Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – It’s time to make your voice heard and cast your vote at the ballot.
Early voting in Craighead County began Monday, Oct. 19 goes until Monday, Nov. 2. Election Day follows on Tuesday, Nov. 3
With several issues and candidates on this year’s ballot, it can be overwhelming making the choices you feel are right. That’s why JRN has created a comprehensive guide that what you need to know before casting your vote.
Use the following links to quickly go to the topics you need to know:
| ADD US ON GOOGLE NEWS: Click here to see more local news from Jonesboro Right Now
Voter Checklist
Before heading to the polls, review this quick checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly at the polling center:
- Voter Registration: The deadline for registration was Oct. 5. Before heading to the polls, use the Arkansas Voter View Portal to confirm your registration status is active and address is up to date.
- Photo Identification: Arkansas law requires a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID) to cast a ballot
- Study Your Sample Ballot: Review the measures detailed below ahead of time so you can mark your ballot efficiently.
- Early Voting: During this period, you can cast your ballot Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (early closure per state law) at one of two locations in Craighead County:
- Craighead County Election Annex: 315 W. Jefferson Ave., Jonesboro
- Lake City Courthouse/Eastern Annex: 113 Cobean Blvd., Lake City
- Election Day: You can cast your ballot on Nov. 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at one of the following locations:
- Parker Park Community Center: 1506 N. Church St., Jonesboro
- Earl Bell Community Center: 1212 S. Church St., Jonesboro
- Valley View Church of Christ: 4500 Southwest Drive, Jonesboro
- Allen Park Community Center: 3609 Race St., Jonesboro
- Walnut Street Baptist Church: 1910 Scenic Road, Jonesboro
- First National Bank Arena: 217 Olympic Drive, Jonesboro
- Forest Home Church of the Nazarene: 2403 Ritter Drive, Jonesboro
- Bono Church of Christ: 101 Craftsbury, Bono
- Lake City Courthouse/Eastern Annex: 113 Cobean Blvd., Lake City
- Wood’s Chapel Baptist Church: 175 Highway 230 E., Brookland
- Bay United Methodist Church: 300 Central Ave., Bay
- Cash City Hall: 4391 Highway 18, Cash
- Caraway City Hall: 102 E. State St., Caraway
- Monette Legion Hut: 209 E. Drew St., Monette
For those needing a ride in Jonesboro during the early voting period, GOJO will be offering free rides throughout the period.
| READ MORE: Click here for the latest stories regarding issues and candidates on the ballot
The Local Issues
On the ballot, there are several issues of note ranging from local to community-wide that residents will have to vote on.
Jonesboro: The 5/8-Cent Public Safety Tax
This measure asks voters within the city limits of Jonesboro to approve a dedicated 5/8-cent (0.625%) local sales and use tax. Revenue generated from this tax is designated exclusively for public safety operations, modernizing equipment, expanding personnel, and updating emergency response infrastructure.
What Your Vote Means
| Vote Choice | Impact & Meaning |
|---|---|
| FOR | Enacts a 0.625% local sales tax dedicated to funding the police and fire departments, emergency communications, and related public safety facilities in Jonesboro. |
| AGAINST | Keeps the current local sales tax rate unchanged. Funding for public safety will continue to rely primarily on existing municipal revenue streams. |
Previous Coverage
- 10-9-26: Proposed Public Safety Sales Tax in Jonesboro Debated on KLEK 102.5
- 10-2-26: Town Hall in Jonesboro Discusses Public Safety Tax, Office Consolidation Ballot Issues
- 9-2-26: Jonesboro City Council Approves Ordinances Placing Proposed Public Safety Tax on the Ballot
- 8-27-26: Public Safety Sales Tax to Appear on November Ballot After Receiving Enough Signatures
- 7-8-26: Petition Seeking Sales Tax Vote Filed with County Clerk
Brookland: Municipal Bond Restructuring
Voters within the City of Brookland will consider a measure to restructure existing municipal bond debt. The proposal extends the term of current revenue bonds to fund necessary capital improvements—including water and sewer line expansions and street upgrades—without raising the current millage rate or municipal tax rates.
