RUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
A “Plain English” Handbook for Candidates

Published by theState Board of Election Commissioners
501 Woodlane, Suite 401N
Little Rock, AR 72201

in conjunction with the
Office of the Secretary of Stateand theArkansas Ethics Commission(2020 Edition)

STATE BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERSSecretary of StateJohn Thurston
Chairman

Rhonda Cole
Bilenda Harris-Ritter
William LutherCharles Roberts
James Sharp
J. Harmon Smith
Commissioners

501 Woodlane, Suite 401N
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201(501) 682-1834 or (800) 411-6996

Daniel Shults
Director

Chris Madison
Legal Counsel

Jon Davidson
Educational Services Manager

Tena Arnold

Business Operations Manager

Dear Candidate;
Per Arkansas Code Annotated §7-4-101, the State Board of Election Commissioners publishes
a candidate handbook outlining, in a readable and understandable format, the legal obligationsof a candidate and other suggestions to help candidates comply with election laws. The State
Board of Election Commissioners, with the assistance of the Secretary of State’s office and the
Arkansas Ethics Commission, has developed this handbook for candidates running for public
office that explains the necessary qualifications for holding public office, identifies filingprocedures for candidates, and outlines campaign finance and disclosure reporting requirements
under Arkansas law. This handbook is available upon request to all candidates running for public
office.
Please note, this handbook is a guide and not a substitute for state law. You are encouraged
to consult the Arkansas Ethics Commission for questions regarding campaign finance anddisclosure reporting requirements, deadlines, and penalties; ballot question committees; county
political party committees; exploratory committees; independent expenditure committees;legislative caucus committees; legislative question committees; political action committees(PACs); disclosure of financial information by public officials and candidates; political
patronage; use of public labor or facilities for campaign purposes by a public servant; coercionof public employees for political purposes; campaign signs on government vehicles; anddisclaimers on paid political ads. For questions regarding candidate filing procedures;
candidate petition requirements; confirmation of specific dates; and blank forms andinstructions, please contact the Secretary of State’s office.
The State Board of Election Commissioners is pleased to offer you this 2020 edition of theRunning for Public Office Handbook. We also encourage you to visit our website atwww.arkansas.gov/sbec for additional information. Please feel free to contact our office if we
can assist you in any way.
Sincerely,
Daniel Shults
Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2020 ELECTION DATES ............................................................................................... 1
STATE CONTACTS ....................................................................................................... 3
GLOSSARY OF TERMS ................................................................................................ 5
TERMS & QUALIFICATIONS
Federal Offices ........................................................................................................ 10
U.S. Senate ........................................................................................................... 10
U.S. House of Representatives .............................................................................. 10
State Offices ............................................................................................................ 10
Governor & Lieutenant Governor ........................................................................... 10
Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, Auditor of State,
Attorney General, & Commissioner of Lands .................................................. 11
District Offices – Arkansas General Assembly ..................................................... 11
State Senate .......................................................................................................... 11
State House of Representatives ............................................................................ 11
Judicial Offices ........................................................................................................ 12
Appellate Courts (Supreme Court, Court of Appeals) ............................................ 12
Circuit Court ........................................................................................................... 12
District Court .......................................................................................................... 13
Prosecuting Attorney .............................................................................................. 13
County & Township Offices ................................................................................... 14
County & Township Offices (except County Judge) ............................................... 14
County Judge ........................................................................................................ 14
County Surveyor .................................................................................................... 14
Municipal Offices ..................................................................................................... 15
With Mayor – Council Form of Government ........................................................... 15
With City Manager Form of Government ............................................................... 15
With City Administrator Form of Government ........................................................ 15
School Board ........................................................................................................... 15
Municipal Office Tables .......................................................................................... 17
Mayor – Council Form of Government ................................................................... 17
City Manager Form of Government ....................................................................... 18
City Administrator Form of Government ................................................................. 18
FILING PROCEDURES FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONS
Multiple Nominations Prohibited ........................................................................... 19
Filing for Multiple Offices Prohibited...................................................................... 19
Political Party Candidates ...................................................................................... 19
Federal (including Presidential), State, & District Offices ....................................... 19County, Municipalities with Partisan Elections, & Township Offices ...................... 19Group Presidential Candidates .............................................................................. 20iIndependent Candidates ............................................................................................ 20
Presidential & Vice Presidential Offices .................................................................. 20
General Filing Procedures (Except Independent Candidates in
Partisan Municipal Elections) .......................................................................... 20
U.S. Senate or State Offices .................................................................................. 21
U.S. House or District Offices (State Senator, State Representative) ................... 21
County & Township Offices .................................................................................... 21
Municipal Offices ................................................................................................... 21
Mayor-Council Form of Government ............................................................... 21
Write-in Candidates ................................................................................................. 22Federal, State, & District Offices ............................................................................ 22
County & Township Offices .................................................................................... 22
New Political Party Information & Candidate Filing ............................................. 23
FILING PROCEDURES FOR NONPARTISAN ELECTIONSFiling for Multiple Offices Prohibited ..................................................................... 25
Nonpartisan Judicial Offices & Prosecuting Attorneys ....................................... 25
Candidates Paying Filing Fees .............................................................................. 25
Filing Fee Schedule ................................................................................................ 25
Candidates Filing by Petition .................................................................................. 26
Write-in Candidates ............................................................................................... 26
School Board ........................................................................................................... 27
Candidates Filing by Petition ................................................................................. 27
Write-in Candidates ............................................................................................... 28
Municipal Offices ..................................................................................................... 28
Mayor – Council Form of Government ................................................................... 28
City Manager Form of Government ....................................................................... 29
City Administrator Form of Government ................................................................ 29
FILING PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCIES
Candidate Withdrawal ............................................................................................. 31
Notice of Withdrawal .............................................................................................. 31
Withdrawal Before the Certification Deadline/Not Placed on Ballot ....................... 31
Withdrawal After the Certification Deadline/Votes Counted ................................... 31
Vacancy in Nomination .......................................................................................... 31
Vacancy in Election ............................................................................................... 32
Annual School Election .......................................................................................... 32
Municipal Runoff Election ...................................................................................... 32
2020 OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION
Federal Offices ........................................................................................................ 33
U.S. President & Vice President ............................................................................ 33
U.S. Senate Districts ............................................................................................... 33
U.S. House Districts ............................................................................................... 33ii

State Offices ............................................................................................................... 34
State Legislative Offices ............................................................................................ 34
State Senate Districts ....................................................................................... 34
State House Districts ........................................................................................ 35
Nonpartisan Judicial Offices ..................................................................................... 39
Court Positions ......................................................................................................... 39
Court of Appeals Positions ......................................................................................... 39
Court of Appeals Districts ................................................................................ 39
Circuit Court Positions ................................................................................................ 39
Circuit Court Districts ....................................................................................... 41
State District Court Positions ...................................................................................... 42
State District Court Districts ............................................................................. 42
Local District Court Positions ..................................................................................... 44
Local District Court Districts ............................................................................ 44
POLITICAL PRACTICES PLEDGE ............................................................................. 45
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .......................................................................... 47
Electioneering at Polls ............................................................................................. 47
Campaign Signs & Ads ............................................................................................ 47
Poll Watchers ........................................................................................................... 48
Presence at Polls ...................................................................................................... 48
Assisting Voters ....................................................................................................... 49
Candidate’s Name on Ballot .................................................................................... 49
Election Official Conflicts ........................................................................................ 49
Recounts ................................................................................................................... 50
Candidate Eligibility ................................................................................................. 50
SAMPLE FORMS & INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................... 51
Poll Watcher Authorization Form ........................................................................... 53
Affidavit of Eligibility ............................................................................................... 55
Notice of Candidacy for Independent and Write-In Candidates .......................... 57
Notice to Write-in Candidates ................................................................................ 59
Statement of Candidacy for Director or Mayor forCity Administrator Form of Government .................................................... 61
Independent Candidate Petition Affidavit ............................................................. 63
Petitions
Independent Candidate Petition
President and Vice President ………………………………………………………65
Federal/State/District Office ................................................................................... 67
County/Township/Justice of the Peace ............................................................ 69
Nonpartisan Candidate Petition
Prosecuting Attorney ....................................................................................... 71
Justice of the Supreme Court .......................................................................... 73
Court of Appeals .............................................................................................. 75

iii

Circuit Court Judge .......................................................................................... 77
District Court .................................................................................................... 79
Mayor-Council Form of Government Petition of Nomination
Municipal Candidates Except Council Member ............................................... 81
Council Member Candidates Elected by Ward ................................................ 83
Council Member Candidates Elected at Large ................................................ 85
City Administrator Form of Government Petition of Nomination
Director ............................................................................................................ 87
Mayor .............................................................................................................. 89
City Manager Form of Government Petition of Nomination
Director ............................................................................................................ 91
Mayor .............................................................................................................. 93
School Board Candidate Petition
By Zone ........................................................................................................... 95
At Large ........................................................................................................... 97
ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION REPORTING CALENDARSState or District Candidates ................................................................................... 99
Nonpartisan Offices –Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of the
Court of Appeals, Circuit Judge, & Prosecuting Attorney ....................... 103
County Candidates ................................................................................................ 107
Municipal Candidates – Party Primary ................................................................ 109
Municipal Offices
with Mayor/Council Form of Government ................................................. 111
with City Administrator Form of Government ........................................... 113
with City Manager Form of Government .................................................... 115
Annual School Election –March / May ................................................................. 117
Annual School Election – November ................................................................... 119
CAMPAIGN FINANCE & DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS ..................................... 121
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE REPORTState and District Candidates ............................................................................... 123
Quarterly Report .................................................................................................. 123
Monthly Report .................................................................................................... 124
Pre-election Report .............................................................................................. 124
Final Report ......................................................................................................... 124
Report Content ..................................................................................................... 126
County, Municipal, Township, and School Board Candidates ........................... 127
Pre-election Report .............................................................................................. 127
Final Report ......................................................................................................... 128
Supplemental Report ........................................................................................... 128
Report Content .................................................................................................... 128

iv

CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURES ..................................................................... 131
Contributions Defined .......................................................................................... 131
Expenditures Defined ........................................................................................... 131
Loans, Allowable & Prohibited Uses
Of Campaign Funds & Other Facts ............................................................ 132
RETIREMENT OF DEBT ........................................................................................... 137
Retiring Campaign Debt ....................................................................................... 137
Surplus Campaign Funds ..................................................................................... 138
Nonpartisan Judicial Candidates .......................................................................... 138
Unopposed and Defeated Candidates .................................................................. 139
Carryover Funds .................................................................................................... 139
Reporting ............................................................................................................. 139
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL INTEREST ................................................................ 141
Who Must File ........................................................................................................ 141
When to File ........................................................................................................... 141
Where to File .......................................................................................................... 142
How to File ............................................................................................................. 142
What to File ............................................................................................................ 142
PENALTIESLate Filing and Failure to File ................................................................................ 145
Pre-election Contribution and Expenditure Reports .............................................. 145
All Other Contribution and Expenditure Reports ................................................... 145
Statement of Financial Interest ............................................................................. 146
False, Materially Misleading, or Incomplete Reporting ....................................... 146
Contribution and Expenditure Reports .................................................................. 146
Statement of Financial Interest ............................................................................. 146
Payment of Fines.................................................................................................... 146
EXPLORATORY COMMITTEES
Registration ............................................................................................................ 147
Contribution and Expenditure Report .................................................................. 147
POLITICAL COMMITTEESCounty Political Party Committee ......................................................................... 149
Registration........................................................................................................... 149
Quarterly Report ................................................................................................... 150
Reports Received via Facsimile ............................................................................ 151
Penalties for Registration and Reporting Violations .............................................. 151
Notice of Termination ............................................................................................ 151
Political Action Committee .................................................................................... 152
Registration........................................................................................................... 153
Amended Registration .......................................................................................... 154v

Quarterly Report ................................................................................................... 154
Penalties for Registration and Reporting Violations .............................................. 155
Notice of Termination ........................................................................................... 155
Legislative Caucus Committee ............................................................................... 155
Registration........................................................................................................... 156
Amended Registration .......................................................................................... 156
Quarterly Report ................................................................................................... 156
Penalties for Registration and Reporting Violations .............................................. 156
INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE COMMITTEES ...................................................... 157
Registration ............................................................................................................ 157
Amended Registration ........................................................................................... 157
Report for Committees, Individuals, and Other Entities ..................................... 157
Penalties for Registration and Reporting Violations........................................... 160
ARKANSAS STATUTES ........................................................................................... 161
Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-103 ...................................................................................... 162
Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-104 ...................................................................................... 166
Ark. Code Ann. §7-3-108 ...................................................................................... 169
Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-101 ...................................................................................... 169
Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-102 ...................................................................................... 169
Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-103 ...................................................................................... 171
Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-104 ...................................................................................... 171
Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-228 ...................................................................................... 172

vi

ELECTION DATES

2020 Election Dates
March 3, 2020

Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election

March 31, 2020

General Primary (Runoff) Election

August 11, 2020

City Administrator Form of Government Primary Election

March 3, 2020 or
November 3, 2020

Annual School Election*

March 31, 2020 or
December 1, 2020

School Runoff Election*

November 3, 2020

General Election and Nonpartisan General Runoff Election

December 1, 2020

General Runoff Election*Per Act 910 of 2017 the Annual School Election must be held at the same time as thePrimary or General Election in 2020.

1

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2

STATE CONTACTS

STATE CONTACTS
State Board of Election Commissioners
501 Woodlane, Suite 401N
Little Rock, AR 72201
Office: 501-682-1834 OR 1-800-411-6996
Fax: 501-682-1782
Internet site: www.arkansas.gov/sbec
E-mail address: info.sbec@arkansas.gov

Secretary of StateElections Division
State Capitol, Room 026
Little Rock, AR 72201
Office: 501-682-5070 OR 1-800-482-1127
Fax: 501-682-3408 OR 501-682-3548
Internet site: www.sos.arkansas.gov
E-mail address: electionsemail@sos.arkansas.gov

Arkansas Ethics Commission
501 Woodlane, Suite 301N
Little Rock, AR 72201
Office: 501-324-9600 OR 1-800-422-7773
Fax: 501-324-9606
Internet site: www.arkansasethics.com

As of the date of printing, the recognized political parties in Arkansas are the:Democratic Party of Arkansas
1300 West Capitol Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-374-2361
Internet site: www.arkdems.org

Republican Party of Arkansas
1201 West Sixth Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-372-7301
Internet site: www.arkansasgop.org

Libertarian Party of Arkansas
PO Box 46730
Little Rock, AR 72214
501-396-9804
Internet site: www.lpar.org

New political parties may file petitions to become recognized for elections to be held in 2020.

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STATE CONTACTS

This Page Intentionally Blank

4

GLOSSARY OF TERMSGLOSSARY OF TERMS
Affidavit of eligibility - an affidavit signed by a candidate for elective office stating thatthe candidate is eligible to serve in the office he or she seeks. [A.C.A. §7-1-101]
Candidate - for the purpose of compliance with contribution and expenditure filing
requirements, any individual who has knowingly and willingly taken affirmative action,
including solicitation of funds, for the purpose of seeking nomination for or election to any
public office. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(2)]Certificate of choice - a certificate, signed by an executive officer of a political group that
submits a petition to place its candidates for President and Vice-President on the ballot,
designating the names of its candidates to appear on the ballot. [A.C.A. §7-1-101]
Constitutional officers - the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary ofState, Attorney General, Auditor of State, Treasurer of State, and Commissioner of State
Lands. [A.C.A. §7-1-101]
Contribution - direct or indirect advances, deposits, or transfers of funds, contracts, orobligations, whether or not legally enforceable, payments, gifts, subscriptions,assessments, payment for services, dues, advancements, forbearance, loans, pledges
or promises of money or anything of value, whether or not legally enforceable, to a
candidate, committee, or holder of elective office, made for the purpose of influencing thenomination or election of any candidate. “Contribution” includes the purchase of tickets
for events such as dinners, luncheons, rallies, and similar fundraising events; the grantingof discounts or rebates by television and radio stations and newspapers not extended
equally to all candidates for the same office; and any payments for the services of any
person serving as an agent of a candidate or committee by a person other than thecandidate or committee or persons whose expenditures the candidates or committee
must report. “Contribution” further includes any transfer of anything of value received by
a committee from another committee. “Contribution” shall not include noncompensated,nonreimbursed, volunteer personal services or travel. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(4)]County political party committee - a person that is organized at the county level for the
purpose of supporting its affiliate party and making contributions; is recognized by anorganized political party, as defined in Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-101, as being affiliated withthat political party; receives contributions from one (1) or more persons in order to makecontributions to candidates, ballot question committees, legislative question committees,
political parties, political action committees, or other county political party committees;
does not accept any contribution or cumulative contributions in excess of five thousand
dollars ($5,000) from any person in any calendar year; and registers pursuant to Ark.
Code Ann. §7-6-226 before making contributions. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(6)]Election - the process in which qualified electors nominate or elect a candidate to public
office. A preferential primary election, a general primary election (primary runoff election),a general election, a general runoff election, a school election, and a special election each5

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

constitute a separate election. For the purpose of campaign finance and maximum
contribution limits, a political party caucus for selecting party nominees shall also
constitute an election. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(7); Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §203]
Expenditure - a purchase, payment, distribution, gift, loan, or advance of money oranything of value, and a contract, promise, or agreement to make an expenditure for the
purpose of influencing the nomination or election of any candidate. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(8)]Exploratory committee - a person that receives contributions which are held to betransferred to the campaign of a single candidate in an election. “Exploratory committee”
shall not include a political party that meets the definition of a political party under §7-1101, or a political party that meets the requirements of §7-7-205, or the candidate’s own
campaign committee. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(9); Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §§251, 252]
Fair market value - the price the good or service would bring between a willing seller anda willing buyer in the open market after negotiations. [Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure§200]

Filing deadline - the date a report becomes due. If the filing deadline falls on a Saturday,
Sunday, or legal holiday, the report shall be due on the next day that is not a Saturday,
Sunday, or legal holiday. [A.C.A. §7-6-225]
Financial institution - any commercial bank, savings and loan, mutual savings bank orsavings bank, credit union, insurance company, brokerage house, or any corporation thatis in the business of lending money and that is subject to state or federal regulation. [A.C.A.
§7-6-201(10)]Governmental body - any office, department, commission, council, board, committee,
legislative body, agency, or other establishment of the executive, judicial, or legislative
branch of the state, municipality, county, school district, improvement district, or any
political district or subdivision thereof. [A.C.A. §§21-8-301(1); 21-8-402(6)]Guarantor - a person who makes a guaranty for a debt, the liability for which does not
begin until the principal debtor is in default. [Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §200]
Infamous Crimes - all felony offenses and misdemeanor offenses in which the finder offact was required to find, or the defendant to admit, an act of deceit, fraud, or false
statement, including without limitation misdemeanor theft of property, abuse of office, andtampering. [A.C.A. §§5-52-107; 5-53-110; 7-1-101]
Independent expenditure - any expenditure which is not a contribution and expressly
advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for office, is made withoutarrangement, cooperation, or consultation between any candidate or any authorizedcommittee or agent of the candidate and the person making the expenditure or any
authorized agent of that person, and is not made in concert with, or at the request or
suggestion of any candidate or any authorized committee or agent of the candidate. [A.C.A.
§7-6-201(11)]6GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Independent expenditure committee - any person who receives contributions from one(1) or more persons in order to make an independent expenditure and is registeredpursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-227 before making expenditures. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(12)]In-kind contribution - a contribution of goods, services, or any other thing of value, or
its use, other than money, including an agreement made or other obligation incurred,
whether legally enforceable or not, to make such a contribution in the future. “In-kind
contribution” shall not include direct campaign contributions. [Rules on Campaign Finance &Disclosure §§200, 205]

Legislative caucus committee - a person that is composed exclusively of members of
the General Assembly, that elects or appoints officers and recognizes identified
legislators as members of the organization, and that exists for research and other supportof policy development and interests that the membership hold in common. A “legislative
caucus committee” includes, but is not limited to, a political party caucus of the General
Assembly, the Senate, or the House of Representatives. An organization whose only
nonlegislator members are the Lieutenant Governor or the Governor is a “legislative
caucus committee” under the Arkansas Ethics Commission’s Rules. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(13)]Majority party - the political party in the state whose candidates were elected to amajority of the constitutional offices of this state in the most recent general election. [A.C.A.
§7-1-101]

Minority party - the political party whose candidates were elected to less than a majorityof the constitutional offices of this state in the most recent general election or the politicalparty that polled the second greatest number of votes for the office of Governor in the last
preceding general election if all of the elected constitutional officers of this state are froma single political party. [A.C.A. §7-1-101]
Party certificate - a written statement or receipt signed by the secretary or chair of thecounty committee or of the state committee, as the case may be, of the political party
evidencing the name and title proposed to be used by the candidate on the ballot, theposition the candidate seeks, payment of the fees, and filing of the party pledge, if any,required by the political party. [A.C.A. §7-1-101]
Party filing fees - a fee imposed by the political party on a candidate seeking that party’s
nomination. The filing fee for county, municipal, and township offices are set by the county
committee and authorized by the state executive committee. All other filing fees are set
by the state executive committee. [A.C.A. §7-7-301(a)]Party filing period - the period of time established by law for the candidate for a politicalparty’s nomination to file his or her party certificate and political practices pledge with theSecretary of State or county clerk, as the case may be. [A.C.A. §7-1-101]
Person - any individual, proprietorship, firm, partnership, joint venture, syndicate, labor
union, business trust, company, corporation, association, committee, or any otherorganization or group of persons acting in concert. “Person” shall also include a political

7

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

party that meets the definition of a political party under §7-1-101 or a political party thatmeets the requirements of §7-7-205, county political party committees, and legislative
caucus committees. [A.C.A. §§7-6-201(14), 21-8-402(14)]Political action committee (PAC):
1) Approved PAC - any person that receives contributions from one (1) or more persons
in order to make contributions to candidates, ballot question committees, legislative
question committees, political parties, county political party committees, or otherpolitical action committees. An “Approved political action committee” must not accept
any contribution or cumulative contributions in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000)
from any person in any calendar year and must register pursuant to Ark. Code Ann.
§7-6-215 before making contributions. “Approved political action committee” does
not include organized political parties, county political party committees, thecandidate’s own campaign committee, exploratory committees, or ballot or legislative
question committees. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(1)]2) Prohibited PAC - any person that receives contributions from one (1) or more persons
in order to make contributions to candidates, ballot question committees, legislative
question committees, but that does not meet the requirements of an approved PAC.
“Prohibited political action committee” shall not include a political party that meetsthe definition of a political party under §7-1-101 or a political party that meets therequirements of §7-7-205, the candidate’s own campaign committee, a county politicalparty committee, an exploratory committee, or a ballot or legislative question
committee. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(15)]
Political Party - any group of voters that at the last preceding general election polled for
its candidate for Governor in the state or nominee for presidential electors at least three
percent (3%) of the entire vote cast for the office, or which has filed a petition with theSecretary of State containing at the time of filing the signatures of registered voters in an
amount that equals or exceeds three percent (3%) of the total votes cast for the Office ofGovernor in the immediately preceding general election for Governor, declaring theintention of organizing a political party, the name of which shall be stated in the
declaration, and of participating in the next general election, and which has been declareda new political party by the Secretary of State. When any political party fails to obtain
three percent (3%) of the total votes cast at an election for the Office of Governor or
nominees for presidential electors, it shall cease to be a political party. [A.C.A. §§7-1-101, 77-205 as amended by Act 164 of 2019]

