Only seven people have voted early in Washington’s special election regarding a hotel motel tax.

On Thursday, elections administrator Sue Meeks said few people have voted early so far. The proposal is for a 7% tax on sleeping rooms. If passed by a simple majority, the tax will be applied to rooms that are rented in Washington at hotels, motels, and other overnight lodging facilities.

Debbie Stanton is part of the committee advocating for the referendum to pass and says she supports it, “The thing that I really dislike hearing is when people talk about how Washington is a great, little secret jewel in the state. And it’s really sweet when they say that, but to me, it always breaks my heart a little bit because I don’t want it to be a secret. We all love Washington. So we want other people to know how great it is. And we have so many wonderful restaurants and retail establishments tourists can come and visit. I’m just really excited to share more of our story with the state and the region.” As of July 1, 2015, 17 counties and 151 cities in Iowa had locally imposed hotel and motel taxes.

Polls will be open in Washington on August 1st. Early voting is available in person at the Washington County Auditor’s office or by mail.