What Your Vote Means
| Vote Choice | Impact & Meaning |
|---|---|
| FOR | Authorizes the city to re-refinance existing municipal bond debt to secure capital project funding without increasing current tax rates. |
| AGAINST | Rejects the bond restructuring. Existing bonds will mature on their current schedule, and proposed municipal infrastructure projects will require alternative financing. |
Previous Coverage
Craighead County: Collector and Treasurer Office Consolidation
This countywide initiative proposes combining the currently separate offices of the Craighead County Collector and the Craighead County Treasurer into a single, unified Office of the County Treasurer-Collector.
What Your Vote Means
| Vote Choice | Impact & Meaning |
|---|---|
| FOR | Merges the offices of Collector and Treasurer into one combined elected office, effective at the end of the current term limits. |
| AGAINST | Maintains two distinct, independently elected county officials to oversee tax collection and financial treasury functions separately. |
The University of Arkansas’s Public Policy Center has created a fact sheet on this issue, click here to read it or click below to expand the sheet.
Expand for office consolidation fact sheet
Previous Coverage
- 10-2-26: Town Hall in Jonesboro Discusses Public Safety Tax, Office Consolidation Ballot Issues
- 02-10-26: Craighead County Quorum Court approves ordinances regarding potential office consolidation
- 12-10-25: Craighead County committee advances ordinance calling for election to combine treasurer, collector offices
| READ MORE: Click here for the latest stories regarding issues and candidates on the ballot
The Statewide Issues
Residents will have to decide on four statewide issues this election:
Issue No. 1: “The Citizens Only Voting Amendment”
This measure proposes amending Article 3 of the Arkansas Constitution to explicitly state that only a citizen of the United States who meets the qualifications of an elector may vote in an election in the state. It specifies that a person who does not meet these qualifications shall not be permitted to vote in any state or local election.
| Vote Choice | Impact & Meaning |
|---|---|
| FOR | You support amending the state constitution to explicitly restrict voting in state and local elections exclusively to U.S. citizens. |
| AGAINST | You oppose the amendment, maintaining the current constitutional language regarding voter qualifications. |
The University of Arkansas’s Public Policy Center has created a fact sheet on this issue, click here to read it or click below to expand the sheet.
Expand for Issue No. 1 fact sheet
Issue No. 2: The Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment
This measure would amend Article 2, Section 5 of the Arkansas Constitution to declare that the right to keep and bear arms is a natural, fundamental, and individual right that shall not be infringed.
The amendment specifies that this right includes the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components for common defense, lawful hunting, recreational use, and other lawful purposes.
| Vote Choice | Impact & Meaning |
|---|---|
| FOR | You support adding language to the state constitution that establishes the right to keep and bear arms as a fundamental right that cannot be infringed. |
| AGAINST | You oppose the amendment, leaving the state’s current constitutional language regarding firearms unchanged. |
The University of Arkansas’s Public Policy Center has created a fact sheet on this issue, click here to read it or click below to expand the sheet.
Expand for Issue No. 2 fact sheet
Issue No. 3: Economic Development Districts Amendment
This measure would amend the state constitution to authorize the General Assembly to create economic development districts within cities, counties, or cooperative areas. It would allow the legislature to enact programs that use public funds for loans and grants to support economic development projects within those districts.
| Vote Choice | Impact & Meaning |
|---|---|
| FOR | You support allowing the state legislature to establish economic development districts and authorize the use of public funds for economic development loans and grants. |
| AGAINST | You reject the proposed constitutional changes, meaning the existing constitutional framework regarding economic development powers would remain in place. |
The University of Arkansas’s Public Policy Center has created a fact sheet on this issue, click here to read it or click below to expand the sheet.
Expand for Issue No. 3 fact sheet
Issue No. 4: Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities Financing Act of 2025
This measure asks voters to authorize the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to issue up to $500 million in general obligation bonds. The bonds would finance the development of water-related infrastructure projects, including water treatment, waste disposal, pollution abatement, drainage, irrigation, and flood control.
| Vote Choice | Impact & Meaning |
|---|---|
| FOR | You approve the issuance of up to $500 million in state bonds to fund water and pollution abatement infrastructure projects. |
| AGAINST | You oppose the issuance of state bonds for these infrastructure projects. |
The University of Arkansas’s Public Policy Center has created a fact sheet on this issue, click here to read it or click below to expand the sheet.
