New research suggests Arkansas may be home to up to 19 million tons of lithium reserves, potentially giving the U.S. the chance to lead in the EV industry.

Arkansas is sitting atop lithium reserves that could be vast enough to satisfy the entire world’s demand for EV batteries, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Federal and state researchers said there might be five million to 19 million tons of lithium, more than enough to meet the world’s demand for the battery ingredient.

Voter turnout was heavy and steady Monday as more than 18,000 people across Benton and Washington counties cast their ballots on the first day of early voting for the Nov. 5 general election. Election officials said voters were using all of the vote centers in both counties.

Early voting in Arkansas started Monday, and residents took their concerns about the economy, reproductive rights and immigration with them as they cast their ballots in national, state and local elections.

Tarrant, Denton and Collin counties each saw thousands more voters cast a ballot on the first day of early voting compared to 2020 and 2016. Dallas County saw a slight dip.