Political practices pledge - a written pledge by the candidate filed with the Secretary ofState or the county clerk, as the case may be, stating that he or she is familiar with therequirements of Arkansas law regarding unlawful election activities and their penalties,
and that he or she will in good faith, comply with the terms of the law. [A.C.A. §7-6-102(a)(1)]
Public appointee - an individual who is appointed to a governmental body. “Public
appointee” shall not include an individual appointed to an elective office. [A.C.A. §§21-8301(2); 21-8-402(15)]8GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Public employee - an individual who is employed by a governmental body or who isappointed to serve a governmental body. “Public employee” shall not include public
officials or public appointees. [A.C.A. §§21-8-301(3); 21-8-402(16)(A)]
Public office - any office created by or under authority of the laws of the State of
Arkansas, or of a subdivision thereof, that is filled by the voters, except a federal office.
[A.C.A. §7-6-201(16)]Public official - a legislator or any other person holding an elective office of any
governmental body, whether elected or appointed to the office, and shall include such
persons during the time period between the date they are elected or appointed and thedate they took office. [A.C.A. §§21-8-301(4); 21-8-402(17)]Public servant - all public officials, public employees, and public appointees. [A.C.A. §§218-301(5); 21-8-402(18)]

Qualified elector - a person who holds the qualifications of an elector and is registeredunder Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51.
1) Must be a U. S. citizen2) Must be an Arkansas resident3) Must be a minimum of 18 years of age4) Must be lawfully registered to vote in the election5) Must not presently be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of competentjurisdiction6) Must not have been convicted of a felony without the sentence having beendischarged or pardoned7) Must not claim the right to vote in another county or state [A.C.A. §7-1-101; Arkansas
Constitution Article 3, §§1 & 2; Amendment 51, §6]8) In addition to the qualifications set out above, for purposes of signing the petition ofa candidate or being a candidate for municipal office in a city administrator form ofgovernment municipality, a qualified elector must also have resided in the city for atleast six months. [A.C.A. §14-48-110(f)]Written instrument - a check on which the contributor is directly liable or which is written
on a personal account, trust account, partnership account, business account, or otheraccount that contains the contributor’s funds. In the case of a contribution by credit cardor debit card under A.C.A. §7-6-204, “written instrument” includes, without limitation, apaper record signed by the cardholder, provided that the paper record contains a valid
name, complete address, place of business, employer and occupation for the cardholder
at the time of making the contribution. In the case of a contribution made through theinternet, “written instrument” includes without limitation, an electronic record created andtransmitted by the cardholder, provided that the electronic record contains a valid name,complete address, place of business, employer and occupation for the cardholder at thetime of making the contribution. [A.C.A. §7-6-201(18)]9TERMS & QUALIFICATIONSTERMS & QUALIFICATIONS
Federal Offices
President: [U. S. Constitution, Article II, Section 1, as amended by Amendment XXII]• Four year term of office• Limited to two (2) four year terms• Must be “a natural born” U. S. citizen• Must be a U. S. resident for fourteen (14) years• Must be a minimum of thirty-five (35) years of age
For additional information see:• Presidential Electors - A.C.A. §§7-8-301, 7-8-302• Ballot access for Group Presidential Candidates on page 20 A.C.A. §7-8-302• Ballot access for Independent Candidates on page 20 A.C.A. §7-8-302
U.S. Senate: [U. S. Constitution, Article I, §3]• Six year term of office• Must be a U. S. citizen for nine (9) years• Must be an Arkansas resident• Must be a minimum of thirty (30) years of age
U.S. House of Representatives: [U. S. Constitution, Article I, §2]• Two year term of office• Must be a U. S. citizen for seven (7) years• Must be an Arkansas resident• Must be a minimum of twenty-five (25) years of age
For exploratory and candidacy organization information contact:• The Federal Election Commission (FEC) at 1-800-424-9530 or www.fec.gov• Reference forms:
FEC Form 2, Statement of Candidacy
FEC Form 1, Statement of Organization

State Offices
Governor and Lieutenant Governor:• Four year term of office Amendment 63, §1• Limited to two (2) four year terms Amendment 73, §1• Must possess the qualifications of an elector Article 19, §3• Must be a U. S. citizen Article 6, §5• Must be an Arkansas resident for seven (7) years Article 6, §5

10

TERMS & QUALIFICATIONS

•
•
•
•

Must be a minimum of thirty (30) years of age Article 6, §5
Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1
Must not hold any other state or federal office Article 6, §11Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money, bribery,
forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9

Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, Attorney General, andCommissioner of State Lands:• Four year term of office Amendment 63, §1• Limited to two (2) four year terms Amendment 73, §1• Must possess the qualifications of an elector Article 19, §3• Must be a U. S. citizen Article 3, §1• Must be an Arkansas resident Article 19, §4• Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age Article 3, §1• Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1• Must not hold any other state, federal or civil office Article 6, §22• Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money, bribery,
forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9District Offices - Arkansas General Assembly*
State Senate:• Generally, a four year term of office; after redistricting following the census, somemembers serve a two-year term Article 5, §3• Must possess the qualifications of an elector Article 19, §3• Must be a U. S. citizen Article 5, §4• Must be an Arkansas resident for two (2) years preceding election Article 5, §4• Must be a resident of the district to be represented for one (1) year preceding thegeneral election Article 5, §4, AG Opinion 99-020• Must be a minimum of twenty-five (25) years of age Article 5, §4• Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1• Must not hold any other state, federal, or civil office Article 5, §§7, 10• Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money, bribery,
forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9State House of Representatives:• Two year term of office Article 5, §2• Must possess the qualifications of an elector Article 19, §3• Must be a U. S. citizen Article 5, §4• Must be an Arkansas resident for two (2) years preceding election Article 5, §4• Must be a resident of the district to be represented for one (1) year preceding thegeneral election Article 5, §4, AG Opinion 99-020
11

TERMS & QUALIFICATIONS

•
•
•
•

Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age Article 5, §4
Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1
Must not hold any other state, federal, or civil office Article 5, §§7, 10
Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money, bribery,
forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9*Limitation on years served in the General Assembly:
Generally, a person may serve no more than 16 years of combined service in both thehouse or the senate. For example, a person could serve eight two-year terms in thehouse, or four house terms and two four-year senate terms.
However, a member who completes the 16th year of service during a term for which
he or she has been elected can serve the remainder of the term. Also, a partial
legislative term served as the result of a special election to fill a vacancy or a two-year
term served as the result of redistricting is not counted against a member’s 16 years.
Amendment 94 §3(c)Judicial Offices
Appellate Courts (Supreme Court and Court of Appeals):• Eight year term of office Amendment 80, §16• Must be a qualified elector Amendment 80, §16• Must be a U. S. citizen Article 3, §1• Must be an Arkansas resident Article 3, §1• Must reside within geographic area from which chosen Amendment 80, §16• Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age Article 3, §1• Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1• Must be a licensed attorney in Arkansas for at least eight (8) years immediately
preceding the date of assuming office Amendment 80, §16• Must not file as a candidate for non-judicial governmental office while holding
judicial office Amendment 80, §15; A.C.A. §16-10-118• Must not hold any other state or federal office, except as authorized by law
Amendment 80, §16••

Shall not practice law during their terms of office Amendment 80, §14
Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money,
bribery, forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9

Circuit Court:• Six year term of office Amendment 80, §16• Must be a qualified elector Amendment 80, §16• Must be a U. S. citizen Article 3, §1• Must be an Arkansas resident Article 3, §1• Must reside within the geographic area from which chosen at time of election andduring period of service Amendment 80, §16

12

TERMS & QUALIFICATIONSNOTE: Geographic area may include any county contiguous to the county to beserved when there are no qualified candidates available in the county.
•
•
•
•
•

Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age Article 3, §1
Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1
Must be a licensed attorney in Arkansas for at least six (6) years immediately
preceding the date of assuming office Amendment 80, §16
Must not file as a candidate for non-judicial governmental office while holding
judicial office Amendment 80, §15; A.C.A. §16-10-118
Must not hold any other state or federal office, except as authorized by law
Amendment 80, §16••

Shall not practice law during term of office Amendment 80, §14
Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money,
bribery, forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9District Court:• Four year term of office Amendment 80, §16; A.C.A. §16-17-209• Must be a qualified elector Amendment 80, §16; A.C.A. §§16-17-103, 16-17-209• Must be a U. S. citizen Article 3, §1• Must be an Arkansas resident Article 3, §1• Must reside within the geographic area from which chosen at time of election
and during period of service Amendment 80, §16; §§16-17-103, 16-17-209
NOTE: Geographic area may include any county contiguous to the county to beserved when there are no qualified candidates available in the county.
• Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age Article 3, §1• Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1• Must be a licensed attorney in Arkansas for at least four (4) years immediately
preceding the date of assuming office Amendment 80, §16; A.C.A. §§16-17-104, 16-17-209• Must not file as a candidate for non-judicial governmental office while holding
judicial office Amendment 80, §15; A.C.A. §16-10-118• Must not hold any other state or federal office, except as authorized by law
Amendment 80, §16•

Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money,
bribery, forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9

Prosecuting Attorney
•
•
•
•
•
•

Four year term of office Amendment 80, §20
Must be a qualified elector Amendment 80, §20
Must be a U. S. citizen Article 3, §1
Must be an Arkansas resident Article 3, §1
Must reside within judicial circuit from which elected and shall reside there at time ofelection and during period of service Amendment 80, §20
Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age Amendment 51, §6; Article 3, §1

13

TERMS & QUALIFICATIONS

•
•
•
•

Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1
Must be a licensed attorney in Arkansas for at least four (4) years immediately
preceding the date of assuming office Amendment 80, §20
Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money, bribery,
forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9County and Township Offices
County and Township Offices:• County Offices: Sheriff, Circuit Clerk, County Clerk, Assessor, Coroner,
Treasurer, Tax Collector - Four year term of office Article 7, §§ 19, 46; Amendment 95• Township Offices: Justices of the Peace, Constables - Two year term of office
Article 7, §§ 38, 47
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Must possess the qualifications of an elector Article 19, §3
Must be a U. S. citizen Article 3, §1
Must be an Arkansas resident Article 3, §1
Must reside within their respective township, justice of the peace district, or
county to be represented Article 19, §4; A.C.A. §14-14-1306
Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age Article 3, §1
Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1
Must never have been convicted of embezzlement of public money, bribery,
forgery, or other infamous crime Article 5, §9Must not be appointed or elected to any other civil office Article 7, §53

County Judge: [Article 7, §29; Article 19, §4; A.C.A. §§14-14-1301, Amendment 95]• Four year term of office• Must possess the qualifications of an elector Article 19, §3• Must be a U. S. citizen Article 3, §1• Must be an Arkansas resident two (2) years before election• Must be a resident of the county at time of election and during term of office• Must be a minimum of twenty-five (25) years of age• Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1• Must be a person of upright character• Must be a person of good business education• Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money,
bribery, forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9County Surveyor:
In addition to the general requirements listed above for other county offices:• Must be a person of good character and reputation• Must be over the age of twenty-one (21)• Must be registered as a professional surveyor by the State Board of Licensure
for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors

14

TERMS & QUALIFICATIONS

Municipal Offices••••

Must be a qualified elector Article 19, §3
Must be a U. S. citizen Article 3, §1
Must be an Arkansas resident Article 3, §1
Must live in jurisdiction to be represented at time of filing and throughout term
A.C.A. §14-42-201(c)••Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1
Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money,
bribery, forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9With Mayor – Council Form of Government:•

See Table on page 17•

First Class Cities with Population of 50,000 or more: [Arkansas
Constitution, Article19, §3; Amendment 51, §6; A.C.A. §§14-42-201, 14-43-303, 1443-307, 14-43-308, 14-43-309, 14-43-314, 14-43-405]•

First Class Cities with Population under 50,000: [Arkansas Constitution,
Article19, §3; Amendment 51, §6; A.C.A. §§14-42-201, 14-43-305, 14-43-307, 14-43308, 14-43-309, 14-43-312, 14-43-315, 14-43-316, 14-43-319, 14-43-405]•

Second Class Cities: [Arkansas Constitution, Article19, §3; Amendment 51, §6;
A.C.A. §§14-42-201, 14-42-112, 14-44-103, 14-44-105, 14-44-110, 14-44-114, 1444-115]•

Incorporated Towns: [Arkansas Constitution, Article19, §3; Amendment 51, §6;
A.C.A. §§14-42-201, 14-42-112, 14-45-101, 14-45-102, 14-45-104, 14-45-108, 1445-109, 14-45-110]

With City Manager Form of Government: [A.C.A. §§14-47-108, 14-47-109, 14-47110, 14-47-116, 14-47-117, 14-47-119, 14-47-133, 14-61-111]• See Table on page 18
With City Administrator Form of Government: [A.C.A. §14-48-101 et seq.]•

See table on page 18

School Board
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Must be a qualified registered voter of the school district and the electoral zone,
if applicable A.C.A. §§6-13-616(a), 6-14-111(h), (i)(1), Article 3, §1
Must be a U.S. citizen Article 3, §1
Must be an Arkansas resident Article 3, §1
Must be a resident of the school district and, if elected from zones, therespective electoral zone A.C.A. §§6-13-631(d)(1), 6-14-111(i)(1)Must not be an employee of the school district served A.C.A. §6-13-616(b)Must be lawfully registered to vote Article 3, §1
Must never have been convicted of fraud, embezzlement of public money,
bribery, forgery, or other infamous crime Article 3 § 6; Article 5 § 9

15

TERMS & QUALIFICATIONSThis Page Intentionally Blank

16

MUNICIPAL OFFICESWITH MAYOR – COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENTFIRST CLASS CITY
ELECTIVE OFFICEMAYOR

COUNCIL MEMBERCITY CLERK

CITY/MUNICIPALATTORNEY

Population of 50,000 or
more

CITY/TOWNMARSHALINCORPORATED TOWN

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector
Resident of City
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector
Resident of City
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector
Resident of Town
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector
Resident of Respective Ward
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector

Term: 2 Years**
Qualified Elector
Resident of Respective Ward
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector

Term: 2 Years****
Qualified Elector
Resident of Respective Ward
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Term: 2 Years*****
Qualified Elector
Resident of Town
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Resident of City
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Resident of City
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector
Regularly Licensed Attorney
Resident of City***
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector
Regularly Licensed Attorney

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector
Regularly Licensed Attorney
Resident of City (If no Attorney in city, thenappointed by Mayor and City Council & mustbe licensed in state)
Minimum Age: 18 Years* See Note Below

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector
Regularly Licensed Attorney
Resident of Town (If no attorney in town,
then appointed by Mayor and town
council & must be licensed in state)
Minimum Age: 18 Years*See Note Below

Resident of City***
Minimum Age: 18 Years(Can be appointed if population
under 5,000)

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector

Term: 4 Years (Recorder/Treasurer)
Qualified Elector

Resident of City

Resident of City

Resident of City

Resident of Town

Minimum Age: 18 Years

Minimum Age: 18 Years

Minimum Age: 18 Years

Minimum Age: 18 Years(City recorder & city treasurer offices

CITY OR TOWN
RECORDER
CITY COLLECTORSECOND CLASS CITY

Term: 4 Years
Qualified Elector
Resident of City
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Other qualifications may be
set by City Ordinance

CITY TREASUREROR
CLERK/TREASURER

Population Under 50,000

may be combined.)
Created by City Ordinance
A.C.A. §14-43-508

Created by City Ordinance
A.C.A. §14-43-508

Term: 2 Years
Qualified Elector
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Term: 2 Years (May be appointed or elected.)
Qualified Elector
Residency qualifications of appointed marshals
determined by city or town
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Term corresponds to council member term
Residency qualifications determined by town
Created by Municipal Ordinance
A.C.A. §14-45-109

17* All cities of the second class and incorporated towns within the state may elect a municipal attorney at the time of the election of other officers of these cities of the second class and incorporated towns, if it
is not established by ordinance that the office of the city attorney will be appointed** Any city of the first class may, by ordinance referred to and approved by the voters, elect two aldermen from each ward to four-year terms, resulting in staggered terms with one council member being elected to afour- year term from each ward every two years, with an initial two-year term for position 2.
*** If no resident attorney of the city is available, the city may contract with any licensed attorney of the state.
**** Any second-class city may, by ordinance referred to and approved by the voters, elect two aldermen for each ward for four-year terms.
***** Any incorporated town may, by ordinance referred to and approved by the voters, elect three aldermen to four-year terms, resulting in staggered terms with two aldermen being initially elected to a two year
term and four year terms thereafter.

18
MUNICIPAL OFFICES
WITH
CITY MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENTELECTIVE OFFICEBOARD OF DIRECTORS(7 MEMBER)

MAYOR

CITY
(with population of 2,500 or more)
Term: 4 Years; may serve successive terms of office
Qualified Elector
Resident of the municipality for at least thirty (30) days prior to election
Minimum Age: 21 Years
Member of the board of directors elected by the board to serve as chairman of the board.
Term: 2 Years; may serve successive terms; or a 4 year term if elected by the voters in a special election
Qualified Elector
Resident of the municipality for at least thirty (30) days prior to election to the board
Minimum Age: 21 Years

Other city officials are appointed by the board of directors, mayor or city manager, depending on the office, the size of the city, and the existence of
local legislation.
MUNICIPAL OFFICES
WITH
CITY ADMINISTRATOR FORM OF GOVERNMENTELECTIVE OFFICEBOARD OF DIRECTORS(7 MEMBER)

MAYOR

CITY
(with population of 2,500 or more)
Term: 4 Years; may serve successive terms of office
Qualified Elector; Positions 1, 2, 3, and 4 must be qualified electors of their wards
Resident of the municipality for at least six months prior to election
Minimum Age: 21 Years
Term: 4 Years; may serve successive terms of office
Qualified Elector
Resident of the municipality for at least six months prior to election to the board
Minimum Age: 21 Years

Other city officials are appointed by the city administrator.

FILING PROCEDURES FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONSFILING PROCEDURES FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONS
Multiple Nominations Prohibited [A.C.A. §7-7-204]
A person who files as a candidate for nomination by a political party is ineligible to be thenominee of another political party or be an independent or write-in candidate for the sameoffice during the primary election or the following general or special election, as the casemay be.
A certified independent candidate is ineligible to be the nominee of a political party or to
be a write-in candidate for the same office at the same general or special election.
Filing for Multiple Offices Prohibited
A person may file for only one municipal office during the municipal filing period.
[A.C.A. §14-42-206(e)]A person may not run for more than one state, county, municipal, district or townshipoffice if the elections are to be held on the same date. [A.C.A. §7-5-111]
A person may be a candidate for President or Vice President and the U.S. House or U.S.
Senate in the same primary or general election. [A.C.A. §7-8-303(b)]Existing Political Party Candidates [A.C.A. §§7-1-101, 7-6-102, 7-7-204, 7-7-301, 7-7-203 as
amended by Act 545 of 2019]Federal (including Presidential), State, and District Offices:• Must file a signed affidavit of eligibility with the secretary of the state committee ofthe political party stating that the candidate is eligible to serve in the office he or
she seeks.
• Must pay the party filing fee, if any, and file the party pledge, if any, with thesecretary of the state committee of the political party during regular office hours
during the party filing period. The filing fee is set by the state executive committee.
• Must obtain a party certificate from the secretary or chair of the state committeeof the political party.
• Must file the party certificate and political practices pledge with the Secretary ofState during regular office hours during the party filing period.
County, Municipalities with Partisan Elections, and Township Offices:• Must file a signed affidavit of eligibility with the secretary of the county committeeof the political party stating that the candidate is eligible to serve in the office heor she seeks.
• Must pay the party filing fee, if any, and file the party pledge, if any, with thesecretary of the county committee of the political party during regular office hours
during the party filing period. The filing fee is set by the county committee andauthorized by the state executive committee.

19

FILING PROCEDURES FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONS••

Must obtain a party certificate from the secretary or chair of the county committeeof the political party.
Must file the party certificate and political practices pledge with the county clerk
during regular office hours during the party filing period.

The filing period for a political party candidate to be on the ballot in the March 3, 2020
Preferential Primary Election begins at noon on November 4, 2019 and ends at noonon November 12, 2019.** The actual deadline will be November 11, 2019, per A.C.A. §7-1-108, if a deadline falls on aweekend / holiday it moves to the next day that is not a weekend / holiday.

No political practices pledge may be accepted for filing by the Secretary of State or county
clerk unless the candidate first files a party certificate.
ANY CANDIDATE WHO FAILS TO FILE THE PARTY PLEDGE AND AFFIDAVIT OF ELIGIBILITY
AND PAY THE PARTY FILING FEE AS PROVIDED BY LAW SHALL NOT RECEIVE A PARTYCERTIFICATE AND SHALL NOT HAVE HIS OR HER NAME PLACED ON THE BALLOT.
[A.C.A. §7-7-301(c)]Group Presidential Candidates•

Presidential candidates of a political group that is not a recognized political party
qualify for the general election ballot by filing a petition with the Secretary of State nolater than the first Monday of August before the general election. The petition shall besigned by not less than one thousand (1,000) qualified electors of the state.
[A.C.A. §7-8-302(5)(B)]

Independent Candidates
Presidential and Vice Presidential Offices: [A.C.A. §7-8-302(6)]• Must file a petition with the Secretary of State no later than noon the first Monday inAugust of the year of the election. The petition must be signed by not less than one
thousand (1,000) qualified electors of the state.
General Filing Procedures (except Independent Candidates in Partisan
Municipal Elections): [A.C.A. §§7-6-102, 7-7-103 as amended by Act 68 of 2019]• During the party filing period, must file a political practices pledge, an affidavit ofeligibility, a signature collection affidavit and a notice of candidacy identifying theelective office sought, position number, if any, and stating the name and title proposed
for the ballot• Must file a petition by May 1, 2020
• A petition may be circulated no earlier than 90 days before the deadline for filing
petitions unless the number of days is reduced by proclamation, ordinance,
resolution, order, or other authorized document for a special election under Ark. CodeAnn. §7-11-101 et seq., in which case the number of signatures required on the
petition is reduced proportionately. The form of the petition and the signaturecollection affidavit are prescribed by the Secretary of State and can be obtained fromthe Secretary of State’s office or the county clerk’s office.
20

FILING PROCEDURES FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONS

U.S. Senate or State Offices: [A.C.A. §7-7-103]• The petition and other required documents must be filed with the Secretary ofState and be signed by not less than 3% of the qualified electors of the state,based upon the total number of votes cast statewide for Governor in 2018, but inno event shall more than 10,000 signatures be required.
U.S. House or District Offices (State Senator, State Representative):[A.C.A. §7-7-103]•

The petition and other required documents must be filed with the Secretary ofState and be signed by not less than 3% of the qualified electors in the district inwhich the candidate seeks office, based upon the total number of votes cast for
Governor in that district in 2018, but in no event shall more than 2,000 signatures
be required.

County and Township Offices: [A.C.A. §7-7-103]• The petition and other required documents must be filed with the county clerk andbe signed by not less than 3% of the qualified electors in the county or township,as the case may be, in which the candidate seeks office, based upon the total
number of votes cast for Governor in that county or township, as the case may
be, in 2018, but in no event shall more than 2,000 signatures be required.
Municipal Offices:
Mayor – Council Form of Government: [A.C.A. §§7-6-102, 14-42-205, 14-43-301,
et. seq., 14-44-101, et. seq., 14-45-101, et. seq., 14-42-206 as amended by Act 545 & 597 of
2019]•

Must file a petition, political practices pledge, and an affidavit of eligibility withthe county clerk during the one week period ending at noon 90 days before
the general election, unless the city has passed an ordinance setting the filing
period to begin 20 days before the preferential primary election and to end atnoon on the day before the preferential primary election.
NOTE: For municipalities situated in multiple counties, the candidate shall filewith the county clerk of the county with the highest population of themunicipality, and the county clerk shall certify the candidate to the othercounties.
• In cities of the first class, the petition must be signed by not fewer than 30
electors of the ward or city in which the election is to be held.
• In cities of the second class or incorporated towns the petition must be signedby not fewer than 10 electors of the ward or city in which the election is to be
held.

