy a beer in Marshall County," argued Mylon Smith, who actually had his sign vandalized back in June.

Of importance now, is the number of people who make it out to the polls.  With record turnout expected, leaders are asking people to put their differences aside when heading to the polls.
     
"Right now our focus is on everyone being civil," said Kathy Wood, of Marshall First.  "We're encouraging both sides please refrain from saying anything negative to any of our community."

Down the road in Murray, the vote is slightly different.  Liquor by the drink sales are already legal within the city limit, so a yes vote will just expand those sales, and allow stores to sell packaged liquor.

The group, Grow Murray, started their petition earlier this year as well to get legalized packaged alcohol sales on the ballot, and eventually on the shelves of stores.

Meanwhile, the group, Keep It Out of Murray, is not only opposed to packaged liquor sales, but want to do away with liquor by the drink.
     
Even if today's vote fails in Murray, it won't affect liquor by the drink sales.

In both Murray and Marshall County, the polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  If you're not sure where to vote, you can call your county clerk, or head to wpsdlocal6.com and click on Find It at the top of the page.