Jackson County voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum Tuesday allowing qualifying retail food stores to sell wine.
Unofficial results from the Jackson County Election Commission show the measure passed with nearly 78 percent support. Of the 195 votes cast on the question, 152 supported the change while just 43 opposed it.
The referendum received strong support both during early voting and on Election Day. Early voters favored the measure 89 to 25, while Election Day voters approved it by a margin of 61 to 16. Absentee ballots split evenly, with two votes on each side.
The approval clears the way for qualifying retail food stores within the jurisdiction covered by the referendum to seek authorization to sell wine. Businesses must still meet state licensing requirements before beginning sales.
The referendum appeared on a general election ballot that drew 3,489 voters across Jackson County. Overall turnout reached 39.35 percent, with all 13 precincts reporting.
The results remain unofficial pending certification by the Jackson County Election Commission.