Limestone County voters will go to the polls next week to help decide the fate of two statewide amendments. A very low turnout is expected.

“I don’t see much of a turnout at all,” said Limestone County Probate Judge Mike Davis. “We’ve only received one or two absentee ballots and that is a pretty good indication the turnout will be very low.”

The two proposed amendments to the Alabama Constitution on June 5 deal with a bond issue that would increase the debt of the state by approximately $400 million.

If approved by voters, the amendments would be used to help lure industry to the state.

Amendment 1 would increase the total amount of bonding authority granted under the Constitution of 1901; provide for competitive bidding on the bonds; and require the Bond Commission to contract with businesses or individuals which reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the state.

Amendment 2 would require the assets, proceeds and income of the Alabama Retired State Employees’ Health Care Trust and the Alabama Retired Education Employees’ Health Care Trust to be used exclusively for the purpose of providing health-care benefits to retired state and and education employees.

The special election will be paid for by the state, Davis said. In Limestone County alone, the election is expected to cost approximately $50,000, election officials said.

The polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.