Expand for Issue No. 4 fact sheet
| READ MORE: Click here for the latest stories regarding issues and candidates on the ballot
The Candidates
Several candidates are on the ballot, with some candidates running unopposed in this election. Candidates will vary based on the resident’s location. If available, a link has been provided to each candidate’s official campaign website or social media page.
Federal Offices
- U.S. Senate
- Tom Cotton (Republican)
- Hallie Shoffner (Democratic)
- Jeff Wadlin (Libertarian)
- U.S. Congress – District 01
- Rick Crawford (Republican)
- Terri Yarbrough Green (Democratic)
- Steve G. Parsons (Libertarian)
Statewide Constitutional Offices
- Governor
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Republican)
- Fred Love (Democratic)
- Colt Shelby (Libertarian)
- Lieutenant Governor
- Leslie Rutledge (Republican)
- Michael Kalagias (Libertarian)
- Secretary of State
- Kim Hammer (Republican)
- Kelly Grappe (Democratic)
- Michael Pakko (Libertarian)
- Attorney General
- Tim Griffin (Republican) (Unopposed)
- State Treasurer
- John Thurston (Republican) (Unopposed)
- Auditor of State
- Dennis Milligan (Republican) (Unopposed)
- Commissioner of State Lands
- Cole Jester (Republican)
- Christopher Olson (Libertarian)
State Legislature and Judicial Races
- State Representative – District 32
- Jack Ladyman (Republican)
- Erika Askeland (Democrat)
- State Representative – District 36
- Johnny Rye (Republican)
- Shamal Carter (Democrat)
- State Representative – District 38
- Dwight Tosh (Republican) (Unopposed)
- Circuit Judge – District 02, Division 04, At Large (Nonpartisan Runoff)
Craighead County Offices
- County Judge
- Marvin Day (Republican) (Unopposed)
- County Sheriff
- Jason Allen (Republican) (Unopposed)
- County Clerk
- Mary Dawn Marshall (Republican) (Unopposed)
- Circuit Clerk
- David Vaughn (Republican) (Unopposed)
- County Collector
- Stephanie Hoffman (Republican) (Unopposed)
- County Assessor
- Hannah Towell (Republican) (Unopposed)
- County Treasurer
- Terry McNatt (Republican) (Unopposed)
- County Coroner
- Toby Emerson (Republican) (Unopposed)
- Eastern District Deputy Clerk
- Lesia Couch (Republican) (Unopposed)
- Eastern District Deputy Sheriff
- Christopher Kelems (Republican) (Unopposed)
Justice of the Peace (Quorum Court) Races
- District 1
- Brad Noel (Republican)
- Jolene Mullet (Democratic)
- District 2
- Garrett Barnes (Democratic) (Unopposed)
- District 3
- Barry Forrest (Republican, Incumbent)
- Blake Walker (Democratic)
- District 4
- Linda Allison (Republican) (Unopposed)
- District 5
- Rick Myers (Republican)
- Roseann Askeland (Democratic)
- District 6
- Darrell Cook (Republican)
- Ross Kerley (Democrat)
- District 7
- Richard Rogers (Republican) (Unopposed)
- District 8
- David Tennison (Republican)
- Jarrod Allen Stroud (Democratic)
- District 9
- Doug Formon (Republican)
- Matt Redman (Democratic)
- District 10
- Steve Cline (Republican)
- Aaron Meadows (Democratic)
- District 11
- Dan Pasmore (Republican) (Unopposed)
- District 12
- Terry Couch (Republican) (Unopposed)
- District 13
- Kevin Williams (Republican) (Unopposed)
Constable Races
- District 1
- Roger Watkins (Republican) (Unopposed)
- District 3
- Danny Williford (Republican) (Unopposed)
- District 4
- Aaron Chadwick (Republican) (Unopposed)
- District 5
- Scott Davis (Republican) (Unopposed)
- District 6
- Jeff McGinnis (Republican)
- David Chadwick (Democratic)
- District 7
- Chris Ayers (Republican) (Unopposed)
Municipal Races (City & Town Offices)
Bay
- Mayor
- Paul Keith (Unopposed)
- City Clerk/Treasurer
- Paula Martin (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 2, Pos. 2
- Garrett Combs (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 3, Pos. 2
- Zachary Worley (Unopposed)
Black Oak
- Mayor
- Henry E. “Eddie” Dunnigan (Unopposed)
- Treasurer
- Thomas Ed Dunigan (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 1
- Clayton Douglas (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 2
- Tony A. Hickman (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 3
- Troy Douglas (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 4
- Brett Hickman (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 5