21

FILING PROCEDURES FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONS

An independent candidate for state, federal (except president), district, township andcounty office seeking election at the November 3, 2020 General Election may circulate
a petition no earlier than February 1, 2020.
The candidate must file a political practices pledge, affidavit of eligibility, and notice ofcandidacy during regular office hours between noon on November 4, 2019 and noonon November 12, 2019*.
The candidate must file a petition by May 1, 2020.
* The actual deadline will be November 11, 2019, per A.C.A. §7-1-108, if a deadline falls on a weekend/ holiday it moves to the next day that is not a weekend / holiday.

The petition must be in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State.
In most cities and towns, a municipal candidate in a mayor-council form of government
seeking election at the November 3, 2020 General Election must file a petition, a politicalpractices pledge, and an affidavit of eligibility during the one week period ending at noonon August 5, 2020. For cities that have passed an ordinance setting an alternative filing
period, the candidate must file a petition, political practices pledge, and affidavit of eligibility,
during regular office hours between February 12, 2020 and noon on March 2, 2020.
The petition must state the same position and position number, if any, as stated on thecandidate’s political practices pledge, affidavit of eligibility, and notice of candidacy.
The position sought cannot be changed once identified on the notice of candidacy,
petition and political practices pledge. The petition, political practices pledge and noticemust be withdrawn and a new petition, political practices pledge and notice designatinga different position filed before the filing deadline.
The petition must request that the name of the person be placed on the ballot for election
to the office identified on the petition, and each elector signing the petition must be aregistered voter.
Write-in Candidates
Write-in candidates are not allowed in presidential, municipal, or primary elections.
[A.C.A. §§7-5-525, 7-8-302, 14-43-202]

Federal, State, and District Offices: [A.C.A. §§7-5-205, 7-6-102]• Must file a written notice of write-in candidacy with the county board of election
commissioners of each county in which the candidate seeks election and theSecretary of State no later than 90 days before the general election.
• Must file a political practices pledge and an affidavit of eligibility for the office with
the Secretary of State during the party filing period.
County and Township Offices: [A.C.A. §§7-5-205, 7-6-102]• Must file a written notice of write-in candidacy with the county board of election
commissioners and the county clerk no later than 90 days before the generalelection.
• Must file a political practices pledge and an affidavit of eligibility for the office withthe county clerk during the party filing period.
22

FILING PROCEDURES FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONS

A write-in candidate for federal, state, district, county, and township office seeking election
at the November 3, 2020 General Election must file a political practices pledge andaffidavit of eligibility no later than November 12, 2019* and must submit notice of writein candidacy to the county board of election commissioners in each county in which thecandidate seeks election by August 5, 2020.
* The actual deadline will be November 11, 2019, per A.C.A. §7-1-108, if a deadline falls on aweekend / holiday it moves to the next day that is not a weekend / holiday.

New Political Party Formation and Candidate Filing [A.C.A. §§7-1-101, 7-3-108, 7-7-205 as
amended by Act 164 of 2019]•

A group desiring to form a new political party must file a petition with the Secretary ofState containing signatures of at least 3% of the total votes cast for Governor in thepreceding election for Governor.
NOTE: At the time of publication, new political party petition requirements
are the subject of pending litigation. Please contact the Secretary of Statefor additional details.

•

The petition must declare the intent of organizing a political party, the name of whichshall be stated in the declaration.
NOTE: No political party or group shall assume a name or designationthat is so similar, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, to that of an
existing political party as to confuse or mislead the voters at an election.

•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•

A new political party that wishes to select nominees for the next general election mustfile a sufficient petition no later than 60 days before the party filing period.
The Secretary of State shall determine the sufficiency of the signatures submitted
within 30 days of filing.
The date of each signature must appear on the petition in order for the signature tocount.
A signature dated more than 90 days before the date the petition is submitted is notcounted.
If the petition is determined to be insufficient, the Secretary of State notifies thesponsors in writing, through their designated agent, setting forth the reason for sofinding.
Upon certification of sufficiency of the petition the new political party shall be declaredby the Secretary of State.
A new political party formed by the petition process nominates candidates by
convention for the first general election after certification.
Conventions must be held by noon on March 3, 2020. The convention, including its
methods and location(s) held, is governed by the rules of the new party.
A candidate to be nominated by convention must file a political practices pledge with
the Secretary of State or county clerk during the party filing period.
Certificates of Nomination must be filed with the Secretary of State or County Clerk bynoon on March 3, 2020.

23

FILING PROCEDURES FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONSNOTE: If the new party maintains party status by obtaining 3% of thetotal vote cast for the Office of Governor or nominees for presidential
electors at the first general election after certification, the newpolitical party nominates candidates in the party primary as set forth in
Ark. Code Ann. §7-7-101 et seq. [A.C.A. §7-7-205(4)]For a newly formed political party to participate in the November 3, 2020 General
Election, its petition must be filed by September 5, 2019
A newly organized political party shall not be recognized, qualified to participate, or
permitted to have the names of its candidates printed on the ballot until an affidavit, by
the officers of the party in this state under oath, is filed with the Secretary of State statingthat it does not directly or indirectly carry on, advocate, teach, justify, aid, or abet an actof terrorism as defined by Ark. Code Ann. §5-54-205, a program of sabotage, force, andviolence, sedition, treason against or the overthrow of the government of the UnitedStates or this state by force, violence or by an unlawful means.

24

FILING PROCEDURES FOR NONPARTISAN ELECTIONSFILING PROCEDURES FOR NONPARTISAN ELECTIONSFiling for Multiple Offices Prohibited
A person may file for only one municipal office during the municipal filing period. Also, aperson may not run for more than one state, county, municipal, district or township office
if the elections are to be held on the same date. [A.C.A. §7-5-111, 14-42-206(e)]Nonpartisan Judicial Offices & Prosecuting Attorneys [A.C.A. §§7-6-102, 7-10-103]
Candidates Paying Filing Fees:• Must file a political practices pledge and pay the filing fee during the period
beginning at 3:00 p.m. on the first day of the party filing period and ending at 3:00
p.m. on the last day of the party filing period.
• Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of the Court of Appeals, circuit judge, district
judge, and prosecuting attorney file with the Secretary of State.
The filing period for nonpartisan judicial and prosecutorial candidates seeking election at the
March 3, 2020 Nonpartisan General Election and running by means of paying a filing fee
begins at 3:00 p.m. on November 4, 2019 and ends at 3:00 p.m. on November 12, 2019*.

* The actual deadline will be November 11, 2019, per A.C.A. §7-1-108, if a deadline falls on aweekend / holiday it moves to the next day that is not a weekend / holiday.

FILING FEE SCHEDULE FOR NONPARTISAN OFFICE
Annual SalaryNonpartisan
OfficeYear 2020 Fee*

Fiscal Year2018-2019(Percentage of Salary)3%

Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court
Associate Justiceof the Supreme
Court
Judge of the Courtof Appeals
Circuit Judge
State District
Judge
Prosecuting
Attorney Division A
Prosecuting
Attorney Division B

4%

5%

6%

$189,108$11,350$174,924.90$10,500$169,671.90$8,490$168,096$6,730$147,084$4,420$159,691.20$4,800$135,737.52$4,080*Defined by the State Board of Election Commissioners Rules For Nonpartisan Office Filing Fees §105

25

FILING PROCEDURES FOR NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS

Candidates Filing by Petition:• The petition may not be circulated earlier than 60 days before the filing deadline.
• A political practices pledge and the petition must be filed no earlier than noon 53 days
before the first day of the party filing period under §7-7-203 and ending at noon 46
days before the first day of the party filing period.
• Petitions for Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of the Court of Appeals, circuit
judge, district judge, and prosecuting attorney shall be filed with the Secretary of State.
• A petition for Justice of the Supreme Court shall be signed by at least 3% of thequalified electors residing within the state, but in no event shall more than 10,000
signatures be required.
• A petition for Judge of the Court of Appeals shall be signed by 3% of the qualified
electors residing within the court of appeals district for which the candidate seeks
office, but in no event shall more than 2,000 signatures be required.
• A petition for circuit judge shall be signed by 3% of the qualified electors residing
within the circuit for which the candidate seeks office, but in no event shall more than
2,000 signatures be required.
• A petition for prosecuting attorney shall be signed by 3% of the qualified electors
residing within the district for which the candidate seeks office, but in no event shallmore than 2,000 signatures be required.
• A petition for district judge shall be signed by at least 1% of the qualified electors
residing within the district for which the candidate seeks office, but in no event shallmore than 2,000 signatures be required.
A nonpartisan judicial or prosecutorial candidate seeking election at the March 3, 2020
Nonpartisan General Election and running by means of filing a petition may circulate a petition
no earlier than July 21, 2019.
A nonpartisan judicial candidate seeking election at the March 3, 2020 Nonpartisan General
Election and running by means of filing a petition must file between noon on September 12,
2019 and noon on September 19, 2019.
The total number of votes cast for Governor in 2018 in the state, in any court of appeals
district, in any circuit court district, or in any district court district, as the case may be, shalldetermine the applicable number of qualified electors for petition signature purposes.

Write-in Candidates:• Write-in candidates for Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of the Court of Appeals,
circuit judge, district judge, and prosecuting attorney must give written notice of theirintention to be a write-in candidate to the Secretary of State and to the county boardof election commissioners in each county in the state or judicial district.
• A political practices pledge and the notice of write-in candidacy must be filed with theSecretary of State no later than 80 days before the nonpartisan general election.
A write-in candidate for nonpartisan office seeking election at the March 3, 2020 Nonpartisan
General Election must file no later than December 16, 2019.** The actual deadline will be December 14, 2019, per A.C.A. §7-1-108, if a deadline falls on aweekend / holiday it moves to the next day that is not a weekend / holiday.

26

FILING PROCEDURES FOR NONPARTISAN ELECTIONSSchool Board [A.C.A. §§6-14-111 as amended by Act 597 of 2019, 7-6-102]
Candidates Filing by Petition:• Must file a political practices pledge, an affidavit of eligibility, and a petition withthe county clerk of the county in which the school district is domiciled foradministrative purposes during:o The party filing period as set forth in 7-7-203 for school elections held
concurrently with a preferential primary, or;o The one-week period ending on August 1st before the election held on thefirst Tuesday following the first Monday in November, or;o In odd-numbered years, during the dates that would be the filing period if a
preferential primary and general election were to be held in that year.
• A petition may be circulated no earlier than 90 calendar days before the filingdeadline for candidates set for above. The petition must contain the names of atleast 20 registered voters who are residents of the school district and, if applicable,
the electoral zone for the position.
A petition for a school board candidate seeking election at the Annual School Election
held on March 3, 2020 may be circulated no earlier than August 14, 2019 and must be
filed with the county clerk between 12:00 noon on November 4, 2019 and 12:00 noonon November 12, 2019*.
* The actual deadline will be November 11, 2019, per A.C.A. §7-1-108, if a deadline falls on aweekend / holiday it moves to the next day that is not a weekend / holiday.

A petition for a school board candidate seeking election at the Annual School Election
held on November 3, 2020 may be circulated no earlier than May, 7 2020 and must be
filed with the county clerk during a one week period ending at 12:00 noon on August 3,
2020.** The actual deadline will be August 1, 2020, per A.C.A. §7-1-108, if a deadline falls on a weekend /holiday it moves to the next day that is not a weekend / holiday.

The petition must state the name and title of the candidate as proposed by the candidate
to appear on the ballot and identify the position sought, position number, and otheridentifying information, if applicable.
The position sought cannot be changed once identified on the petition. The petition must
be withdrawn and a new petition designating a different position filed before the filingdeadline.
If a School District is wishing to change the date of their annual election, the district
shall file a copy of the policy setting the election date it has chosen with the County
Clerk at least 100 days before the first day of the respective filing period. [Act 597 of
2019]

27

FILING PROCEDURES FOR NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS

Write-in Candidates:• Must file a political practices pledge, an affidavit of eligibility, and a notice of writein candidacy.
• The political practices pledge, affidavit of eligibility, and notice of write-in candidacy
must be filed with the county clerk of the county in which the school district is
domiciled for administrative purposes during:o The party filing period as set forth in 7-7-203 for school elections held
concurrently with a preferential primary, or;o The one-week period ending on August 1st before the election held on thefirst Tuesday following the first Monday in November
o In odd-numbered years, during the dates that would be the filing period if a
preferential primary and general election were to be held in that year.
A write-in candidate for school board must file during the same filing period as candidates
who file by petition.
The notice of write-in candidacy must identify the position sought, position number, andother identifying information, if applicable.
The position sought cannot be changed once identified on the notice of write-incandidacy. The notice must be withdrawn and a new notice designating a different
position filed before the filing deadline.

Municipal Offices:
Mayor – Council Form of Government: [A.C.A. §§7-6-102, 14-42-205, 14-42-206 as
amended by Act 597 of 2019, 14-43-312, 14-44-103, 14-45-102]
•

•
•

28

Must file a petition, political practices pledge, and an affidavit of eligibility with thecounty clerk during a one week period ending 90 days before the general election
by noon, unless the city has passed an ordinance setting the filing period to begin
20 days before the preferential primary election and to end at noon on the day
before the preferential primary election.
NOTE: For municipalities situated in multiple counties, the candidate shall file withthe county clerk of the county with the highest population of the municipality, andthe county clerk shall certify the candidate to the other counties.
In cities of the first class, the petition must be signed by not fewer than 30 electorsof the ward or city in which the election is to be held.
In cities of the second class or incorporated towns the petition must be signed by
not fewer than 10 electors of the ward or city in which the election is to be held.

FILING PROCEDURES FOR NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS

A municipal candidate in a mayor-council form of government seeking election at theNovember 3, 2020 General Election must file with the county clerk a petition, a politicalpractices pledge, and an affidavit of eligibility between July 29, 2020 and noon on August
5, 2020.
For cities that have passed an ordinance setting an alternative filing period, the candidate
must file a petition, political practices pledge, affidavit of eligibility, and notice of candidacy
during regular office hours between February 12, 2020 and noon on March 2, 2020.
The petition must identify the office sought and, if for council member, a position number.
The position sought cannot be changed once identified on the petition. In order to run for adifferent position, the original petition must be withdrawn and a new petition designatinga different position filed before the filing deadline.

City Manager Form of Government: [A.C.A. §14-47-110]• Must file a nominating petition with the city clerk or recorder not more than 102 days
and no later than noon 81 days before the election by noon.
• The petition must be signed by not less than 50 qualified electors of the municipality.
A municipal candidate in a city manager form of government seeking election at theNovember 3, 2020 General Election must file a petition, a political practices pledge, and an
affidavit of eligibility between July 24, 2020 and noon on August 14, 2020.
The petition must identify the office sought and, if for council member, a position number. The
position sought cannot be changed once identified on the petition. The petition must be
accompanied by an affidavit vouching for the eligibility of the signers of the petition.
In order to run for a different position, the original petition must be withdrawn and a new
petition designating a different position filed before the filing deadline.
City Administrator Form of Government [A.C.A. §14-48-109]• Must pay a $10.00 fee and file a statement of candidacy and a petition with the cityclerk not more than 90 days and no later than noon, 75 days before the primaryelection.
• The petition must be signed by not less than 50 qualified electors of the municipality
who have resided in the municipality at least six months before signing the petition.
The nonpartisan primary for city administrator form of government candidates is the second
Tuesday in August of even-numbered years. The 2020 primary will be held on August 11,2020.
A candidate in a city administrator form of government seeking election at the November 3,2020 General Election must file a statement of candidacy, a $10.00 fee and a petition
between December 4, 2019 and noon on December 19, 2019
The petition must identify the office sought and, if for director, a position number. The petition
must be accompanied by an affidavit vouching for the eligibility of the signers of the petition.

29

FILING PROCEDURES FOR NONPARTISAN ELECTIONSThis Page Intentionally Blank

30

FILING PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCIESFILING PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCIES[A.C.A. §§7-11-101, 7-11-102, 7-11-302]

All special elections and other elections to fill a vacancy in an office shall be called byproclamation, ordinance, resolution, order, or other authorized document of theappropriate constituted authority.
The calling document shall set forth the date of the special primary election and special
primary runoff election, if any, the date of the election, and the date for certifying theelection. The calling document shall provide deadlines, if applicable, for filing as a party
candidate, for party conventions to select nominees, for parties to issue certificates of
nomination or certified lists of nominees, as the case may be, for candidates to filecertifications of nomination, for filing as an independent candidate, for circulating petitions
for independent candidacy, for filing as a write-in candidate, and for drawing for ballot
position.
Candidate Withdrawal
Notice of Withdrawal:
The notice from a candidate of his or her desire to withdraw must be in writing,signed by the candidate, and acknowledged before an officer authorized to takeacknowledgements. [A.C.A. §§7-5-203(a)(2), (b)(2); 7-7-304(a)(2), (b)(2)]
Withdrawal Before the Certification Deadline/Not Placed on Ballot:
If a candidate dies or notifies the Secretary of State or county clerk, depending on
the election, of his or her desire to withdraw as a candidate for the office or position,
the candidate shall not be certified and shall not be placed on the ballot. [A.C.A. §§ 75-203(a)(2), (b)(2); 7-7-304(a)(2), (b)(2)]

Withdrawal After the Certification Deadline/Votes Counted:
Votes received by a candidate whose name appeared on the ballot and who withdrew
or died after the certification of the ballot are counted.
[A.C.A. §§7-5- 315(b)(1); 7-7-304(c)(1)]

Vacancy in Nomination:
If a candidate for a party’s nomination withdraws or dies after certification but
receives enough votes at the primary election to win the nomination, a vacancy innomination shall exist. [A.C.A. §7-7-304(c)(2)]
If a candidate for a party’s nomination withdraws or dies after certification but
receives enough votes to advance to the primary runoff election, the person’s namemust be placed on the primary runoff election ballot. [A.C.A. §7-7-304(c)(3)]
If the candidate who withdraws or dies receives enough votes to win the primaryrunoff election, a vacancy in nomination shall exist. [A.C.A. §7-7-304(c)(4)]31

FILING PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCIES

Vacancy in Election:
If a candidate withdraws or dies after certification but receives enough votes at thegeneral election to win the election, a vacancy in election shall be declared. [A.C.A.
§7-5-315(b)(2)(A)]

If a candidate withdraws or dies after certification but receives enough votes toqualify for a runoff election, the person’s name must be placed on the runoff election
ballot. [A.C.A. §7-5-315(b)(2)(B)(i)]If a candidate withdraws or dies after certification but receives enough votes to win
the runoff election, a vacancy in election shall exist. [A.C.A. §7-5-315(b)(2)(B)(ii)]Annual School Election:
If one (1) of the two (2) candidates who received the highest number of votes for aschool district position withdraws before certification of the result of the school
election, the remaining candidate who received the most votes shall be declared
elected, and there shall be no runoff election. [A.C.A. §6-14-121(c)]Municipal Runoff Election:
If either of the two (2) candidates, who received the highest number of votes cast for
an office in the general election but who did not receive either a majority of thevotes cast or both forty percent (40%) or more of the votes cast and at least twenty
percent (20%) more of the total votes cast than the second-place candidate,
withdraws before certification of the results of the election, the remaining candidate
who received the most votes at the general election shall be declared elected to theoffice and there shall be no general runoff election. [A.C.A. §7-5-106(d)]32OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION
Federal Offices
U.S. President and Vice President are up for Election in 2020:
The United States President and Vice President are limited to two (2) four year
terms of office.
U.S. Senate Seats up for Election in 2020:
The United States Senate is composed of two (2) senators from each state. Each senator
is elected to a six year term of office.
•One of two positions is up for election in 2020.

U.S. House Districts up for Election in 2020:
Arkansas has four (4) Representatives in
Representatives.
•
U.S.
House
Districts

District 1

District 2

District 3

District 4

theUnitedStatesHouseofAll four (4) positions will be on the ballot in 2020 to be elected by district to a two year
term of office.
Counties

Arkansas, Baxter, Chicot, Clay, Cleburne, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Fulton, Greene,
Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips,
Prairie, Poinsett, Randolph, St. Francis, Sharp, Stone, Woodruff; the following voting districts ofJefferson County as they existed on January 1, 2011: 19 (Dunnington), P15 (Dudley Lake), 25 (OldRiver), 57 (Villemont), P91 (Roberts), P851 (Humphrey), and P862 (Humphrey); and all voting
districts of Searcy County as they existed on January 1, 2011 except for the Prairie voting district(30 counties)
Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Pulaski, Saline, Van Buren, and White (7 counties)
Benton, Boone, Carroll, Marion, Pope, Washington; the voting districts and voting precincts of
Crawford County as they existed on January 1, 2011, that are not assigned to Congressional District
4; the following voting districts of Newton County as they existed on January 1, 2011: Big Creek,
Dogpatch, Grove, Hasty, Polk, Richland, White; the Prairie voting district of Searcy County as itexisted on January 1, 2011; and the voting districts and voting precincts of Sebastian County as they
existed on January 1, 2011 that are not assigned to Congressional District 4 (10 counties)
Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Clark, Cleveland, Columbia, Dallas, Drew, Franklin, Garland, Grant,
Hempstead, Hot Spring, Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Little River, Logan, Madison, Miller,
Montgomery, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Polk, Scott, Sevier, Union, Yell; the following voting districtsof Crawford County as they existed on January 1, 2011: Alma #1, Alma #4, Bidville, Chester, Dean
Springs, Dyer, Eagle Crest, Kibler, Locke, Mountain, Mulberry #1, Mulberry #2, Mulberry #3, Porter,
Vine Prairie, Whitley, and Winfrey; the voting districts and voting precincts of Jefferson County as
they existed on January 1, 2011 that are not assigned to Congressional District 1; the voting districts
and voting precincts of Newton County as they existed on January 1, 2011 that are not assigned toCongressional District 3; and the following voting districts of Sebastian County as they existed on
January 1, 2011: 9-1-A, 9-1-B, 9-1-C, 9-1-D, 9-1-E, 9-1-Q, 9-2-E, 9-3-E, 9-3-F, 9-3-G, 9-3-H, 9-3-I,
9-3-J, 9-3-K, 9-3-L, 9-3-M (33 counties)

District composition is based on reporting from the Board of Apportionment.
33

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

State Legislative Offices
State Senate Districts up for Election in 2020:
Seventeen (17) of the thirty-five state senate positions will be on the 2020 ballot.
State Senate
Districts

Counties

District 1

Part of Benton and part of Washington

District 2

Part of Benton and part of Washington

District 7

Part of Washington

District 11

Lafayette, Little River, Miller, part of Hempstead, and part of Sevier

District 13

Columbia, Dallas, part of Clark, part of Grant, part of Nevada, and part ofOuachita
Hot Spring, part of Garland, part of Grant, and part of Saline

District 16

Newton, Pope, part of Boone, part of Carroll, and part of Van Buren

District 21

Part of Craighead

District 22

Mississippi, Poinsett, and part of Craighead

District 12District 23
District 25
District 26
District 27
District 28

Jackson, part of Cross, part of Lee, part of Monroe, part of St. Francis,
part of White, and part of Woodruff
Part of Arkansas, part of Desha, part of Jefferson, part of Lincoln, part ofMonroe, and part of Phillips
Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Drew, part of Cleveland, part of Desha, and partof Lincoln
Calhoun, Union, part of Cleveland, part of Grant, part of Jefferson, andpart of Ouachita
Prairie, part of Arkansas, part of Lonoke, part of Monroe, part of White,and part of Woodruff

District 29

Part of Faulkner, part of Lonoke, part of Pulaski, and part of WhiteDistrict 32

Part of Pulaski

District 34

Part of Pulaski

District composition is based on reporting from the Board of Apportionment.
34

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

State House Districts up for Election in 2020:
All 100 state house positions will be on the ballot in 2020 to be elected by district for a
two year term of office.
State House
Districts

Counties

District 1

Part of Miller

District 2

Part of Columbia, part of Lafayette, and part of Miller

District 3

Part of Hempstead and part of Nevada

District 4

Little River, part of Howard, and part of Sevier

District 5

Part of Columbia, part of Lafayette, part of Nevada, and part of Ouachita

District 6

Part of Columbia, part of Ouachita, and part of Union

District 7

Part of Calhoun, part of Ouachita, and part of Union

District 8

Bradley, part of Ashley, part of Calhoun, part of Cleveland, part of Dallas,
and part of Drew

District 9Part of Ashley and part of Drew

District 10

Part of Cleveland, part of Drew, part of Grant, part of Jefferson, and partof Lincoln

District 11

Chicot, part of Ashley, and part of Desha

District 12Phillips, part of Arkansas, part of Desha, and part of Lincoln

District 13

Part of Arkansas, part of Lonoke, part of Prairie, and part of WhiteDistrict 14

Part of Arkansas, part of Jefferson, part of Lonoke, part of Prairie, andpart of Pulaski

District 15

Part of Grant, part of Hot Spring and part of Jefferson

District 16Part of Jefferson and part of Lincoln

District 17Part of Jefferson

District 18
District 19

Part of Clark, part of Dallas, part of Garland, part of Hot Spring, and partof Nevada
Pike, part of Clark, part of Hempstead, part of Howard, and part of
NevadaDistrict 20

Part of Montgomery, part of Polk, and part of Sevier

District 21

Part of Garland, part of Montgomery, part of Perry, part of Polk, part of
Scott, part of Sebastian, and part of YellDistrict 22

Part of Garland and part of Saline

District 23

Part of Saline

District 24

Part of Garland

District composition is based on reporting from the Board of Apportionment.
35

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

State House
Districts

Counties

District 25

Part of Garland

District 26

Part of Garland and part of Hot Spring

District 27

Part of Pulaski and part of Saline

District 28

Part of Saline

District 29

Part of Pulaski

District 30

Part of Pulaski

District 31

Part of Pulaski and part of Saline

District 32

Part of Pulaski

District 33

Part of Pulaski

District 34

Part of Pulaski

District 35

Part of Pulaski

District 36

Part of Pulaski

District 37

Part of Pulaski

District 38

Part of Pulaski

District 39

Part of Pulaski

District 40

Part of Faulkner and part of Pulaski

District 41

Part of Pulaski

District 42

Part of Pulaski

District 43

Part of Lonoke

District 44

Part of Faulkner, part of Lonoke, and part of WhiteDistrict 45

Part of WhiteDistrict 46

Part of WhiteDistrict 47

Woodruff, part of Independence, part of Jackson, and part of WhiteDistrict 48

Lee, part of Monroe, and part of St. Francis

District 49

Part of Cross, part of Monroe, and part of St. Francis

District 50

Part of Crittenden and part of Cross

District 51

Part of Crittenden

District composition is based on reporting from the Board of Apportionment.
36

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

State House
Districts

Counties

District 52

Part of Craighead, part of Independence, part of Jackson, and part ofPoinsett

District 53

Part of Craighead

District 54

Part of Mississippi and part of Poinsett

District 55

Part of Crittenden and part of Mississippi

District 56

Clay, part of Greene, part of Lawrence, and part of Randolph

District 57

Part of Greene

District 58

Part of Craighead

District 59

Part of Craighead

District 60

Part of Greene, part of Lawrence, part of Randolph, and part of Sharp

District 61

Fulton, part of Baxter, part of Randolph, and part of Sharp

District 62

Izard, part of Independence, part of Sharp, and part of Stone

District 63

Part of IndependenceDistrict 64

Part of Baxter, part of Cleburne, part of Marion, part of Searcy, and part ofStone

District 65

Part of Conway and part of Perry

District 66

Part of Cleburne, part of Faulkner, and part of Van Buren

District 67

Part of Faulkner

District 68

Part of Pope and part of Van Buren

District 69

Johnson and part of Pope

District 70

Part of Faulkner, Part of Perry

District 71

Part of Pope

District 72

Part of Faulkner

District 73

Part of Conway, part of Perry, part of Pope, and part of YellDistrict 74

Logan, part of Franklin, part of Scott, and part of SebastianDistrict 75

Part of Crawford and part of SebastianDistrict 76

Part of SebastianDistrict 77

Part of SebastianDistrict 78

Part of SebastianDistrict composition is based on reporting from the Board of Apportionment.
37

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

State House
Districts

Counties

District 79

Part of Crawford, part of SebastianDistrict 80

Part of Crawford and part of Washington

District 81

Part of Crawford and part of Washington

District 82

Part of Crawford, part of Franklin, and part of Madison

District 83

Newton, part of Boone, part of Carroll, part of Pope, and part of Searcy

District 84

Part of Washington

District 85

Part of Washington

District 86

Part of Washington

District 87

Part of Benton and part of Washington

District 88

Part of Washington

District 89

Part of Washington

District 90

Part of Benton

District 91

Part of Benton

District 92

Part of Benton

District 93

Part of Benton

District 94

Part of Benton

District 95

Part of Benton

District 96

Part of Benton

District 97

Part of Carroll, part of Madison, and part of Washington

District 98

Part of Boone and part of Carroll

District 99

Part of Baxter, part of Boone, part of Marion, and part of Searcy

District 100

Part of Baxter

District composition is based on reporting from the Board of Apportionment.
38

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

Nonpartisan Judicial Offices [Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 9, §1; Amendment 80]
Supreme Court Positions up for Election in 2020:
The Supreme Court is composed of seven justices, one who serves as Chief Justice.
The Justices of the Supreme Court are selected from the State at large to an eight
year term of office.
One (1) position is up for election in 2020.
 Supreme Court Justice Position 4
Court of Appeals Positions up for Election in 2020:
The Court of Appeals is composed of 12 judges elected by district to an eight year
term of office.
Four (4) positions are up for election in 2020.
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District 2 Position 2
District 4 Position 1
District 4 Position 2
District 5

Districts
District 2

Counties
Baxter, Boone, Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Fulton, Independence, Izard,
Jackson, Lawrence, Marion, Newton, Pope, Randolph, Searcy, Sharp,
Stone, and Van Buren

District 4

Clark, Garland, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Howard, Little River, Logan, Miller,
Montgomery, Pike, Polk, Scott, Sebastian, Sevier, and YellDistrict 5

Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Cleveland, Columbia, Dallas, Drew, Grant,
Lafayette, Lincoln, Nevada, Ouachita, and Union

Circuit Court Positions up for Election in 2020:
There are 121 judges elected by judicial district to a six year term of office.
One hundred and five (105) positions are up for election in 2020.
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Circuit Judge, District 1, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 1, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 1, Division 05
Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 05
Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 07
Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 08,

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Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 09
Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 10
Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 11
Circuit Judge, District 2, Division 12*
Circuit Judge, District 3, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 3, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 3, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 4, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 4, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 4, Division 03

Source of Information: Administrative Office of the Court and Secretary of State’s office39

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

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Circuit Judge, District 4, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 4, Division 05
Circuit Judge, District 4, Division 08*
Circuit Judge, District 5, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 5, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 5, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 06
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 07
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 08
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 09
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 10
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 11
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 13
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 14
Circuit Judge, District 6, Division 15
Circuit Judge, District 7, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 7, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 8-North, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 8-North, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 8-South, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 8-South, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 8-South, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 9-East, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 9-West, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 9-West, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 10, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 10, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 10, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 11-East, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 11-West, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 11-West, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 11-West, Division 05
Circuit Judge, District 11-West, Division 06
Circuit Judge, District 12, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 12, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 12, Division 05
Circuit Judge, District 12, Division 06
Circuit Judge, District 12, Division 07*
Circuit Judge, District 13, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 13, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 13, Division 05
Circuit Judge, District 13, Division 06

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Circuit Judge, District 14, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 14, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 14, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 14, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 15, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 15, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 15, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 16, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 16, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 16, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 17, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 17, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 17, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 18-West, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 18- East, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 18- East, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 18- East, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 18- East, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 19-West, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 19-West, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 19-West, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 19-West, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 19-West, Division 05
Circuit Judge, District 19-West, Division 06
Circuit Judge, District 19-West, Division 07*
Circuit Judge, District 19- East, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 20, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 20, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 20, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 20, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 20, Division 05
Circuit Judge, District 21, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 21, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 21, Division 03*
Circuit Judge, District 22, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 22, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 22, Division 03
Circuit Judge, District 22, Division 04
Circuit Judge, District 23, Division 01
Circuit Judge, District 23, Division 02
Circuit Judge, District 23, Division 03* Created by Act 1003 of 2019

Source of Information: Administrative Office of the Court and Secretary of State’s office40

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

Districts

Counties

First Judicial District

Cross, Lee, Monroe, Phillips, St. Francis, and Woodruff

Second Judicial District

Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Greene, Mississippi, andPoinsett

Third Judicial District

Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, and Sharp

Fourth Judicial District

Madison and Washington

Fifth Judicial District

Franklin, Johnson, and Pope

Sixth Judicial District

Perry and Pulaski

Seventh Judicial District

Grant and Hot Spring

Eighth Judicial District-North

Hempstead and Nevada

Eighth Judicial District-South

Lafayette and Miller

Ninth Judicial District-East

Clark

Ninth Judicial District-West

Howard, Little River, Pike, and Sevier

Tenth Judicial District

Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, and Drew

Eleventh Judicial District-East

Arkansas

Eleventh Judicial District-WestJefferson and Lincoln

Twelfth Judicial District

SebastianThirteenth Judicial District

Calhoun, Cleveland, Columbia, Dallas, Ouachita, and Union

Fourteenth Judicial District

Baxter, Boone, Marion, and Newton

Fifteenth Judicial District

Conway, Logan, Scott, and Yell

Sixteenth Judicial District

Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, and Stone

Seventeenth Judicial District

Prairie and White

Eighteenth Judicial District-East

Garland

Eighteenth Judicial District-WestMontgomery and Polk

Nineteenth Judicial District-East

Carroll

Nineteenth Judicial District-West

BentonTwentieth Judicial District

Faulkner, Searcy, and Van Buren

Twenty-first Judicial District

Crawford

Twenty-second Judicial District

SalineTwenty-third Judicial District

Lonoke41

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

State District Court Positions up for Election in 2020:
State District Court judges are elected by district for a four year term of office. Sixty-six(66) district court positions will be on the 2020 ballot.
POSITION

DISTRICTDIVISION

AshleyDistrict 26

Bradley & Drew

District 28

Baxter & Marion

District 10

BentonDistrict 1

Division 1

BentonDistrict 1

Division 2

BentonDistrict 1

Division 3

BentonDistrict 1

Division 4

Boone, Newton & Searcy

District 4

Calhoun, Cleveland & Dallas

District 34

Carroll & Madison

District 3

Chicot & Desha

District 27

Clark

District 40

Clay & Greene

District 17

Cleburne

District 13

Columbia & Ouachita

District 39

Conway, Logan & YellDistrict 12

CraigheadDistrict 19

Division 1

CraigheadDistrict 19

Division 2

Crawford

District 5

Crittenden

District 21

Cross & St. Francis

District 25

Division 1

Cross & St. Francis

District 25

Division 2

Faulkner & Van Buren

District 9

Division 1

Faulkner & Van Buren

District 9

Division 2

Franklin & Johnson

District 7

GarlandDistrict 41

Department 1

GarlandDistrict 41

Department 2

Grant & Hot Spring

District 33

Hempstead & Nevada

District 38

IndependenceDistrict 14

Jackson & Woodruff

District 15

Jefferson & Lincoln

District 29

Division 1

Jefferson & Lincoln

District 29

Division 2

Jefferson & Lincoln

District 29

Division 3

Lawrence, Randolph & Sharp

District 11

Division 1

Lawrence, Randolph & Sharp

District 11

Division 2

Source of Information: Administrative Office of the Court and Secretary of State’s office42

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITIONPOSITION

DISTRICTDIVISION

Lee & Phillips

District 22

LonokeDistrict 30

Division 1

LonokeDistrict 30

Division 2

Miller & Lafayette

District 37

Mississippi

District 18

Chickasawba

Mississippi

District 18

OsceolaMontgomery, Polk & Scott

District 24

Poinsett

District 20

Pope

District 8

Pulaski & Perry

District 31

Jacksonville/Maumelle

Pulaski & Perry

District 31

Little Rock, Division 1

Pulaski & Perry

District 31

Pulaski & Perry

District 31

Little Rock, Division 2
Little Rock, Division 3 Wrightsville/Cammack Village

Pulaski & Perry

District 31

North Little Rock, Division 1

Pulaski & Perry

District 31

North Little Rock, Division 2

Pulaski & Perry

District 31

Pulaski County

Pulaski & Perry

District 31

Sherwood

SalineDistrict 32

Division 1

SalineDistrict 32

Division 2

SebastianDistrict 6

Fort Smith, Division 1

SebastianDistrict 6

Fort Smith, Division 2

SebastianDistrict 6

Fort Smith, Division 3

SebastianDistrict 6

Greenwood

Union

District 35

Washington

District 2

Division 1

Washington

District 2

Division 2

Washington

District 2

Division 3

Washington

District 2

Division 4

White & Prairie

District 23

Division 1

White & Prairie

District 23

Division 2

43

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITION

Local District Court Positions up for Election in 2020:
Local District Court judges are elected by district for a four year term of office. Eleven (11)local district court positions will be on the 2020 ballot.
POSITION

DIVISION

FILING FEE

Arkansas

North

3% of Salary

ArkansasSouth

3% of Salary

Fulton3% of Salary

Howard3% of Salary

Izard

3% of Salary

Little River

3% of Salary

MonroeBrinkley

3% of Salary

MonroeClarendon

3% of SalaryPike

3% of Salary

Sevier

3% of Salary

Stone

3% of Salary** Information regarding the salaries of each position listed is contained in Act 1064 of 2015.

Source of Information: Administrative Office of the Court and Secretary of State’s office44

OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION & DISTRICT COMPOSITIONPOLITICAL PRACTICES PLEDGE [A.C.A. §§7-6-102, 7-7-305 as amended by Act 527 of
2019]

Candidates for political party nomination for state, district, county, municipal, andtownship office, as well as independent and school board candidates are required to filea political practices pledge stating that he or she is familiar with the requirements of Ark.
Code Ann. §§7-1-103, 7-1-104, 7-3-108, and 7-6-101 through 7-6-104, and will in goodfaith, comply with their terms.
All political practices pledge forms shall be required to contain the pledge, “I hereby certifythat I have never been convicted of a felony in Arkansas or in any other jurisdiction outsideof Arkansas.” A candidate may certify that he or she has never been convicted of a felony
if his or her record was expunged in accordance with Ark. Code Ann. §§16-93-301
through 16-93-303, or a similar expunction statute in another state, provided, thecandidate presents a certificate of expunction from the court that convicted theprospective candidate.
The political practices pledge shall indicate the following information:• The name, district number, and position number of the office for which the candidate
seeks nomination or election.
• The printed form proposed by the candidate for his or her name (including surname)to appear on the ballot, together with the candidate’s full mailing address.
• The candidate’s signature and the date that he or she signed the political practices
pledge.
•Certification that the candidate has never been convicted of a felony.

The names and titles as proposed to be used by each candidate on the political practices
pledge (or if not filed by the filing deadline, the names and title that appear on the party
certificate) shall be reviewed by the Secretary of State for state and district offices and by
the county board of election commissioners for county, township, school, and municipal
offices.
A candidate shall not be permitted to change the certified form in which his or her namewill be printed on the ballot after the deadline for filing the political practices pledge.
ANY CANDIDATE WHO FAILS TO SIGN AND FILE THE POLITICAL PRACTICESPLEDGE SHALL NOT APPEAR ON THE BALLOT.

45

46

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSElectioneering at Polls
May a candidate or a candidate’s supporters campaign at a polling place whilevoting is taking place?
Campaigning is only allowed more than 100 feet from the primary exterior entrance
to the polling site used by voters. Candidates and their supporters may not post signs,
hand out campaign materials, solicit signatures on petitions, solicit charitable
contributions, wear campaign apparel or accessories, or do any electioneering of any
kind inside the 100’ boundary at a polling place on election day or during early voting.
[A.C.A. §§7-1-103(a)(9); 7-1-104(a)(7)]

May a candidate’s campaign post signs or electioneer at any location on theproperty outside the 100’ boundary?
Private property owners (churches, businesses) who allow their facilities to be usedas polls may restrict electioneering on their property, even outside the 100’ boundary.
Check with the property owner before posting signs or engaging in other types ofelectioneering on the property. (See, AG Opinion No. 2011-009)
Campaign Signs & Ads
Where on public property may campaign signs be posted?
Check with city and county government about ordinances or regulations about
posting campaign signs on street or road right of ways. Check with the highway
department regarding regulations of state highway right of ways. Campaign signs
cannot be placed on all public property so check with state, local or federal
governmental officials about posting signs on other types of public property.
What are the requirements for campaign advertisements and other materials?
The state election code requires that all literature mailed to electors and “articles,
statements, or communications appearing in any newspaper printed or circulated inthis state intended or calculated to influence the vote of any elector in any election
and for the publication of which a consideration is paid or to be paid shall clearly
contain the words ‘Paid Political Advertisement’, ‘Paid Political Ad’, or ‘Paid for by’
the candidate, committee, or person who paid for the message,” and also that all“articles, statements, or communications appearing in any radio, television, or any
other electronic medium intended or calculated to influence the vote of any elector inany election and for the publication of which a consideration is paid or to be paid shallclearly contain the words: (a) ‘Paid political advertisement’ or ‘paid political ad’; or (b)‘Paid for by’, ‘sponsored by’, or ‘furnished by’ the true sponsor of the advertisement.”
Campaign signs, campaign literature, and other printed campaign materials shallclearly contain the words “Paid for by” followed by the name of the political candidate,
political action committee, independent expenditure committee, or person who paid

47

for the sign, mailing, literature, or other printed material. [A.C.A. §7-1-103(7), §7-6-228 (c)(1),and Act 1058 of 2019]

Poll Watchers
May a candidate have a representative at polling places to observe voting andchallenge ineligible voters?
A candidate may have a poll watcher at each polling place on election day and during
early voting. Poll watchers may also attend absentee ballot processing and the counting
and tabulation of ballots. Poll watchers are persons who observe the election process
and can challenge the eligibility of voters at the polls on behalf of candidates, politicalparties and groups with an interest in measures on the ballot. The poll watcher
authorization form is found in this book and must be filed with the county clerk. Poll
watchers must present the poll watcher authorization form when entering the pollingplace. A candidate may designate the poll watcher to attend one or more polls during theelection. However, a candidate may have only one poll watcher in a poll at any given
time. In order to avoid delays, candidates should process poll watcher forms with thecounty clerk before election day. [A.C.A. §7-5-312]

Can a candidate be a poll watcher?
A candidate may not be a poll watcher at a polling place on election day. During earlyvoting, a candidate can be present to observe the voting process but not to challenge
voters. When the polls close a candidate may serve as a poll watcher for the purpose ofobserving the processing of absentee ballots and the counting and tabulation of all
ballots. A candidate may challenge the absentee ballots of ineligible voters during
processing. A candidate may also observe the counting and tabulation of ballots.
Candidates who observe early voting or serve as a poll watcher at absentee ballot voter
processing must present ID to an election official. [ A.C.A. §§7-5-312(a)(1); 7-5-413(d); 7-5-417;
Board of Election Commissioners Rules on Poll Watchers, Vote Challenges and Provisional Voting, §903]

Presence at Polls
How should a candidate who has non-election business at the courthouse (or apolling place that is also a business or government facility) while voting isoccurring conduct himself/herself?
Any person, including candidates, with non-election business in a polling place must not
linger in the voting room any longer than necessary to conduct her/his business andshould not do anything that might be construed as electioneering. Candidates should not
speak with voters standing in line. It is a crime to electioneer in any manner with persons
standing in line to vote inside or outside the courthouse. [A.C.A. §§7-1-103(a)(9)(B); 7-1104(a)(7); 7-5-310 as amended by Act 965 of 2019]

Can a candidate or a representative of a candidate go into a polling place to pickup voter data?
Generally, no, unless the “representative” is a credentialed poll watcher. The county
election commission has statutory discretion to allow other persons in the polling place.
Such arrangements should be worked out before the election. Anyone allowed in the poll
may not do anything to disrupt the conduct of the election. [A.C.A. §7-5-310]

48

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSAssisting Voters
May a candidate assist voters in marking and casting their ballots?
A candidate may only assist voters who are related to them within the second degreeof consanguinity.
Any voter who is unable to mark or cast a ballot without help may be assisted byeither two poll workers or any one person of the voter’s choice. The voter (not theassistant) must first notify the poll worker that he/she needs assistance. The assistantmust mark the ballot according to the voter’s wishes and without comment orinterpretation. It is a crime to assist more than six voters in any election. [A.C.A. §§7-5310 as amended by Act 965 of 2019; 7-1-103(a)(20)(C)]

Candidate’s Name on Ballot
How is the order that the names of candidates appear on the ballot determined?
The county board of election commissioners determines ballot positions for all offices
by lot after filing is complete. The date of the ballot draw will be published in a local
newspaper. Candidates are encouraged to attend this public meeting and should
contact the county election commission for information about the ballot draw.
[Generally, see A.C.A. §7-7-305(b)]What if there is a mistake in the way my name is printed on the ballot?
Candidates may attend the public testing of voting machines, and mistakes caught atthat time can usually be fixed. By attending the public testing, candidates can also
assure the accuracy of the machines. The dates and times of the public testing are
published in a local newspaper. Contact the election commission for more
information. If the mistake is on a printed ballot, submit an affidavit to the election
commission pointing out the mistake. The election commission must meet to either
resolve the mistake or state why the mistake cannot be fixed. [A.C.A. §7-5-209]

Election Official Conflicts
My opponent’s husband has been an election official in the past. Can a husband
serve as an election official in an election where the wife is on the ballot?
An election official whose spouse, child, parent, brother/sister, or grandparent is acandidate may be disqualified if challenged. The list of election day officials must be
posted in a public place in the County Clerk’s office no later than 15 days before theelection. The list of early voting election officials must be posted in a public place in
the County Clerk’s office no later than 15 days before the beginning of early voting.
Challenges must be made no later than 10 days after such posting. Contact theelection commission for the date of posting election officials. [A.C.A. §7-4-109(d), 7-5202(b)]49Recounts
How does a candidate ask for a recount?
The county board of election commissioners must conduct a recount for any
candidate who is dissatisfied with the results of an election and who asks for a
recount. [A.C.A. §7-5-319]
Generally, a candidate has two days to ask for a recount after the preliminary andunofficial results of the election are declared by the county election commission. Thisdeclaration usually is made on election night, so the deadline is usually the next
Thursday after the election.
However, if the number of outstanding military and overseas civilian ballots is enoughto potentially change the outcome of the election, a candidate may ask for a recountany time before the county election commission certifies the result of the election.
Note, that the military and overseas civilian absentee ballots that may be counted if
received after election day must arrive at the county clerk’s office by the tenth day
after the election. A candidate considering asking for a recount under thesecircumstances should be in frequent contact with the election commission regarding
its plans for certification.
The candidate bears the cost of the recount if the result of the election is not changed.
If the candidate wins as a result of the recount, the costs are refunded to thecandidate. The costs must be paid up front. The actual cost is not to exceed, $0.25
per vote cast in precincts where a recount is requested with a maximum cost of$2,500 per county. [A.C.A. §7-5-319]

Candidate Eligibility
What is the process for challenging a candidate based on eligibility?
During the party filing period, a party candidate is required to file an affidavit ofeligibility with the party stating that he or she is eligible to serve in the office sought.
[A.C.A. §§7-1-101(2); 7-7-301]

A.C.A. §7-5-805 addresses contests to the eligibility and qualifications of members of
the State Senate and State House of Representatives, which are ultimately decided
by the legislative body itself. Otherwise, any challenge of a candidate’s eligibility to
run for office would be decided in an election contest by a court of law.