- Kenneth Lee Vaughn (Unopposed)
Bono
- Mayor
- Danny Shaw (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 1, Pos 1
- Darrell Parks II (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 1, Pos. 2
- Rick Walters (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 2, Pos. 1
- Hunter Phillips
- Kenneth Pillow
- Alderman Ward 2, Pos. 2
- Abby Vaughn (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 3, Pos. 1
- Floyd Layne (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 3, Pos. 2
- LM Duncan (Unopposed)
Brookland
- Mayor
- Kenneth Jones (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 1, Pos. 2
- Jason Cooper (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 2, Pos. 2
- Pamela McGee (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 3, Pos. 2
- William David Gambill (Unopposed)
Caraway
- Mayor
- Joe “Bo” James (Unopposed)
Cash
- Mayor
- Michael Cureton
- Colton W. Scott
- Treasurer
- Terri Cureton (Unopposed)
- Alderman Pos. 1
- Bradley Ledgerwood (Unopposed)
- Alderman Pos. 2
- Barbara Dunivan (Unopposed)
- Alderman Pos. 4
- Tabatha Pettit (Unopposed)
- Alderman Pos. 5
- Brandon Walker (Unopposed)
Egypt
- Mayor
- James Barron Upton (Unopposed)
- Recorder/Treasurer
- Linda Annette Upton (Unopposed)
- Alderman Pos. 2
- Gary Barr (Unopposed)
- Alderman Pos. 3
- Velva Joy Lingo (Unopposed)
- Alderman Pos. 4
- Lila Simmons (Unopposed)
- Alderman Pos. 5
- Della Annette Hufstedler (Unopposed)
Jonesboro
- City Attorney
- Carol M. Duncan (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 1, Pos. 1
- Janice Porter (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 2, Pos. 1
- Dr. Charles Coleman (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 4, Pos. 1
- John Street (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 5, Pos. 1
- Alderman Ward 6, Pos. 1
- Dr. Anthony Coleman (Unopposed)
Lake City
- Mayor
- Daniel Haynes
- Jackie Davis, Jr.
- Cameron Tate
- City Clerk/Treasurer
- Lisa Maynard Sitz (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 1, Pos. 2
- Teddy Qualls
- Brenda Hutcheson
- Alderman Ward 2, Pos 2.
- Jake Emery (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 3, Pos. 2
- Blake Davis
- Chad Eric Moody
Monette
- Mayor
- Bob Blankenship (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 1, Pos. 1
- Gary Qualls (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 1, Pos. 2
- Kristian Nuckles (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 2, Pos. 1
- Aaron Uthoff (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 2, Pos. 2
- Brandon Decker (Unopposed)
- Alderman Ward 3, Pos. 1
- Mark Rolland (Unopposed)
Previous Coverage
- 10-16-26: Crawford, Green, and Parsons Spar Over Middle East Conflict, Tariffs, and Rural Crises in District 1 Debate
- 10-14-26: Arkansas Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over Healthcare, Education, and State Spending in Live Debate
- 10-9-26: Green and Parsons Discuss Economy, Privacy in District 1 Debate on ASU-TV
- 10-2-26: Democrat Shamal Carter Takes Solo Stage in Arkansas District 36 Debate on ASU-TV
- 8-3-26: Candidates Continue Filing for Craighead County Municipal Races
- 6-30-26: Arkansas Gubernatorial Debate Sans Sanders Focuses on Healthcare, Education
- 1-15-26: Division 4 circuit judge candidates participate in Kiwanis Club debate
- 8-25-25: Doug Formon seeks position on Quorum Court
| READ MORE: Click here for the latest stories regarding issues and candidates on the ballot
Official Voter Resources
If you have specific questions regarding your personal voting status, registration, or where to cast your ballot, there are some resources available:
- Use the Arkansas Voter View Portal to verify your registration status, view your personalized sample ballot, and find your specific polling center.
- For official local election updates, district information, or details regarding absentee voting, visit the Craighead County Elections portal.
- If you need direct assistance with absentee ballots or registration issues, you can contact the Craighead County Clerk’s office directly at 870-933-4520.
| DAILY BRIEF: Sign up for the Jonesboro Right Now Daily Brief Newsletter