50

SAMPLE FORMS & INSTRUCTIONSSAMPLE FORMS & INSTRUCTIONS
Poll Watcher Authorization Form
Affidavit of Eligibility
Notice of Candidacy for Independent and Write-In Candidates
Notice to Write-In Candidates
Statement of Candidacy Candidates for Director or Mayor forCity Administrator Form of Government
Independent Candidate Petition Affidavit
Independent Candidate Petition• President and Vice President• Federal/State/District Office• County/Township/Justice of the Peace
Nonpartisan Candidate Petition• Prosecuting Attorney• Justice of the Supreme Court• Court of Appeals• Circuit Court Judge• District Court
Mayor-Council Form of Government Petition of Nomination• Municipal Candidates Except Council Member• Council Member Candidates Elected by Ward
• Council Member Candidates Elected at Large
City Administrator Form of Government Petition of Nomination• Director• Mayor
City Manager Form of Government Petition of Nomination• Director• MayorSchool Board Candidate Petition• By Zone• At Large

IMPORTANT NOTICE
The form of petition for independent candidates and the signature collection affidavit for independent
candidates (except President/Vice President) are forms prescribed by the Secretary of State. All otherpetition forms and forms of other filing documents in this handbook are examples provided as aconvenience to potential candidates. Specific forms of these petitions and other filing documents are
not set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners
or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate such forms. These petitions are examples of formsof petition that may be accepted by the county clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State,State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission and the county clerks do not warrant thatthese forms of petition would be found sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
**However, candidates may choose to contact the Secretary of State for suggestions on size and format ofpetition pages.

51

SAMPLE FORMS & INSTRUCTIONSThis Page Intentionally Blank

52

POLL WATCHER AUTHORIZATION FORM
[A.C.A. §7-5-312/Act 224 of 2007]

Representative of a Candidate
I, __________________________________________________, state that I am a candidate for the officeof _____________________________ in the _____________________________ election. I further statethat I have designated _____________________________ as my authorized representative at the election
at polling sites_______________________________________ and absentee ballot processing sites_________________________________________ in _________________________________________County, Arkansas, to observe and ascertain the identity of persons presenting themselves to vote in personor by absentee for the purpose of challenging any voter in accordance with Arkansas Code §§7-5-312, 7-5416, and 7-5-417. I further state that I have designated and authorized my representative named above tobe present at the ballot counting locations at _______________________________________ in__________________________________ County, Arkansas, for the purpose of witnessing the counting ofballots by election officials and determining whether ballots are fairly and accurately counted in accordancewith Arkansas Code §§7-5-312, 7-5-316, 7-5-413, 7-5-416, 7-5-527, and 7-5-615.
Representative of a GroupI, ___________________________________________________________, state that I represent the______________________________________ group which is seeking passage/defeat (circle one) of theballot measure entitled __________________________________________________ on the ballot in the_____________________________ election at polling sites _____________________________ andabsentee ballot processing sites ________________________________________________________in_____________________________ County, Arkansas, to observe and ascertain the identity of personspresenting themselves to vote in person or by absentee for the purpose of challenging any voter in accordancewith Arkansas Code §§7-5-312, 7-5-416 and 7-5-417.
Representative of a Party
I, _____________________________________________, state that I am the chairman or secretary of thestate/county (circle one) committee for the _____________________________ party with candidates on theballot in the __________________________________ election. I further state that I have designated_____________________________________ as an authorized party representative at the election at pollingsites ______________________________________ and absentee ballot processing sites_____________________________ in _____________________________ County, Arkansas, to observe
and ascertain the identity of persons presenting themselves to vote in person or by absentee for the purposeof challenging any voter in accordance with Arkansas Code §§7-5-312, 7-5-416, and 7-5-417. I further statethat I have designated and authorized my representative named above to be present at the ballot counting
locations at _____________________________ in _____________________________ County, Arkansas,
for the purpose of witnessing the counting of ballots by election officials and determining whether ballots
are fairly and accurately counted in accordance with Arkansas Code §§7-5-312, 7-5-316, 7-5-413, 7-5-416,
7-5-527, and 7-5-615.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Candidate, Group Representative, or Chairman/Secretary of the State/County Committee

Acknowledged before me this _____ day of _______________________, 20 __.
Notary Public: __________________________________ My Commission Expires: __________
I do hereby state that I am familiar with the rights and responsibilities of a poll watcher as outlined on the back of the poll
watcher authorization form and will in good faith comply with the provisions of same.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Poll Watcher
Acknowledged before me this _____ day of _______________________, 20 __.
Notary Public: __________________________________ My Commission Expires: __________

I do hereby acknowledge filing this poll watcher authorization form with the county clerk’s office.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
53
Signature of County Clerk

53

POLL WATCHER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIESA poll watcher may be:1) A candidate in person, but only during the counting and tabulation of ballots and the processing of absentee
ballots;
2) An authorized representative of a candidate;3) An authorized representative of a group seeking the passage or defeat of a measure on the ballot; or4) An authorized representative of a party with a candidate on the ballot.
Official recognition of poll watchers:
1) Only one (1) authorized poll watcher per candidate, group, or party at any one (1) given time may be officiallyrecognized as a poll watcher at each location within a polling site where voters identify themselves to election
officials;
2) Only one (1) authorized poll watcher per candidate, group, or party at any one (1) given time may be officiallyrecognized as a poll watcher at each location within the absentee ballot processing site where absentee ballots
are processed; and
3) Only one (1) authorized poll watcher per candidate or party at any one (1) given time may be officiallyrecognized as a poll watcher at the counting of the ballots.
Poll watcher credentials:
1) Except for candidates in person, poll watchers must present a valid affidavit in the form of a “Poll Watcher
Authorization Form” to an election official immediately upon entering the polling or counting location.
2) Candidates in person attending a counting site or absentee ballot processing site are not required to present a“Poll Watcher Authorization Form” but must present some form of identification to an election official
immediately upon entering the site for the purpose of confirming the poll watcher as a candidate on the ballot.
Poll watchers may:
1) Observe the election officials;
2) Stand close enough to the place where voters check in to vote so as to hear the voter’s name;3) Compile lists of persons voting;4) Challenge ballots upon notification to an election official before the voter signs the precinct voter registration
list and upon completing a “Challenged Ballot Form”;
5) Call to the attention of the election sheriff any occurrence believed to be an irregularity or violation of election
law. The poll watcher may not discuss the occurrence unless the election sheriff invites the discussion; and
6) Be present at the opening, processing, and canvassing of absentee ballots for the purpose of challenging
absentee votes in the manner provided by law for personal voting challenges.
Poll watchers representing a candidate or political party may:
1) Remain at the polling site after the poll closes if ballots are counted at the poll;2) Be present at the counting of votes by hand or by an electronic vote tabulating device at a central location;3) Be present at the counting of absentee ballots for the purpose of witnessing the counting of ballots by election
officials and determining whether ballots are fairly and accurately counted; and
4) Upon request made to an election official, inspect any or all ballots at the time the ballots are being counted.
Poll watchers may not:1) Be within six feet (6’) of any voting machine or booth used by voters to cast their ballot;2) Speak to any voter or in any way attempt to influence a voter inside the polling site or within one hundred feet(100’) of the primary exterior entrance used by voters to the building containing the polling site; or
3) Disrupt the orderly conduct of the election.
54

AFFIDAVIT OF ELIGIBILITY
Instructions
On the first line, print your nameOn the second line, state the name of the office sought. List the county, city, school district or otherjurisdiction of the position sought, except for state offices.
Examples:- Council Member, City of Bigtown;- Littletown School District Board of Directors;- Red Wolf County Justice of the Peace;- State Representative;- Constable of Mudpuddle TownshipOn the third line, if applicable, state the district, ward or zone of the position sought.
Examples:- A Council Member candidate for Bigtown Ward 1 would state “Ward 1” on this line;- A Littletown School board candidate for zone 1 (some, but not all, school districts electtheir board members by zone) would state “Zone 1” on this line;- A JP candidate for district 1 would state “District 1” on this line.
On the fourth line state the position number, if applicable, or any other identifying information.
Examples:- A candidate for Bigtown Council Member Ward 2, Position 1 would state “1”;- A candidate for Littletown School District Board of Directors position 2 would state “2”;- A candidate for Littletown School district at-large position 1 (if there is a combination ofzone and multiple at-large seats) would state “1”;- A candidate for State Representative District 52 would state “52”;- If the position number is not known or cannot be determined the position can be identified
by, for instance, naming the incumbent or providing other information.
Before a notary public, sign your name in the space provided.
Write the address of your residence in the space provided.
Have the affidavit verified by the notary public, or other officer authorized to administer oaths, infront of whom the candidate signed her name.
Candidates for school board, independent candidates for municipal offices and independent
and write-in candidates for state, United States House and Senate seats, county and townshipoffices must file an affidavit of eligibility with each county clerk. Not required for
nonpartisan judicial candidates. Notice must also be provided to each County Board ofElection Commissioners.

55

AFFIDAVIT OF ELIGIBILITY
My name is (print): ___________________________________________________________________I am aware of the requirements for holding office. I further attest that I am eligible to hold the following
office, if elected to this office. I am also aware of the limitations on filling for multiple offices in thesame election.
Position: ____________________________________________________________________________
District/ Division/ Ward/ Zone (if applicable): ______________________________________________
Position Number or other description (if applicable): _________________________________________
By my signature below, I swear or affirm that the above statements are true and complete.

Signature of Candidate

Residential Address of Candidate (Street)

City, State, Zip CodeVERIFICATIONState of Arkansas)
County of _____________________ )On this _____ day of ________, 20___, before me, a Notary Public, duly authorized and acting,personally appeared ___________________________________________(name of Candidate),
known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within
instrument and acknowledged that he/she executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and official seal on the date set forth above.

_________________________________________
Notary Public (or other authorized officer)
My commission expires: ____________________
56[Notary Seal]NOTICE OF CANDIDACY
FOR INDEPENDENT AND WRITE-IN CANDIDATES
Pursuant to A.C.A. § 7-7-103 and § 7-5-205

I,, do hereby give notice of myintention to file as an independent or write-in candidate without party affiliation for theoffice of:
Position: ______________________________________________________________________
District/ Division/ Ward/ Zone (if applicable): ________________________________________
Position Number or other description (if applicable): ___________________________________
in the election to be held on ______________________________________________________.

Signature of Candidate

Date Filed

Printed Name of Candidate

Address

City, State, Zip CodeAn independent candidate shall state the same position including the position number, ifany, on his or her petitions. Ark. Code Ann. § 7-7-103.
Write-in Candidates are additionally required to notify each County Board of Election
Commissioners in a timely manner, Ark. Code Ann. § 7-5-205(1); and file such noticewith the respective County Clerk(s), or Secretary of State, in a timely manner.
57

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58

NOTICE TO WRITE-IN CANDIDATES
Notification to County Boards of Election Commissioners Required
Votes for write-in candidates shall not be counted unless the write-in candidate notifies, inwriting, the county board of election commissioners of EACH county in which the candidate
seeks election. See Ark. Code Ann. § 7-5-205. A copy of the written notification which isprovided to the county boards should also be filed with the Secretary of State if running for U.S.
Senate, U.S. House or ANY state or district office during the applicable Party Filing Period; acopy of the written notification should also be filed with each County Clerk.
The text of Ark. Code Ann. § 7-5-205 (as amended) states:
No votes for write-in candidates shall be counted or tabulated unless:(1) The candidate notifies in writing the county board of election commissionersof each county in which the candidate seeks election at least ninety (90) days prior
to the election and files the notice with either:(A) The Secretary of State, if a candidate for United States Senate, UnitedStates House of Representatives, or any state or district office; or(B) The county clerk if a candidate for a county or township office;(2) The candidate files with the county clerk or the Secretary of State, as
required, a political practices pledge and an affidavit of eligibility for the office atthe same time the candidate files his or her notice of write-in candidacy;(3) The notice of write-in candidacy, the political practices pledge, and theaffidavit of eligibility are filed no later than the last day of the party filing period;and(4) The name written on the ballot is the same name listed on the write-incandidate's political practices pledge, except that any abbreviation, misspelling, orother minor variation in the form of the name of the candidate shall be
disregarded if the intention of the voter may be ascertained.
By my signature below, I __________________________________________________, hereby
acknowledge that I received a copy of this Notice to Write-In Candidates when I filed myPolitical Practices Pledge, Notice of Candidacy and Affidavit of Eligibility with the Arkansas
Secretary of State, and acknowledge that I have provided the Secretary of State a true and correct
copy of the Notice that I will provide (or have already provided) to each County Board ofElection Commissioners, and each County Clerk where I am running for office.
_____________________________________
Candidate Signature________________________
Date
59

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60

STATEMENT OF CANDIDACYCANDIDATES FOR DIRECTOR OR MAYOR
CITY ADMINISTRATOR FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Pursuant to A.C.A. §14-48-109(a)(3)

STATE OF ARKANSAS
COUNTY OF __________________

I, ______________________________________________ , being first duly sworn state that I
reside at ________________________________Street, City of _________________________,County and State aforesaid; that I am a qualified elector of said city and the ward in which I reside;that I am a candidate for nomination to the office of _____________________________, to bevoted on at the primary election to be held on the __ day of ___________, 20___, and I hereby
request that my name be placed upon the official primary election ballot by nomination for suchprimary election for such office and I herewith deposit the sum of ten dollars ($10.00), the fee
prescribed by law.

______________________________________
Signature of Candidate______________________________________
Printed Name of Candidate

Revised 9/5/2013

61

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62

Independent Candidate Petition Affidavit
Ark. Code Ann. § 7-7-103(b)Name of Candidate: ___________________________________________________________________
Position: ____________________________________________________________________________
District/ Division/ Ward/ Zone (if applicable):_______________________________________________
Position Number or other description (if applicable): _________________________________________
Candidate hereby swears (or affirms) to the following regarding Candidate’s petitions:
The signatures were not collected for a period over ninety (90) days prior to
the date of this submission; andThe signatures were collected and the petition was executed and submitted
in compliance with the law, on the form prescribed by the Secretaryof State; andThe beginning and ending dates for collection of the signatures on mypetitions are those indicated below on this Affidavit:
Petition signatures were collected between ___________________ and ____________________.
(mm/dd/yyyy)(mm/dd/yyyy)_______________________________
Independent Candidate Signature
VERIFICATIONState of Arkansas)
County of _____________________ )On this _____ day of ________, 20___, before me, a Notary Public, duly authorized and acting,personally appeared ___________________________________________(name of Candidate),
known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within
instrument and acknowledged that he/she executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and official seal on the date set forth above.
_____________________________________

Notary Public (or other authorized officer)

My commission expires: ________________

Rev. 8/15[NOTARY SEAL ABOVE]

63

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64

(Sample Petition)
Independent Candidate
President and Vice President

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________
By______Date__________

TO: The Honorable John Thurston, Secretary of State
State Capitol, Room 026
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094
We, the undersigned qualified electors, propose that _____________________________________________________________ and(Name of Presidential Candidate)_____________________________________________________________be placed on the ballot as Independent Candidates for the Office(Name of Vice Presidential Candidate)of President and Vice President, respectively, in the General Election to be held on ____________________________________. Each of us for himself or
herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas, and my printed name, date of birth, residence, city or
town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.
Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State Board ofElection Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would be found sufficient by a court of law
if subjected to a legal challenge.
***IT IS SUGGESTED THAT CANDIDATES USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND ENLARGE THE DATE OF BIRTH FIELD IF POSSIBLE.***

65

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66

Petition
Independent Candidate
Federal/State/District Office

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable John Thurston, Secretary of State
State Capitol, Room 026
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094
We, the undersigned qualified electors propose that _____________________________________________________________________________________(Name)

be placed on the ballot as an Independent Candidate for the Office of____________________________________, District (if applicable) ______________,
Position______________ in the General Election to be held on ____________________________________. Each of us for himself or herself says: I havepersonally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas and the designated district to be represented, and my printed name, dateof birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.
Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Pursuant to Act 340 of 2015, this petition page format, on legal size paper, is prescribed by the Secretary of State. Arkansas Code Annotated §7-7-103 (as amended).

67

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68

Petition
Independent Candidate
County/Township/Justice of the Peace
TO: The Honorable County Clerk of __________________________ County

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

We, the undersigned qualified electors, propose that ___________________________________________________________________________________(Name/Title as proposed to appear on the ballot)

be placed on the ballot as an Independent Candidate for the Office of __________________________________, District (if applicable) _________________,
Position___________ in the General Election to be held on __________________________________. Each of us for himself or herself says: I havepersonally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas and the designated county, township, or district to be represented, and my
printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Pursuant to Act 340 of 2015, this petition page format, on legal size paper, is prescribed by the Secretary of State. Arkansas Code Annotated §7-7-103 (as amended).

69

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70

(Sample Petition)
Prosecuting Attorney Candidate
TO: The Honorable John Thurston, Secretary of State
State Capitol, Room 026
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

We, the undersigned qualified electors, propose that _________________________________________________________(Name)

be placed on the ballot as a Candidate for the Office of Prosecuting Attorney, District___________ in the Nonpartisan General Election to be held on____________________________________. Each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of theState of Arkansas, and my printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE**

71

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72

(Sample Petition)

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Judicial Candidate
Justice of the Supreme Court_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable John Thurston, Secretary of State
State Capitol, Room 026
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094
We, the undersigned qualified electors, propose that _________________________________________________________(Name)

be placed on the ballot as a Candidate for the Office of Supreme Court Justice, Position ______________________ in the Nonpartisan General Election to
be held on ____________________________________. Each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registeredvoter of the State of Arkansas, and my printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written after mysignature.
Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***73

This Page Intentionally Blank

74

(Sample Petition)
Judicial Candidate
Court of Appeals

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable John Thurston, Secretary of State
State Capitol, Room 026
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094
We, the undersigned qualified electors, propose that _________________________________________________________(Name)

be placed on the ballot as a Candidate for the Office of Court of Appeals Judge, District _________, Position ________ in the Nonpartisan General
Election to be held on _________________________________. Each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am aregistered voter of the State of Arkansas and the designated district to be represented, and my printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town ofresidence, and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***75

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76

(Sample Petition)

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Judicial Candidate
Circuit Court Judge_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable John Thurston, Secretary of State
State Capitol, Room 026
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094

We, the undersigned qualified electors propose that _____________________________________________________________(Name)

be placed on the ballot as a Candidate for the Office of Circuit Court Judge, Judicial District ___________, Division ___________, Subdistrict __________(if applicable) in the Nonpartisan General Election to be held on ______________________________________________. Each of us for himself or herself
says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas and the designated district and/or subdistrict to be
represented, and my printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***77

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78

(Sample Petition)
Judicial Candidate
District Court

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable John Thurston, Secretary of State
State Capitol, Room 026
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1094

We, the undersigned qualified electors propose that _____________________________________________________________(Name)

be placed on the ballot as a Candidate for the Office of District Court Judge, District ____________, Department ________________ (if applicable),
Position____________, (if applicable) in the Nonpartisan General Election to be held on ________________________________________________. Eachof us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas and the designated district to be
represented, and my printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***79

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80

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________(Sample Petition of Nomination)

By______ Date__________
Mayor – Council Form of Government
Municipal Candidates for Incorporated Towns (all positions),
st
Cities of the 1 Class (except council member) and Cities of the 2nd Class (except council member)
TO: The Honorable County Clerk of _______________________ County
We, the undersigned qualified electors of the city (town) of __________________________________, Arkansas, being in number not less than ten (10) for
incorporated towns and cities of the 2nd class, and not less than thirty (30) for cities of the 1st class, do hereby petition that the name of _________________________________________________ be placed on the ballot for the office of _______________________________, Position _________ (If running asa candidate for council member in an incorporated town), at the next election of municipal officials in 20_________. Each of us for himself or herself
says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas and the designated city to be represented. My printed name,date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.
Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***81

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82

(Sample Petition of Nomination)
Mayor – Council Form of Government
Council Member Candidates Elected by Ward inCities of the 1st Class and Cities of the 2nd ClassFOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable County Clerk of _______________________ County
We, the undersigned qualified electors of Ward _________ of the city of __________________________________________, Arkansas, being in number notless than ten (10) for cities of the 2nd class, and not less than thirty (30) for cities of the 1st class, do hereby petition that the name of______________________________ be placed on the ballot for the office of Council Member, Ward ___________________, Position_______________________, at the next election of municipal officials in 20__________. Each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed
this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas and the designated ward to be represented and my printed name, date of birth, residence,city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***83

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84

(Sample Petition of Nomination)
Mayor – Council Form of Government
Council Member Candidates Elected At Large inCities of the 1st Class and Cities of the 2nd ClassFOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable County Clerk of _______________________ County
We, the undersigned qualified electors of the city of _______________________________________________________, Arkansas, being in number notless than ten (10) for cities of the 2nd class, and not less than thirty (30) for cities of the 1st class, do hereby petition that the name of______________________________________________ be placed on the ballot for the office of Council Member, Ward __________, Position____________, at the next election of municipal officials in 20____. Each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am aregistered voter of the State of Arkansas and the designated city to be represented. My printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence,and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***85

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86

(Sample Petition of Nomination)

FOR OFFICE USE ONLYCity Administrator Form of Government
Candidates for Director_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable City Clerk of _______________________The undersigned, duly qualified electors of the City of _______________________, Arkansas, each signer hereof residing at the address set opposite hisor her signature, hereby request that the name_____________________________________ be placed on the ballot as a candidate for election to Position
No. ___ on the Board of Directors of said City of ________________________________ at the election to be held in such City on the ____ day of________________, 20__. We further state that we know said person to be a qualified elector of said City and a person of good moral character andqualified in our judgment for the duties of such office. Each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registeredvoter of the State of Arkansas and the designated city to be represented. My printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and dateof signing are correctly written after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***87

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88

(Sample Petition of Nomination)

FOR OFFICE USE ONLYCity Administrator Form of Government
Candidates for Mayor_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable City Clerk of _______________________The undersigned, duly qualified electors of the City of _______________________, Arkansas, each signer hereof residing at the address set opposite hisor her signature, hereby request that the name_____________________________________ be placed on the ballot as a candidate for election to the
Position of Mayor of said City of ________________________________ at the election to be held in such City on the ____ day of ________________, 20__.
We further state that we know said person to be a qualified elector of said City and a person of good moral character and qualified in our judgment forthe duties of such office. Each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas
and the designated city to be represented. My printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written
after my signature.
Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***89

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90

(Sample Petition of Nomination)

FOR OFFICE USE ONLYCity Manager Form of Government
Candidates for Director_______Valid of ________

By______ Date__________
TO: The Honorable City Clerk of _______________________The undersigned, duly qualified electors of the City of _______________________, Arkansas, each signer hereof residing at the address set opposite hisor her signature, hereby request that the name_____________________________________ be placed on the ballot as a candidate for election to Position
No. ___ on the Board of Directors of said City of ________________________________ at the election to be held in such City on the ____ day of________________, 20__ We further state that we know said person to be a qualified elector of said City and a person of good moral character andqualified in our judgment for the duties of such office. Each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registeredvoter of the State of Arkansas and the designated city to be represented. My printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and dateof signing are correctly written after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***91

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92

(Sample Petition of Nomination)
City Manager Form of Government
Candidates for Mayor

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________

By______ Date__________
TO: The Honorable City Clerk of _______________________The undersigned, duly qualified electors of the City of _______________________, Arkansas, each signer hereof residing at the address set opposite hisor her signature, hereby request that the name_____________________________________ be placed on the ballot as a candidate for election to the
Position of Mayor of said City of ________________________________ at the election to be held in such City on the ____ day of ________________, 20__
We further state that we know said person to be a qualified elector of said City and a person of good moral character and qualified in our judgment forthe duties of such office. Each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas
and the designated city to be represented. My printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written
after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***93

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94

(Sample Petition)
School Board Candidate by Zone

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable County Clerk of _______________________ County
We, the undersigned qualified electors, propose that ____________________________________________________________________________________(Name/Title as proposed to appear on the ballot)

whose address is __________________________________________________________________, Arkansas, be placed on the ballot as a Candidate for the
Board of Directors of School District _________, Position _________, Zone __________ in the School Board Election to be held on __________________.
Each of us for himself or herself says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas and a resident of the school
district and electoral zone to be represented, and my printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly
written after my signature.

Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***95

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96

(Sample Petition)
School Board Candidate At Large

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY_______Valid of ________
By______ Date__________

TO: The Honorable County Clerk of _______________________ County
We, the undersigned qualified electors, propose that __________________________________________________________________________________(Name/Title as proposed to appear on the ballot)

whose address is _______________________________________________________ be placed on the ballot as a Candidate for the Board of Directors of
School District _________, Position _________ in the School Board Election to be held on ______________________. Each of us for himself or herself
says: I have personally signed this petition; I am a registered voter of the State of Arkansas and a resident of the school district to be represented, andmy printed name, date of birth, residence, city or town of residence, and date of signing are correctly written after my signature.
Signature

Printed Name

Date
of
Birth

Residence(Street Address)

City or
Town ofResidence

Dateof
Signing

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This example of a form of petition is provided as a convenience to potential candidates. No form of petition for this office is set out in the Arkansas Code, nor is the Secretary of State, State
Board of Election Commissioners, or Ethics Commission authorized to promulgate a form of petition. This petition is an example of a form of petition that may be accepted by the county
clerk or the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State, State Board of Election Commissioners, Ethics Commission, and the county clerks do not warrant that this form of petition would befound sufficient by a court of law if subjected to a legal challenge.
***THE SECRETARY OF STATE ASKS ALL CANDIDATES TO USE LEGAL SIZE PAPER AND TO ENLARGE THE DoB FIELD IF POSSIBLE***97

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98

ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION
501 Woodlane Street, Suite 301N
Post Office Box 1917
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1917(501) 324-9600 Fax (501) 324-9606
Toll Free (800) 422-7773
www.arkansasethics.com

Tony Juneau
Chairman

Ashley Driver Younger
Vice Chairman

Alice Eastwood
Lori Klein
Sybil Jordan Hampton

Graham F. Sloan
Director

Jill Rogers Barham
Drew Blankenship
Raymond Boyles
Staff Attorneys

Dona Bowry
Julie Bauser

Commissioners

Directors of Compliance
Commissioners

2020 REPORTING CALENDAR
FOR CANDIDATES FOR STATE OR DISTRICT OFFICE
A candidate is not required to file any quarterly, monthly or preelection reports until the candidate has either received
contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500). Final reports are required regardless ofwhether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500).

October 15, 2019

Quarterly report for 3rd quarter of 2019 due. Covers period July 1, 2019 – September 30, 2019.*

November 15, 2019 October monthly report due. Covers period October 1-31.*
November 18, 2019 Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2018 due from non-incumbent candidates.
December 16, 2019 November monthly report due. Covers period November 1-30.*
January 15, 2020

December monthly report due. Covers period December 1-31.*

January 31, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from all incumbent officeholders and nonincumbent candidates.
(NOTE: Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-701, a non-incumbent candidate is required to file aStatement of Financial Interest for 2019 no later than the first Monday following the close of theperiod to file as a candidate. This date varies depending upon the particular method used by thecandidate to get his or her name placed on the ballot.)

February 17, 2020

January monthly report due. Covers period January 1-31.*

February 25, 2020

If opposed in primary, preelection report due for primary election. Covers period Feb. 1-22.*

March 3, 2020

Primary Election

March 16, 2020

If unopposed in primary or did not participate in primary, February monthly report due. Covers
period February 1-29.*

March 31, 2020

† Primary Election Runoff* If this is candidate’s first report, it covers all campaign activity which has occurred through the closing date of the reporting period.
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2020 Reporting Calendar – Candidates for State or District Office
Page 2

IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A PRIMARY ELECTION RUNOFF, TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ARE DUE.
March 24, 2020

Preelection report due for primary election runoff. Covers period March 4-21.

April 30, 2020

Final report due for primary election runoff. Covers period March 22-31 or, if candidate
lost election, March 22 through the date the report is filed.

April 15, 2020

If candidate did not participate in primary, March monthly report due. Covers period March 1-31.*

April 30, 2020

Final report due for primary election. If candidate was unopposed in primary election, report covers
March 1-3.* If candidate was opposed in primary election, report covers February 23-March 3 or, if
candidate lost election, February 23 through the date the report is filed.*

May 15, 2020

April monthly report due. If candidate did not participate in primary April monthly report covers
period April 1-30.* If candidate participated in primary, but was not involved in a primary election
runoff, April monthly report covers March 4-April 30. ** If candidate was involved in a primaryelection runoff, April monthly report covers April 1-30. **June 15, 2020

May monthly report due. Covers period May 1-31.*

July 15, 2020

June monthly report due. Covers period June 1-30.*

August 17, 2020

July monthly report due. Covers period July 1-31.*

September 15, 2020 August monthly report due. Covers period August 1-31.*
October 15, 2020

September monthly report due. Covers period September 1-30.*

October 27, 2020

If opposed in general election, preelection report is due. Covers period October 1-24.*

November 3, 2020 General Election
November 16, 2020 If unopposed in general election, October monthly report due. Covers period October 1-31.*
December 1, 2020†† Special Runoff Election pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-5-704 (i.e., general election runoff)†† IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A SPECIAL RUNOFF ELECTION, TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ARE DUE.
November 24, 2020 Preelection report due for special runoff election. Covers period November 4-21.
February 1, 2021

Final report due for special runoff election. Covers period November 22 through thedate the report is filed.

December 30, 2020 Final report due for general election. If candidate was unopposed in the general election, final reportfor general election covers November 1 through the date the report is filed.** If candidate was
opposed in the general election and was not involved in a special runoff election, final report for
general election covers October 25 through the date the report is filed.** If candidate was involvedin a special runoff election, final report for general election covers October 25- November 3.**
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2020 Reporting Calendar – Candidates for State or District Office
Page 3* If this is candidate’s first report, it covers all campaign activity which has occurred through the closing date of the reporting period.
** If this is candidate’s first report since final report for primary election, it covers all campaign activity which has occurred May 23 through theclosing date of the reporting period.

Please note:
1.
Reports must be filed with the Secretary of State.
2.

Pursuant to Act 318 of 2017, campaign contributions and expenditure reports filed with the Secretary of State underArk. Code Ann. § 7-6-207 are required to be filed in electronic form through the official website of the Secretary of State.

3.

In calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made for purposes of determining whether acandidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), the payment of thefiling fee from the candidate’s personal funds shall not be considered as either a contribution or an expenditure. Oncethe five hundred dollar ($500) threshold has been met, a candidate who has used his or her personal funds to pay thefiling fee is required to report same. Such a candidate would report the funds used to pay the filing fee as either a loan ora contribution to the campaign from the candidate and also as a campaign expenditure.

4.

All candidates are required to file a final report for an election regardless of whether or not they were opposed in theelection.

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102

ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION
Tony Juneau
Chairman

Ashley Driver Younger
Vice Chairman

Alice Eastwood
Lori Klein
Sybil Jordan Hampton

501 Woodlane Street, Suite 301N
Post Office Box 1917
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1917(501) 324-9600 Fax (501) 324-9606
Toll Free (800) 422-7773
www.arkansasethics.com

Graham F. Sloan
Director

Jill Rogers Barham
Drew Blankenship
Raymond Boyles
Staff Attorneys

Dona Bowry
Julie Bauser

Commissioners

Directors of Compliance
Commissioners

2020 REPORTING CALENDARCANDIDATES FOR THE NONPARTISAN OFFICES OF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME
COURT, JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, CIRCUIT JUDGE, DISTRICT JUDGE, AND
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
A candidate is not required to file any quarterly, monthly or preelection reports until the candidate has either received
contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500). Final reports are required regardlessof whether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500).

September 23, 2019

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2018 due from non-incumbent candidates whosenames have been placed on the ballot pursuant to the provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 7-10-103(c).

October 15, 2019

Quarterly report for 3rd quarter of 2019 due from all candidates. Covers period July 1 –September 30, 2019.* (NOTE: Pursuant to Rule 4.4(B)(2) of the Arkansas Code of Judicial
Conduct, the earliest date the campaign committee of a candidate for Supreme Court, Court ofAppeals, Circuit Court, or District Court may solicit or accept contributions is September 5, 2019.)

November 15, 2019

October monthly report due from candidates whose names have been placed on the ballot
pursuant to the filing fee provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 7-10-103(b). Covers period October 131.*

November 18, 2019

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2018 due from non-incumbent candidates whosenames have been placed on the ballot pursuant to the filing fee provisions of Ark. Code Ann.
§ 7-10-103(b).

December 16, 2019

November monthly report due from candidates whose names have been placed on the ballot
pursuant to the filing fee provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 7-10-103(b). Covers period
November 1-30.*

December 16, 2019

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2018 due from non-incumbent candidates whosenames have been placed on the ballot pursuant to the write-in candidate provisions of Ark. CodeAnn. § 7-10-103(d).

January 15, 2020

December monthly report due from candidates whose names have been placed on the ballot
pursuant to the filing fee provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 7-10-103(b). Covers period December
1-31.** If this is candidate’s first report, it covers all campaign activity which has occurred through the closing date of the reporting period.
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2020 Reporting Calendar – Candidates for Nonpartisan Offices of Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of
the Court of Appeals, Circuit Judge, District Judge, and Prosecuting Attorney
Page 2January 15, 2020

Quarterly report for 4th quarter due from candidates whose names have been placed on the ballot
pursuant to the petition provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 7-10-103(c) or the write-in candidate
provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 7-10-103(d). Covers period October 1 – December 31, 2019.

January 31, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from all incumbent officeholders andnon-incumbent candidates.

February 17, 2020

January monthly report due from all candidates. Covers period January 1-31.*

February 25, 2020

If opposed in general election, preelection report due for general election. Covers period Feb. 122.*

March 3, 2020

General Election

March 16, 2020

If unopposed in general election, February monthly report due. Covers period February 1-29.*

April 30, 2020

Final report due from all candidates for general election.
If the candidate was opposed and filed a preelection report for the general election and the candidate
is not involved in a general election runoff, final report for general election covers period February
23 through the date the report is filed.*
If the candidate was opposed and filed a preelection report for the general election and the candidate
is involved in a general election runoff, final report for the general election covers period February
23-March 3.*
If the candidate was opposed and did not file a preelection report for the general election and thecandidate is not involved in a general election runoff, final report for general election covers all
campaign activity which has not been disclosed on reports previously required to be filed throughthe date the report is filed.*
If the candidate was opposed and did not file a preelection report for the general election and thecandidate is involved in a general election runoff, final report for general election covers all
campaign activity through March 3.*
If the candidate was unopposed and filed a February monthly report, final report for general election
covers period March 1 through the date the report is filed.*
If the candidate was unopposed and did not file a February monthly report (i.e., this is candidate’s
first report), final report for general election covers all campaign activity through the date the reportis filed.** If this is candidate’s first report, it covers all campaign activity which has occurred through the closing date of the reporting period.
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2020 Reporting Calendar – Candidates for Nonpartisan Offices of Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of
the Court of Appeals, Circuit Judge, District Judge, and Prosecuting Attorney
Page 3

FOR CANDIDATES INVOLVED IN A GENERAL ELECTIONRUNOFF, THE FOLLOWING REPORTS ARE ALSO DUE
May 15, 2020

April monthly report due. Covers period March 4-April 30.

June 15, 2020

May monthly report due. Covers period May 1-31.

July 15, 2020

June monthly report due. Covers period June 1-30.

August 17, 2020

July monthly report due. Covers period July 1-31.

September 15, 2020

August monthly report due. Covers period August 1-31.

October 15, 2020

September monthly report due. Covers period September 1-30.

October 27, 2020

Preelection report due for general election runoff. Covers period October 1-24.

November 3, 2020

General Election Runoff

December 30, 2020

Final report due for general election runoff. Report covers period October 25 through the date thereport is filed.

Please note:1.

In calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made for purposes of determining whether a candidate
has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), the payment of the filing fee fromthe candidate’s personal funds shall not be considered as either a contribution or an expenditure. Once the five hundred
dollar ($500) threshold has been met, the candidate who has used his or her personal funds to pay the filing fee is required
to report same. Such a candidate would report the funds used to pay the filing fee as either a loan or a contribution to thecampaign from the candidate and also as a campaign expenditure.

2.

In accordance with Act 1280 of 2019 and pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-6-203(j), the campaign contribution limit is now
two thousand eight hundred dollars ($2,800) and will be adjusted at the beginning of each odd-numbered year in an amountequal to the percentage certified to the Federal Election Commission by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Departmentof Labor under 52 U.S.C. § 30116(c) as existing on January 1, 2019. Based upon the foregoing, the campaign contribution
limit in effect for the 2020 election cycle is two thousand eight hundred dollars ($2,800) per election.

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106

ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION
501 Woodlane Street, Suite 301N
Post Office Box 1917
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1917(501) 324-9600 Fax (501) 324-9606
Toll Free (800) 422-7773
www.arkansasethics.com

Tony Juneau
Chairman

Ashley Driver Younger
Vice Chairman

Alice Eastwood
Lori Klein
Sybil Jordan Hampton

Graham F. Sloan
Director

Jill Rogers Barham
Drew Blankenship
Raymond Boyles
Staff Attorneys

Dona Bowry
Julie Bauser

Commissioners

Directors of Compliance
Commissioners

2020 REPORTING CALENDARCOUNTY CANDIDATES
November 18, 2019

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2018 due from non-incumbent candidates.
(NOTE: Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 21-8-701, a non-incumbent candidate is required to file aStatement of Financial Interest for 2019 no later than the first Monday following the close of theperiod to file as a candidate. This date varies depending upon the particular method used by thecandidate to get his or her name placed on the ballot.)

January 31, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from all incumbent officeholders andnon-incumbent candidates.

February 25, 2020

If opposed in primary election, preelection report* due for primary election. This report covers
all campaign activity through February 22.

March 3, 2020

Primary Election

March 31, 2020

† Primary Election Runoff

IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A PRIMARY ELECTION RUNOFF, TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ARE DUE.
March 24, 2020

Preelection report due for primary election runoff. Covers period March 4-21.

April 30, 2020

Final report due for primary election runoff. Covers period March 22-31 or, if candidate
lost election, March 22 through the date the report is filed.

April 30, 2020

Final report** due for primary election.
If preelection report filed, final report for primary election covers all campaign activity fromFebruary 23-March 3 or, if candidate lost election, February 23 through the date the report isfiled.
If no preelection report filed, final report for primary election covers all campaign activity
through March 3 or, if candidate lost election, all campaign activity through the date the report isfiled.

October 27, 2020

If opposed in general election, preelection report* due for general election.
If candidate has not previously filed any reports during the 2020 election cycle, this report covers
all campaign activity through October 24.
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2020 Reporting Calendar - County Candidates
Page 2

If candidate filed a final report for the primary election and was not involved in a primaryelection runoff, preelection report for general election covers all campaign activity from March 4
through October 24.
If candidate was involved in a primary election runoff, preelection report for general election
covers all campaign activity from April 1 through October 24.
November 3, 2020

General Election

December 1, 2020†† Special Runoff Election pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-5-106 (i.e., general election
runoff)†† IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A SPECIAL RUNOFF ELECTION, TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ARE DUE.

November 24, 2020

Preelection report due for special runoff election. Covers period November 4-21.

February 1, 2021

Final report due for special runoff election. Covers period November 22 through thedate the report is filed.

December 31, 2020

Final report** due for general election.
If candidate has not previously filed any reports during the 2020 election cycle, the final reportfor the general election covers all campaign activity through the date the report is filed.
If candidate filed a preelection report for the general election and was not involved in a special
runoff election, the final report for the general election covers all campaign activity from October
25 through the date the report is filed.
If candidate filed a preelection report for the general election and was involved in a special runoff
election, the final report for the general election covers all campaign activity from October 25
through November 3.
If candidate was not involved in a primary election runoff and did not file a preelection report for
the general election, the final report for the general election covers March 4 through the date thereport is filed.
If candidate was involved in a primary election runoff and did not file a preelection report for thegeneral election, the final report for the general election covers April 1 through the date the reportis filed.

* A candidate is not required to file a preelection report if he or she has not received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred
dollars ($500). In calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made for purposes of this exception, the payment of the filing fee
from the candidate’s personal funds shall not be considered as either a contribution or an expenditure. Once the five hundred dollar ($500) thresholdhas been met, however, a candidate who has used his or her personal funds to pay the filing fee is required to report same.
** A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars($500).

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ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION
501 Woodlane Street, Suite 301N
Post Office Box 1917
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1917(501) 324-9600 Fax (501) 324-9606
Toll Free (800) 422-7773
www.arkansasethics.com

Tony Juneau
Chairman

Ashley Driver Younger
Vice Chairman

Alice Eastwood
Lori Klein
Sybil Jordan Hampton

Graham F. Sloan
Director

Jill Rogers Barham
Drew Blankenship
Raymond Boyles
Staff Attorneys

Dona Bowry
Julie Bauser

Commissioners

Directors of Compliance
Commissioners

2020 REPORTING CALENDARMUNICIPAL CANDIDATES PARTICIPATING IN MARCH 1, 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION
November 18, 2019

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2018 due from non-incumbent candidates.

January 31, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from all incumbent officeholders andnon-incumbent candidates.

February 25, 2020

If opposed in primary election, preelection report* due for primary election. This report covers
all campaign activity through February 22.

March 3, 2020

Primary Election

March 31, 2020

† Primary Election Runoff† IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A PRIMARY ELECTION RUNOFF, TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ARE DUE.

March 24, 2020

Preelection report* due for primary election runoff. This report covers all campaign activity
from March 4-21.

April 30, 2020

Final report** due for primary election runoff. This report covers all campaign activity fromMarch 22-31 or, if candidate lost election, March 22 through the date the report is filed.

April 30, 2020

Final report** due for primary election.
If preelection report filed, final report for primary election covers all campaign activity fromFebruary 23-March 3 or, if candidate lost election, February 23 through the date the report isfiled.
If no preelection report filed, final report for primary election covers all campaign activity
through March 3 or, if candidate lost election, all campaign activity through the date the report isfiled.

August 17, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from independent non-incumbent
candidates under Ark. Code Ann. § 14-42-206(b).

* A candidate is not required to file a preelection report if he or she has not received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred
dollars ($500). In calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made for purposes of this exception, the payment of the filing fee
from the candidate’s personal funds shall not be considered as either a contribution or an expenditure. Once the five hundred dollar ($500) thresholdhas been met, however, a candidate who has used his or her personal funds to pay the filing fee is required to report same.
** A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars($500).
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2020 Reporting Calendar – Municipal Candidates (Participating in March 1, 2020 Primary Election)
Page 2October 27, 2020

If opposed in general election, preelection report* due for general election.
If candidate has not previously filed any reports during the 2020 election cycle, this report covers
all campaign activity through October 24.
If candidate filed a final report for the primary election and was not involved in a primaryelection runoff, preelection report for general election covers all campaign activity from March 4
through October 24.
If candidate was involved in a primary election runoff, preelection report for general election
covers all campaign activity from April 1 through October 24.

November 3, 2020

General Election

December 1, 2020†† Special Runoff Election pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-5-106 (i.e., general election
runoff)†† IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A SPECIAL RUNOFF ELECTION, TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ARE DUE.

November 24, 2020

Preelection report* due for special runoff election. This report covers all campaign activity
from November 4-21.

February 1, 2021

Final report** due for special runoff election. This report covers all campaign activity from
November 22 through the date the report is filed.

December 30, 2020

Final report** due for general election.
If candidate has not previously filed any reports during the 2020 election cycle, the final reportfor the general election covers all campaign activity through the date the report is filed.
If candidate filed a preelection report for the general election and was not involved in a special
runoff election, the final report for the general election covers all campaign activity from October
25 through the date the report is filed.
If candidate filed a preelection report for the general election and was involved in a special runoff
election, the final report for the general election covers all campaign activity from October 25
through November 3.
If candidate was not involved in a primary election runoff and did not file a preelection report for
the general election, the final report for the general election covers March 4 through the date thereport is filed.
If candidate was involved in a primary election runoff and did not file a preelection report for thegeneral election, the final report for the general election covers April 1 through the date the reportis filed.

* A candidate is not required to file a preelection report if he or she has not received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred
dollars ($500). In calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made for purposes of this exception, the payment of the filing fee
from the candidate’s personal funds shall not be considered as either a contribution or an expenditure. Once the five hundred dollar ($500) thresholdhas been met, however, a candidate who has used his or her personal funds to pay the filing fee is required to report same.
** A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars($500).
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ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION
501 Woodlane Street, Suite 301N
Post Office Box 1917
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1917(501) 324-9600 Fax (501) 324-9606
Toll Free (800) 422-7773
www.arkansasethics.com

Tony Juneau
Chairman

Ashley Driver Younger
Vice Chairman

Alice Eastwood
Lori Klein
Sybil Jordan Hampton

Graham F. Sloan
Director

Jill Rogers Barham
Drew Blankenship
Raymond Boyles
Staff Attorneys

Dona Bowry
Julie Bauser

Commissioners

Directors of Compliance
Commissioners

2020 REPORTING CALENDARCANDIDATES FOR NONPARTISAN MUNICIPAL OFFICE IN A CITY OR TOWNWITH MAYOR/COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT
November 18, 2019

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2018 due from all non-incumbent candidates.

January 31, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from all incumbent officeholders and nonincumbent candidates.

October 27, 2020

If opposed in general election, preelection report* due for general election. This report covers all campaign
activity through October 24.

November 3, 2020

General Election

December 1, 2020†† Special Runoff Election pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-5-106 (i.e., general election runoff)†† IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A SPECIAL RUNOFF ELECTION, TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ARE DUE.
November 24, 2020

Preelection report* due for special runoff election. This report covers all
campaign activity from November 4-21.

February 1, 2021

Final report** due for special runoff election. This report covers all campaign
activity from November 22 through the date the report is filed.

December 30, 2020 Final report** due for general election.
If candidate has not previously filed any reports during the 2020 election cycle, the final report for the generalelection covers all campaign activity through the date the report is filed.
If candidate filed a preelection report for the general election and was not involved in a special runoff election,
the final report for the general election covers all campaign activity from October 25 through the date the reportis filed.
If candidate filed a preelection report for the general election and was involved in a special runoff election, thefinal report for the general election covers all campaign activity from October 25 through November 3.
*A candidate is not required to file a preelection report if he or she has not received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500). In
calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made for purposes of the exception, the payment of the filing fee from the candidate’s personal funds
shall not be considered as either a contribution or an expenditure. Once the five hundred dollar ($500) threshold has been met, however, a candidate who has used his or
her personal funds to pay the filing fee is required to report same.
**A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500).

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ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION
Tony Juneau
Chairman

Ashley Driver Younger
Vice Chairman

Alice Eastwood
Lori Klein
Sybil Jordan Hampton

501 Woodlane Street, Suite 301N
Post Office Box 1917
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1917(501) 324-9600 Fax (501) 324-9606
Toll Free (800) 422-7773
www.arkansasethics.com

Graham F. Sloan
Director

Jill Rogers Barham
Drew Blankenship
Raymond Boyles
Staff Attorneys

Dona Bowry
Julie Bauser

Commissioners

Directors of Compliance
Commissioners

2020 REPORTING CALENDARCANDIDATES FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICE
IN A CITY OR TOWN WITH CITY ADMINISTRATOR FORM OF GOVERNMENT
January 31, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from all incumbent officeholders.

June 1, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from non-incumbent candidates for theoffices of director and mayor under Ark. Code Ann. § 14-48-109(a)(3).

August 4, 2020

If opposed in primary election, preelection report* due for primary election. This report covers
all campaign activity through August 1.

August 11, 2020

Primary Election [Ark. Code Ann. § 14-48-109(a)(2)(B)]

August 24, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from all non-incumbent independent
candidates for municipal office under Ark. Code Ann. § 14-48-109(a)(4).

September 30, 2020

Final report** due for primary election.
If preelection report filed, final report for primary election covers all campaign activity from
August 2 - August 11 or, if candidate lost election, August 2 through the date the report is filed.
If no preelection report filed, final report for primary election covers all campaign activity
through August 11 or, if candidate lost election, all campaign activity through the date the reportis filed.

* A candidate is not required to file a preelection report if he or she has not received contributions or made expenditures in excess offive hundred dollars ($500). In calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made for purposes of this exception,
the payment of the filing fee from the candidate’s personal funds shall not be considered as either a contribution or an expenditure.
Once the five hundred dollar ($500) threshold has been met, however, a candidate who has used his or her personal funds to pay thefiling fee is required to report same.
** A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five
hundred dollars ($500).
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2020 Reporting Calendar - Municipal Candidates (City Administrator Form of Government)
Page 2October 27, 2020

If opposed in general election, preelection report* due for general election.
If candidate has not previously filed any reports during the 2020 election cycle, this report covers
all campaign activity through October 24.
If candidate filed a final report for the primary election, preelection report for general election
covers all campaign activity from August 12 through October 24.

November 3, 2020

General Election

December 30, 2020

Final report** due for general election.
If candidate has not previously filed any reports during the 2020 election cycle, the final reportfor the general election covers all campaign activity through the date the report is filed.
If candidate filed a preelection report for the general election, the final report for the generalelection covers all campaign activity from October 25 through the date the report is filed.

* A candidate is not required to file a preelection report if he or she has not received contributions or made expenditures in excess offive hundred dollars ($500). In calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made for purposes of this exception,
the payment of the filing fee from the candidate’s personal funds shall not be considered as either a contribution or an expenditure.
Once the five hundred dollar ($500) threshold has been met, however, a candidate who has used his or her personal funds to pay thefiling fee is required to report same.
** A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five
hundred dollars ($500).
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114

ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION
501 Woodlane Street, Suite 301N
Post Office Box 1917
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1917(501) 324-9600 Fax (501) 324-9606
Toll Free (800) 422-7773
www.arkansasethics.com

Tony Juneau
Chairman

Ashley Driver Younger
Vice Chairman

Alice Eastwood
Lori Klein
Sybil Jordan Hampton

Graham F. Sloan
Director

Jill Rogers Barham
Drew Blankenship
Raymond Boyles
Staff Attorneys

Dona Bowry
Julie Bauser

Commissioners

Directors of Compliance
Commissioners

2020 REPORTING CALENDARCANDIDATES FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICE IN A CITY OR TOWNWITH CITY MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT
January 31, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from all incumbent officeholders.

August 17, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from non-incumbent candidates for municipal
office under Ark. Code Ann. § 14-47-110(a).

October 27, 2020

If opposed in general election, preelection report* due for general election. Report covers all campaign
activity through October 24.

November 3, 2020

General Election

December 1, 2020†† Special Runoff Election pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-5-106 (i.e., general election runoff)†† IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A SPECIAL RUNOFF ELECTION, TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ARE DUE.
November 24, 2020
Preelection report* due for special runoff election. This report covers all campaign activity from
November 4-21.
December 30, 2020
Final report** due for special runoff election. This report covers all campaign activity from November
22 through the date the report is filed.
December 30, 2020

Final report** due for general election.
If candidate has not previously filed any reports during the 2020 election cycle, the final report for thegeneral election covers all campaign activity through the date the report is filed.
If candidate filed a preelection report for the general election and was not involved in a special runoff
election, the final report for the general election covers all campaign activity from October 25 through thedate the report is filed.
If candidate filed a preelection report for the general election and was involved in a special runoff election,
the final report for the general election covers all campaign activity from October 25 through November 3.

* A candidate is not required to file a preelection report if he or she has not received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred
dollars ($500). In calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made for purposes of this exception, the payment of the filing fee
from the candidate’s personal funds shall not be considered as either a contribution or an expenditure. Once the five hundred dollar ($500) thresholdhas been met, however, a candidate who has used his or her personal funds to pay the filing fee is required to report same.
** A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars($500).
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116

ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION
501 Woodlane Street, Suite 301N
Post Office Box 1917
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1917(501) 324-9600 Fax (501) 324-9606
Toll Free (800) 422-7773
www.arkansasethics.com

Tony Juneau
Chairman

Ashley Driver Younger
Vice Chairman

Alice Eastwood
Lori Klein
Sybil Jordan Hampton

Graham F. Sloan
Director

Jill Rogers Barham
Drew Blankenship
Raymond Boyles
Staff Attorneys

Dona Bowry
Julie Bauser

Commissioners

Directors of Compliance
Commissioners

2020 REPORTING CALENDAR
ANNUAL SCHOOL ELECTION – MARCH ELECTION
November 18, 2019

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2018 due from all non-incumbent candidates.

January 31, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from all incumbent officeholders and nonincumbent candidates.

February 25, 2020

If opposed in annual school election, preelection report* due for annual school election.
This report covers all campaign activity through February 22.

March 3, 2020

Annual School Election

March 31, 2020

†Runoff Election† IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A RUNOFF ELECTION, TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ARE DUEMarch 24, 2020

Preelection report* due for runoff election. This report covers all campaign activity fromMarch 4-21.

April 30, 2020

Final report** due for runoff election. This report covers all campaign activity fromMarch 22 through the date the report is filed.

April 30, 2020

Final report** due for annual school election.
If candidate was unopposed in the annual school election, the final report for the annual school election
covers all campaign activity through the date the report is filed.
If candidate was opposed in the annual school election, filed a preelection report for the annual school
election, and was not involved in a runoff election, the final report for the annual school election covers all
campaign activity from February 23 through the date the report is filed.
If candidate was opposed in the annual school election, filed a preelection report for the annual school
election, and was involved in a runoff election, the final report for the annual school election covers all
campaign activity from February 23 through March 3.
If candidate was opposed in the annual school election, did not file a preelection report for the annual school
election, and was not involved in a runoff election, the final report for the annual school election covers all
campaign activity through the date the report is filed.
If candidate was opposed in the annual school election, did not file a preelection report for the annual school
election, and was involved in a runoff election, the final report for the annual school election covers all
campaign activity through March 3.

***

A candidate is not required to file a preelection report if he or she has not received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred
dollars ($500).
A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars($500).
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118

ARKANSAS ETHICS COMMISSION
501 Woodlane Street, Suite 301N
Post Office Box 1917
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1917(501) 324-9600 Fax (501) 324-9606
Toll Free (800) 422-7773
www.arkansasethics.com

Tony Juneau
Chairman

Ashley Driver Younger
Vice Chairman

Alice Eastwood
Lori Klein
Sybil Jordan Hampton

Graham F. Sloan
Director

Jill Rogers Barham
Drew Blankenship
Raymond Boyles
Staff Attorneys

Dona Bowry
Julie Bauser

Commissioners

Directors of Compliance
Commissioners

2020 REPORTING CALENDAR
ANNUAL SCHOOL ELECTION – NOVEMBER ELECTION
November 18, 2019

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2018 due from all non-incumbent candidates.

January 31, 2020

Statement of Financial Interest for calendar year 2019 due from all incumbent officeholders and nonincumbent candidates.

October 27, 2020

If opposed in annual school election, preelection report* due for annual school election.
This report covers all campaign activity through October 24.

November 3, 2020

Annual School Election

December 1, 2020

†Runoff Election† IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A RUNOFF ELECTION, TWO ADDITIONAL REPORTS ARE DUE
November 24, 2020

Preelection report* due for runoff election. This report covers all campaign activity from
November 4-21.

February 1, 2021

Final report** due for runoff election. This report covers all campaign activity from
November 22, through the date the report is filed.

December 30, 2020

Final report** due for annual school election.
If candidate was unopposed in the annual school election, the final report for the annual school election
covers all campaign activity through the date the report is filed.
If candidate was opposed in the annual school election, filed a preelection report for the annual school
election, and was not involved in a runoff election, the final report for the annual school election covers all
campaign activity from October 25 through the date the report is filed.
If candidate was opposed in the annual school election, filed a preelection report for the annual school
election, and was involved in a runoff election, the final report for the annual school election covers all
campaign activity from October 25, through November 3.
If candidate was opposed in the annual school election, did not file a preelection report for the annual
school election, and was not involved in a runoff election, the final report for the annual school election
covers all campaign activity through the date the report is filed.
If candidate was opposed in the annual school election, did not file a preelection report for the annual
school election, and was involved in a runoff election, the final report for the annual school election covers
all campaign activity through November 3.

***

A candidate is not required to file a preelection report if he or she has not received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred
dollars ($500).
A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars($500).
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CAMPAIGN FINANCE & DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

CAMPAIGN FINANCE & DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS[A.C.A. §§7-6-207, 7-6-208, 7-6-209, 21-8-701, 21-8-703; Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure§§236 through 244, 248]

The campaign finance and public disclosure laws of Arkansas require candidates for
public office to file disclosure documents relating to their campaigns, as well as theirpersonal financial interests. Public office includes any and all state, district, county,
municipal and township offices, as well as school boards.
Candidates for State, District, County, Municipal, Township, and School Board offices
must file certain Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Reports when contributions
received or expenditures made in any election exceed five hundred dollars ($500). A
candidate is required to file a final report for each election in which the candidate’s namehas appeared on the ballot, or when only one (1) candidate qualifies for a particular officeor position and no position or name of an unopposed candidate shall appear on a ballot,
regardless of whether he or she has received contributions or made expenditures inexcess of five hundred dollars ($500).
Candidates for State, District, County, Municipal, Township, and School Board must filea Statement of Financial Interest for the previous calendar year on the first Monday
following the close of the period to file as a candidate for the elective office. Incumbent
officeholders who filed a Statement of Financial Interest for the previous calendar year by
January 31 of the year in which an election is held are not required to file an additional
Statement of Financial Interest upon becoming a candidate for reelection or election toanother office during the year.
Blank candidate disclosure forms and instructions are available from the Secretary ofState and sample forms can be found on the Arkansas Ethics Commission website atwww.arkansasethics.com. The Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Reports andStatements of Financial Interest are filed as follows:
OFFICESOUGHT

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION AND
EXPENDITURE REPORTS

STATEMENT OFFINANCIAL INTEREST

STATE

with the Secretary of State

with the Secretary of State

DISTRICT

with the Secretary of State

with the Secretary of StateCOUNTY
DISTRICTJUDGEwith the County Clerk

with the County Clerk

with the Secretary of State

with the Secretary of StateMUNICIPAL

with the County Clerk

TOWNSHIPSCHOOL
BOARD

with the County Clerk

with the City Clerk
or Recorderwith the County Clerk

with the County Clerk

with the County Clerk

121

CAMPAIGN FINANCE & DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

This Page Intentionally Blank

122

CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURESCAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION & EXPENDITURE REPORTA Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Report is filed to evidence compliance withcampaign finance disclosure laws and provide a public record of all contributions andexpenditures of a candidate's campaign.
Blank reporting forms and instructions are available from the Secretary of State and on
the Arkansas Ethics Commission website at www.arkansasethics.com.
Please note, however, that for candidates for state or district office (including district
judge) must file Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Reports in electronic form
through the official website of the Secretary of State.
State and District Candidates [A.C.A. §7-6-207, 7-6-210, 7-6-213; Rules on Campaign Finance& Disclosure §§201, 218, 219, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 246]

A candidate is not required to file any quarterly, monthly or preelection reports until the
candidate has either received contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred
dollars ($500). In calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made,the payment of a filing fee from the candidate’s personal funds shall not be counted
towards the five hundred dollar ($500) reporting trigger. Once a report becomes due,
however, the payment of the filing fee from the candidate’s personal funds must bereported as either a loan or contribution to the campaign and also as a campaign
expenditure.
Final reports are required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions ormade expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500).

Quarterly Report:
•
•

•
•

Filed with the Secretary of State.
For each quarter during a calendar year in which a candidate is not listed on any
ballot for election, a quarterly report of all contributions received, with loans statedseparately, and expenditures made during that quarter shall be filed.
Due no later than fifteen (15) days after the end of each quarter.
If a candidate files for office during the party filing period, for the quarter including
the party filing period, the candidate shall:(1) File monthly reports for the months of the quarter that includes the party
filing period; and(2) Not file a quarterly report for the quarter that includes the party filing period.

123

CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURES

Monthly Report:
•
•

•

•
•

Filed with the Secretary of State.
Beginning with the month of January preceding a calendar year in which a
candidate may be listed on any ballot for election, a monthly report of allcontributions received, with loans stated separately, and expenditures made fromthe first day through the last day of that month shall be filed.
If a candidate files for office during the party filing period, for the quarter including
the party filing period, the candidate shall file monthly reports for the months of
the quarter that includes the party filing period, and not file a quarterly report that
includes the party filing period.
Due no later than fifteen (15) days after the end of each month.
If a candidate files for office during the party filing period, for the quarter including
the party filing period, the candidate shall:(1) File monthly reports for the months of the quarter that includes the party
filing period; and(2) Not file a quarterly report for the quarter that includes the party filing period.
NOTE: No monthly report shall be due for any month in which certain days of thatmonth are included in a preelection report or a final report. In the case of a primaryor runoff election, those days of the month occurring after the date of theelection shall be carried forward and included in the next monthly report.

Preelection Report:• Filed with the Secretary of State.
• Before any primary, runoff, general, or special election in which the candidate’s
name appears on the ballot, a preelection report of all contributions received, withloans stated separately, and expenditures made between the period covered by
the previous report and the period ten (10) days before the election shall be filed.
• In the case of a runoff election, covers the period beginning after the date of theelection from which the runoff election arose and ending ten (10) days before therunoff election.
• Due no later than seven (7) days before each applicable election.
NOTE: Preelection reports are required only for candidates with opponents in
those elections.
Final Report:• Filed with the Secretary of State.
• After the end of the month in which the candidate’s name appeared on the ballot
in any primary, runoff, or general election, or when only one (1) candidate qualifies
for a particular office or position and no position or name of an unopposed
candidate shall appear on a ballot, a final report of all contributions received, withloans stated separately, and expenditures made that have not been disclosed onreports previously filed shall be filed.
• Due no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the month of each applicable
election.

124

CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURES••

Due no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the month in which the candidate
has withdrawn. The candidate shall notify the Secretary of State in writing of thewithdrawal.
Closes out the handling of the financing for the particular election.
NOTE: A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate hasreceived contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars($500).

125

CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURES

Report Content:• Any personal loan made to a candidate by a financial institution and applied
toward the candidate’s campaign, with the name of the financial institution, theamount of the loan, and the name of the guarantor, if any.
• The total amount of contributions received, with loans stated separately, and thetotal amount of expenditures made during the filing periods, and the cumulative
amount of those totals for the entire election cycle.
• The name and address of each contributor, including the candidate, who made acontribution or contributions which, in the aggregate, exceed fifty dollars ($50).
• The contributor’s principal place of business, employer, occupation, the amountcontributed, the date the contribution was accepted by the candidate, and theaggregate contributed for each election.
• The name and address of each contributor, including the candidate, who
contributed a nonmoney item, together with a description of the item, the date ofreceipt and the value, not including volunteer services by individuals. For a moredetailed discussion of in-kind contributions, see the Rules on Campaign Finance& Disclosure §§200, 205, and 206 at www.arkansasethics.com.
• An itemization of all single expenditures made that exceed one hundred dollars($100), including the amount of the expenditure, the name and address of any
person, including the candidate, to whom the expenditure was made, and the datethe expenditure was made.
NOTE: For the date of expenditures such as for utility and telephone bills,
see the Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §216.
• A list of all paid campaign workers and the amount the workers were paid.
• A list of all expenditures by category, including but not limited to television, radio,
print and other advertising, direct mail, office supplies, rent, travel, expenses,
entertainment, and telephone.
• The total amount of all nonitemized expenditures made during the filing period.
• The current balance of campaign funds.
NOTE: If a candidate keeps his or her campaign funds in interest-bearing
accounts such as a bank checking account, a money market fund, or acertificate of deposit, the interest earned is not treated as a contribution forreporting purposes, but is considered in calculating the balance of campaign
funds at the close of the reporting period and is disclosed in the summary
information on the campaign contribution and expenditure reports.
When the candidate’s campaign has ended, the final report shall also
include:• How surplus funds, if any, were disposed.
• The amount of surplus funds disposed of by the candidate.
• The amount of funds retained by the candidate as carryover funds.

126

CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURESNOTE: If the candidate’s campaign has not ended, the candidate is not
required to dispose of remaining campaign funds, but may carry them forward
to the general primary, general, or general runoff election for that same office.

For information on the periods covered by the reports and for deadlines for filing thereports, see the Reporting Calendars beginning on page 99.
For information on reporting on retirement of campaign debt, surplus campaign funds,
and carryover funds, see pages beginning on page 137.
All contribution and expenditure reports required to be filed shall be verified by affidavitof the candidate or a person acting in the candidate’s behalf stating that to the best of
the candidate’s knowledge and belief, the information disclosed is a complete, true,
and accurate financial statement of the candidate’s campaign contributions andexpenditures.
County, Municipal, Township, and School Board Candidates [A.C.A. §§7-6-208, 7-6209, 7-6-210, 7-6-213; Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §§201, 234, 235, 239, 240, 241, 242,
243, 244, 246]

A candidate is not required to file a preelection report if he or she has not received
contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500). In
calculating the amount of contributions received or expenditures made, the payment of
the filing fee from the candidate’s personal funds shall not be counted towards the five
hundred dollar ($500) reporting trigger. Once a report becomes due, however, thepayment of the filing fee from the candidate’s personal funds must be reported as either
a loan or a contribution to the campaign and also as a campaign expenditure.
Final reports are required regardless of whether a candidate has received contributions
or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars ($500).
Preelection Report:• Filed with the county clerk in the county where the election is held.
• Before any primary, runoff, general, school, or special election in which thecandidate’s name appears on the ballot, a preelection report of all contributions
received, with loans stated separately, and expenditures made between the
period covered by the previous report, if any, and the period ten (10) days before
the election shall be filed.
• In case of a runoff election, covers the period beginning after the date of theelection from which the runoff election arose and ending ten (10) days before therunoff election.
• Due no later than seven (7) days before each applicable election.

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Considered timely filed if received in the county clerk’s office no later than the date
the report is due.
NOTE: Preelection reports are required only for candidates with opponents in
those elections.

Final Report:• Filed with the county clerk in the county in which the election is held.
• After any primary, runoff, general, school, or special election in which thecandidate’s name has appeared on the ballot, a final report of all contributions
received, with loans stated separately, and expenditures made that have not been
disclosed on reports previously required to be filed shall be filed.
• Due no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the month of each applicable
election.
• Due no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the month in which the candidate
has withdrawn. The candidate shall notify the county clerk in writing of thewithdrawal.
• Closes out the handling of the financing for a particular election.
• Considered timely filed if received in the county clerk’s office no later than the date
the report is due.
NOTE: A final report is required regardless of whether a candidate hasreceived contributions or made expenditures in excess of five hundred dollars($500).
Supplemental Report:• Filed with the county clerk in the county in which the election is held.
• After preparation of the final report, a supplemental report of all contributions
received, with loans stated separately, and expenditures made since the final
report shall be filed.
• Due within thirty (30) days after the receipt of a contribution or the making of an
expenditure.
• Considered timely filed if received in the county clerk’s office no later than the date
the report is due.
Report Content:• Any personal loan made to a candidate by a financial institution and applied
toward the candidate’s campaign, with the name of the financial institution, theamount of the loan, and the name of the guarantor, if any.
• The total amount of contributions received, with loans stated separately, and theexpenditures made during the filing periods, and the cumulative amount of these
totals for the entire election cycle.
• The name and address of each contributor, including the candidate, who made acontribution or contributions, which in the aggregate exceed fifty dollars ($50).

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•

The contributor’s place of business, employer, occupation, the date thecontribution was accepted by the candidate, the amount contributed, and theaggregate contributed for each election.
The name and address of each person, including the candidate, who contributed
a nonmoney item, together with a description of the item, the date of receipt, andthe value, not including volunteer services by individuals. For a more detailed
discussion of in-kind contributions, see the Rules on Campaign Finance &Disclosure §§200, 205 and 206 at www.arkansasethics.com.
An itemization of all single expenditures made that exceed one hundred dollars($100), including the amount of the expenditure, the name and address of any
person, including the candidate, to whom the expenditure was made, and the datethe expenditure was made.
NOTE: For the date of expenditures such as for utility and telephone bills, see
the Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §216.

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A list of all paid campaign workers and the amount the workers were paid.
A list of all expenditures by category, including, but not limited to television, radio,
print and other advertising, direct mail, office supplies, rent, travel, expenses,
entertainment, and telephone.
The total amount of all nonitemized expenditures during the filing period.
The current balance of campaign funds.
NOTE: If a candidate keeps his or her campaign funds in interest-bearing
accounts such as a bank checking account, a money market fund, or acertificate of deposit, the interest earned is not treated as a contribution forreporting purposes, but is considered in calculating the balance of campaign
funds at the close of the reporting period and is disclosed in the summary
information on the Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Reports.
When the candidate’s campaign has ended, the final report shall also
include:• The option used to dispose of any surplus campaign funds.
• The amount of surplus funds disposed of by the candidate.
• The amount of funds retained by the candidate as carryover funds.
NOTE: If the candidate’s campaign has not ended, the candidate is not
required to dispose of remaining campaign funds, but may carry themforward to the general primary, general, or general runoff election for thatsame office.

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For information on the periods covered by the reports and for deadlines for filing thereports, see the Reporting Calendars beginning on page 99.
For information on reporting on retirement of campaign debt, surplus campaign funds,
and carryover funds, see pages beginning on 137.
All Contribution and Expenditure Reports required to be filed shall be verified by affidavitof the candidate or a person acting in the candidate’s behalf stating that to the best of
the candidate’s knowledge and belief, the information disclosed is a complete, true, andaccurate financial statement of the candidate’s campaign contributions andexpenditures.

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CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURESCONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURES [A.C.A. §§7-6-201, 7-6-203, 7-6-204, 7-6-205, 76-206, 7-6-210; Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §§200, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209,
210, 214, 217, 225, 227, 232, 233, 234]

“Contribution” means, whether direct or indirect, advances, deposits, or transfers offunds, contracts, or obligations, whether or not legally enforceable, payments, gifts,
subscriptions, assessments, payment for services, dues, advancements, forbearance,loans, or pledges or promises of money or anything of value, whether or not legally
enforceable, to a candidate, committee, or holder of elective office, made for the purposeof influencing the nomination or election of any candidate.
“Contribution” includes:
The purchase of tickets for events such as dinners, luncheons, rallies, and similar
fundraising events.
• The granting of discounts or rebates by television and radio stations andnewspapers not extended on an equal basis to all candidates for the same office.
• Payments for the services of any person serving as an agent of a candidate orcommittee by a person other than the candidate or committee or persons whose
expenditures the candidates or committee must report.
• Any transfer of anything of value received by a committee from another committee.
• “In-kind contributions” of goods, services, or any other thing of value, or its use,other than money including an agreement made or other obligation incurred,
whether legally enforceable or not, to make such a contribution in the future. “Inkind contribution” shall not include direct campaign contributions.
•“Contribution” shall not include:• Noncompensated, nonreimbursed, volunteer personal services or travel.
“Expenditure” means a purchase, payment, distribution, gift, loan, or advance of moneyor anything of value, and a contract, promise, or agreement to make an expenditure,
made for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election of any candidate.
“Contribution and expenditure” shall not include:• Activity sponsored and funded by a political party that meets the definition of apolitical party under §7-1-101 or a political party that meets the requirements of §77-205 to promote their candidates or nominees through events such as dinners,
luncheons, rallies, or similar gatherings.
• Nonpartisan activity designed to encourage individuals to register to vote, or tovote.
• Any communication by any membership organization to its members or
stockholders, if the membership organization or corporation is not organizedprimarily for the purpose of influencing the nomination for election, or election, of
any candidate.

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Loans, Allowable & Prohibited Uses of Campaign Funds, & Other Facts
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The transfer of a candidate’s own personal funds to his or her own campaign shall bereported as either a loan from the candidate to his or her campaign or as a contribution
from the candidate to his or her own campaign.
If the transfer of a candidate’s own personal funds to his or her campaign is reported
as a loan from the candidate to his or her campaign, the campaign funds may be used
to repay the candidate for the funds loaned by the candidate to his or her campaign.
If the transfer of a candidate’s own personal funds to his or her campaign is reported
as a contribution from the candidate to his or her campaign, the campaign funds may
not be used to repay the candidate for the funds contributed by the candidate to his
or her campaign.
Any personal loan made to a candidate by a financial institution that is applied toward
a candidate’s campaign shall be reported as a loan from the candidate to his or her
campaign.
A candidate, whether opposed or unopposed, may accept a campaign contribution orcontributions up to the maximum amount per election from (i) an individual, (ii) a
political party that meets the definition under Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-101 or that meetsthe requirements of Ark. Code Ann. §7-7-205, (iii) a county political party committee,(iv) a legislative caucus committee, or (v) an approved political action committee.
NOTE: The limitation shall not apply to loans made by a candidate from his or her
own personal funds to the campaign, contributions made by a candidate from his or
her personal funds to the campaign, or to personal loans made by financial institutions
to the candidate that are applied to his or her campaign, or to independent
expenditures, as defined in Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-201.

•
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The campaign contribution limit in effect for the 2020 election cycle is two thousand
eight hundred dollars ($2,800) per contributor per election.
It shall be unlawful for any candidate for any public office or for any person acting in
the candidate’s behalf to accept campaign contributions or cumulative contributions inexcess of the maximum amount per contributor per election.
It shall be unlawful for any candidate for any public office or any person acting in thecandidate’s behalf to accept any contribution from a prohibited political action
committee for any election.
It shall be unlawful for any candidate for public office, any person acting in thecandidate’s behalf, or any exploratory committee to solicit or accept campaign
contributions more than two (2) years before an election at which the candidate seeks
nomination or election.
NOTE: This shall not prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of a contribution for thesole purpose of raising funds to retire a previous campaign debt.

•

No candidate, nor any person on behalf of a candidate, may accept contributions or
funds after the candidate has withdrawn his or her nomination or after the candidate
has been eliminated as a candidate.

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CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURESNOTE: This shall not prohibit acceptance by a candidate for nomination or electionof contributions after the date of the election for the sole purpose of raising funds toretire campaign debt.
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Payment of travel expenses associated with automobile usage during a campaign isallowable, but only in accordance with the Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure§211.
A campaign or candidate may use campaign funds to lease an airplane for campaign
purposes, but only in accordance with the Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure§212.
A campaign or candidate may use campaign funds to pay fines associated with thecampaign, but only in accordance with the Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure§213.
A candidate may use campaign funds to reimburse himself or herself for attendance
to in-state or out-of-state conferences or seminars on general political issues, but onlyin accordance with the Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §215.
A candidate may purchase advertisements in publications of charitable, civic, andeducational organizations, but only in accordance with the Rules on Campaign
Finance & Disclosure §220.
A candidate may purchase tickets from charities, civic organizations and politicalparties for banquets or other similar special social events, but only in accordance with
the Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §221.
A candidate may use campaign funds for lease, rental or use charges of any ordinary
and necessary office equipment, but only in accordance with the Rules on Campaign
Finance & Disclosure §222.
A candidate may expend campaign funds on any purpose designed to further his or
her campaign in accordance with the Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §223,
except for personal income or as otherwise prohibited by law.
A candidate may use campaign funds to employ campaign workers, but shall not takeany campaign funds as personal income or as income for his or her spouse ordependent children.
NOTE: An opposed candidate may employ his or her spouse or dependent children
as campaign workers. A candidate with an opponent who during the campaign andbefore the election takes a leave of absence without pay from his or her primary placeof employment shall be authorized to take campaign funds during the campaign andbefore the election as personal income up to the amount of employment income lostas a result of such leave of absence. The candidate may elect to treat these leave ofabsence campaign funds as a loan from the campaign fund to the candidate to be
paid back to the campaign fund by the candidate.

•

A candidate who uses campaign funds to fulfill any commitment, obligation, or
expense that would exist regardless of the candidate’s campaign and an office holder
who uses campaign funds retained as carryover funds to fulfill any commitment,
obligation, or expense that would exist regardless of the duties and responsibilities of
his or her office shall be deemed to have taken campaign funds as personal income.

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CONTRIBUTIONS & EXPENDITURESNOTE: The use of campaign funds to purchase a cake or other perishable item offood at a fundraising event held by a volunteer agency, as defined in §16-6-103, or topurchase, prior to the filing deadline for the final report, advertising thanking voters fortheir support shall not be considered a taking of campaign funds as personal income.
•Campaign funds may not be used to pay personal expenses, including household fooditems for day-to-day consumption in the personal residence; supplies to maintain the
personal residence; clothing for political or personal functions, except nominal value
items such as T-shirts or caps with a campaign logo, slogan or candidate’s name;mortgage, rent, and utility payments for the candidate’s or his or her family’s personal
residence, except long distance telephone charges for campaign purposes originatingfrom the candidate’s residence; membership dues, fees or other gratuitous payment
to nonpolitical organizations other than charities unless made in connection with afund-raising or political event held on the organization’s premises; donations andcontributions to churches unless a member or regular contributor prior to running for
office; contributions to others’ campaigns.
NOTE: Whether an expense or use of campaign funds is considered a “personal use”
or “personal expense” and therefore prohibited by law is a factual determination to bemade by the Arkansas Ethics Commission and an advisory opinion may be soughtfrom the Commission.

••

No campaign contribution exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) shall be received incash.
No campaign expenditure exceeding fifty dollars ($50) shall be made in cash.
NOTE: Payment of filing fees may be in cash even though the amount exceeds fifty
dollars ($50). The candidate shall obtain a receipt for the payment and shall report
it as either a loan or contribution to the campaign and also as a campaign
expenditure.

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•

All contributions in excess of one hundred dollars ($100) or expenditures in excess offifty dollars ($50) made in behalf of a campaign activity, other than in-kind contributions
and expenditures and payment of filing fees, shall be made by a written instrument
containing the name of the donor and the name of the payee, by credit card or debitcard where the transaction results in a paper record signed by the cardholder,provided that the paper record contains a valid name, complete address, place ofbusiness, employer, and occupation for the cardholder at the time of making thecontribution, or by transaction that results in an electronic record created ortransmitted by the cardholder where a contribution or expenditure is made through theInternet, provided that the electronic record contains a valid name, complete address,
place of business, employer and occupation for the cardholder at the time of making
the contribution.
Contributions to a candidate, an approved political action committee, a county politicalparty committee, an independent expenditure committee, an exploratory committee,
or a political party must be made directly to the intended recipient. Contributions to a
candidate’s campaign committee instead of directly to the candidate are permissible.
No contribution shall be made to or knowingly accepted by a candidate, a candidate’s
campaign committee, an approved political action committee, a county political party

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committee, an independent expenditure committee, an exploratory committee, or apolitical party unless made in the name by which the contributor is identified for legal
purposes.
No contributor shall make an anonymous contribution in support of or opposition to a
candidate or campaign committee totaling fifty dollars ($50) or more in a calendar
year.
NOTE: Anonymous contributions of fifty dollars ($50) or more shall be promptly turned
over to the Secretary of State for deposit in the State Treasury as general revenues.

••

No contribution shall be made by individuals who are not citizens of the United Statesof America or by any other entity which is not organized, existing or created under thelaws of the United States or of any state or other place subject to the jurisdiction of theUnited States and which does not have its principal place of business in the UnitedStates.
Records of all contributions and expenditures shall be kept by a candidate, a politicalparty, or person acting in the candidate’s behalf in a manner sufficient to evidencecompliance with campaign finance disclosure laws and maintained for a period of noless than four (4) years.

The contribution limits herein are “per election,” not “per election cycle.” A candidate may
receive a contribution up to the maximum amount from any prospective contributor foreach preferential primary election, runoff election, special election or general election inwhich he or she is a candidate, whether opposed or unopposed. If a political party elects
to use a caucus rather than a primary election to select its candidate, the caucus shall betreated as an election for campaign finance purposes and the maximum contribution limits
shall be in effect.
For a more detailed discussion of allowable and prohibited uses of campaign funds, see
the Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure at www.arkansasethics.com.

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This Page Intentionally Blank

136

RETIREMENT OF DEBTRETIREMENT OF DEBT [A.C.A. §§7-6-203, 7-6-207, 7-6-219]
No later than thirty (30) days after the end of the month in which a candidate’s name has
appeared on the ballot, or when only one (1) candidate qualifies for a particular office or
position and no position or name of an unopposed candidate shall appear on a ballot, inany primary election, runoff election, or general election, a candidate must file a Final
Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Report disclosing the current status of thecampaign account and declaring either a surplus or a debt.
Blank reporting forms for reporting debt retirement and carryover funds are available fromthe Secretary of State and sample forms can be found on the Arkansas Ethics
Commission website at www.arkansasethics.com.
Please note, however, that for candidates for state or district office (including district
judge) must file campaign contribution and expenditure reports in electronic form throughthe official website of the Secretary of State.
To determine whether there is a net debt outstanding from a particular election, thecandidate must prove “net debts outstanding” as of the date of the election.
For assistance in determining legitimate campaign debts and in calculating the net debts
outstanding, see the Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §229 atwww.arkansasethics.com.
Retiring Campaign Debt [Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §§229, 230]••

Any person who was a candidate and has campaign debt from an election that has
ended may solicit funds and hold fund raisers to retire the campaign debt.
The prohibition against a candidate soliciting or accepting campaign contributions
more than two (2) years before an election at which the candidate seeks nomination
or election does not apply to the solicitation or acceptance of a contribution for thesole purpose of raising funds to retire a previous campaign debt.
NOTE: A nonpartisan judicial candidate’s committee is permitted to raise funds toretire debt no later than forty-five (45) days after the last contested election in which
the candidate participates during the election year. [Cannon 4.4(B)(2) of the Code of Judicial
Conduct]••••

Contributions received for purposes of debt retirement shall be treated as campaign
contributions to the candidate’s previous election, and all campaign contribution limits
shall continue to apply.
Contributors shall be given notice that the campaign contributions are for the purposeof retiring a campaign debt.
Any invitation to or notice of a fund raiser to retire a campaign debt of a previous
campaign shall state that the funds will be used to retire a campaign debt.
Campaign contribution and expenditure reports concerning campaign debt are filed137

RETIREMENT OF DEBT

on a quarterly basis and are due not later than fifteen (15) days after the end of thecalendar quarter. A quarterly report is only due if a person who was a candidate hasreceived cumulative contributions or made cumulative expenditures in excess of five
hundred dollars ($500) since the last report concerning the debt. No report is required
for any calendar quarter in which the cumulative contribution or expenditure limit has
not been exceeded since the person’s last report.
Surplus Campaign Funds [Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §§224, 226]
“Surplus campaign funds” are any balance of campaign funds over expenses incurred asof the day of the election except for carryover funds and any funds required to repay loans
made by the candidate from his or her personal funds to the campaign or to repay loans
made by financial institutions to the candidate and applied to the campaign. Surplus
campaign funds do not include campaign signs, campaign literature, or other printed
materials that were (i) purchased by the campaign, (ii) reported on the appropriate
contribution and expenditure report for the campaign, and (iii) retained for use in a future
campaign by the same candidate. A.C.A. §7-6-201
After a campaign has ended, the candidate is responsible for assigning a fair market value
to all assets of the campaign, and the campaign assets must be disposed of by sale ofproperty for money or by transfer of property in accordance with A.C.A. §7-6-203(h).
For assistance in determining the amount of surplus campaign funds, see the Rules on
Campaign Finance & Disclosure §226 at www.arkansasethics.com.
Within thirty (30) days after the end of the month in which an election is held or a candidate
has withdrawn, a candidate shall turn over surplus campaign funds to either:• The Treasurer of State for the benefit of the General Revenue Fund Account of theState Apportionment Fund;• A political party as defined in Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-101 or a political party caucus of
the Arkansas General Assembly, the Senate, or the House of Representatives;• A nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of theInternal Revenue Code; cities of the first class, cities of the second class, orincorporated towns; or• The contributors to the candidate’s campaign.
If the candidate’s campaign has not ended, disposal of surplus campaign funds shall not
be required and the candidate may carry forward any remaining funds to the generalprimary election, general election, or general runoff election for that same office.
Nonpartisan Judicial Candidates: [Canon 4.4(C) of Arkansas Code of Judicial Conduct]:• Nonpartisan judicial candidates must dispose of any surplus campaign funds byeither returning them to contributors or turning them over to the Treasurer of State.

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Unopposed and Defeated Candidates: [Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §§226, 238,
241, 244]:•••

An unopposed candidate who files an affidavit in the office to which the candidate
files his or her campaign contribution and expenditure reports agreeing to not
solicit further campaign contributions may dispose of any surplus campaign funds
before a general election after the deadline to declare intent to be a write-incandidate has passed.
For an unopposed candidate for nonpartisan office, the candidate may dispose ofany surplus campaign funds before the nonpartisan general election by filing theaffidavit after the deadline for filing an intent to be a write-in candidate.
Unopposed and defeated candidates who file an affidavit containing all campaign
activity not previously reported with a statement that his or her campaign fund hasa zero ($0.00) balance are exempt from further reporting requirements.

Carryover Funds [A.C.A. §7-6-213; Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §§207, 227, 228]
“Carryover funds” are the amount of campaign funds retained from the last election by
the candidate for future use. Carryover funds may not exceed the annual salary, excluding
expense allowances, set by Arkansas law for the office sought. Carryover funds do notinclude campaign signs, campaign literature, or other printed materials that were (i)purchased by the campaign, (ii) reported on the appropriate contribution and expenditurereport for the campaign, and (iii) retained for use in a future campaign by the samecandidate. A.C.A. §7-6-201
Carryover funds may be expended at any time for any purpose allowed by law and may
be used as campaign funds for seeking any public office.
When carryover funds in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) are expended, theexpenditures must be reported on a Carryover Fund Reporting Form.
No report is required in any calendar quarter in which the cumulative expenditure limit is
not exceeded since the last report.
Reporting:• A carryover fund reporting form must be filed no later than fifteen (15) days after
a calendar quarter in which the report becomes required.
• Candidates for school district, township, municipal, or county office shall file withthe county clerk of the county in which the election was held.
• Candidates for state or district office shall file with the Secretary of State.
• If no quarterly report has been filed within a calendar year, a person who retains
carryover funds shall file an annual report by January 31 of each year outlining
the status of the carryover fund account as of December 31.
• A person who retains carryover funds from a general election held in November
or a runoff election held in November is not required to file an annual report for139

RETIREMENT OF DEBT

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the year of the general election or runoff election from which carryover funds wereretained.
All or any portion of carryover funds may be disposed of in the same manner as
for surplus campaign funds, except as personal income for the candidate or his or
her spouse or dependent children.
For all carryover funds related to elections after July 1, 1997, any person having
carryover funds who later files as a candidate for public office must transfer his or
her carryover funds into the person’s active campaign fund, and the funds will nolonger be treated as carryover funds.
The candidate must file an expenditure report for the calendar quarter in which heor she transfers the carryover funds to an active campaign.
If carryover funds are retained, the candidate shall place them in one (1) or more
campaign carryover accounts separate from any personal or business account.
Any carryover funds transferred to this account shall be used only for legitimate
expenses in connection with the candidate’s public office or in future campaigns
by the candidate seeking a non-federal office.
Carryover funds may be retained by a person for not more than ten (10) years
after the last election in which he or she was a candidate, or, if applicable, notmore than ten (10) years after the last day that the person held office.
The carryover fund reporting form shall indicate the following information:• An itemization of all single expenditures made which exceed one hundred
dollars ($100), including the amount of the expenditure, the name andaddress of any person, including the candidate, to whom the expenditure was
made, and the date the expenditure was made.
• The total amount of all nonitemized expenditures made during the filing
period.
• The current balance of carryover funds.

All reports shall be verified by affidavit by the candidate stating that he or she has
examined the report, and that to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, theinformation disclosed is a complete, true, and accurate financial statement of thecandidate’s expenditures.
For a more detailed discussion of retirement of debt, surplus campaign funds, andcarryover funds and reporting requirements, see the Rules on Campaign Finance &Disclosure §§204, 207, 208, 211, 215, 220, 221, 222, 224, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 238,
241, and 244 at www.arkansasethics.com.

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL INTEREST [A.C.A. §§21-8-701, 21-8-702, 21-8-703; Rules
on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §§248, 249]

Candidates filing a Statement of Financial Interest are required to disclose personal income
information about themselves and their spouses. A candidate must disclose employment
and business interests, including investments, holdings, directorships, or offices held. The
disclosure form also requires candidates to list their creditors, past due amounts which thecandidate is legally obligated to pay to governmental bodies, guarantors or co-makers
guaranteeing debt, gifts, teacher monetary awards, non-governmental sources of payment
for travel expenses, and certain regulated business(es).
Creditors do not include financial institutions or persons who regularly lend money in theordinary course of business or members of the candidate’s family.
Blank reporting forms and instructions are available from the Secretary of State and on the
Arkansas Ethics Commission website at www.arkansasethics.com.
Who Must FileAny candidate for elective office, other than candidates for levee and drainage districts, mustfile a Statement of Financial Interest, including candidates for:• State offices• District offices• County offices• Township offices• Municipal offices• School Board
When to File
Candidates for elective office are required to file a Statement of Financial Interest for theprevious calendar year on the first Monday following the close of the period to file as a
candidate for the elective office unless already filed by January 31. In addition, if the party
filing period ends before January 1 of the year of the general election, a Statement of
Financial Interest for the previous calendar year is required to be filed by a candidate nolater than January 31 of the year of the general election.
Any incumbent officeholder who filed a Statement of Financial Interest by January 31 of theyear in which an election is held shall not be required to file an additional statement upon
becoming a candidate for reelection or election to another office at any election held during
the year.

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Where to File
Statements of Financial Interest are filed as follows:• State and district candidates file with the Secretary of State.
• District judge candidates file with the Secretary of State.
• County, township, and school board candidates file with the county clerk.
• Municipal candidates file with the city clerk or recorder.
• City attorney candidates file with the city clerk of the municipality within which they
serve.
How to File
A Statement of Financial Interest shall be considered timely filed if:• Hand-delivered to the appropriate public official on or before the date due;
• Mailed to the appropriate public official, postage prepaid, and postmarked on or
before the due date;• Received via facsimile by the appropriate public official on or before the due date,provided the original is received by the public official within ten (10) days of thetransmission; or• Received by the appropriate public official in a readable electronic format
acceptable to the appropriate public official and approved by the Arkansas Ethics
Commission.
What to File
A Statement of Financial Interest shall include the following information:• The name of the candidate and all names under which doing business.
• The name of the candidate’s spouse and all names under which doing business.
• The reason(s) for filing the Statement of Financial Interest.
• The name and address of each employer and of each other source of grossincome exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) annually received for the use or
benefit of the candidate or his or her spouse with a brief description of the services
for which compensated.
NOTE: This does not require the disclosure of individual items of income that
constitute a portion of the gross income of the business or profession fromwhich the candidate or his or her spouse derives income.
• Identification of each source of gross income as described above of more thantwelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500).
NOTE: This does not require the disclosure of individual items of income that
constitute a portion of the gross income of the business or profession fromwhich the candidate or his or her spouse derives income.
•142

The name and address of every business in which the candidate and his or her
spouse, or any other person for the use or benefit of the candidate or his or her
spouse, have an investment or holdings in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000)
at fair market value as of the last day of the reporting period.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL INTEREST

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Identification of each source described above with a fair market value in excessof twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500) as of the last day of thereporting period.
Every office or directorship held by the candidate or his or her spouse in any
business, corporation, firm, or enterprise subject to jurisdiction of a regulatory
agency of this state, or of any of its political subdivisions.
The name and address of each creditor to whom five thousand dollars ($5,000)
or more was personally owed or obligated by the candidate and still outstanding.
NOTE: Loans made by either a financial institution or a person who regularly
and customarily extends credit in the ordinary course of business and debts
owed to members of the candidate’s family are not required to be disclosed.
The name and address of each governmental body to which the candidate islegally obligated to pay a past-due amount and a description of the nature andamount of the obligation.
The name and address of each guarantor or co-maker who has guaranteed a debt
of the candidate which is still outstanding.
NOTE: This does not apply to a member of the candidate’s family. This
includes debt guarantors arising or extended and refinanced after January 1,
1989.
The source, the date, a reasonable estimate of the fair market value, and a
description of each gift exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) received by thecandidate or his or her spouse.
The source, the date, a reasonable estimate of the fair market value, anddescription of each gift exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) received by
the candidate’s dependent children.
Each monetary or other award of more than one hundred dollars ($100) received
by the candidate in his or her capacity as an employee of a public school district,
the Arkansas School for the Blind, the Arkansas School for the Deaf, the Arkansas
School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, a university, college, technicalcollege, technical institute, comprehensive life-long learning center, or community
college in recognition of the candidate’s contribution to education.
Each nongovernmental source of payment exceeding one hundred fifty dollars($150) of the candidate’s expenses for food, lodging, or travel that bears a
relationship to the office when appearing in official capacity with the name andbusiness address of the person or organization paying the expense, and the date,nature, and amount of the expenditure.
Signature of the candidate, under penalty of false swearing, with respect to thetruth and accuracy of the statements made on the form.

143

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL INTEREST

Any public servant who is employed by any business that is under direct regulation or subject todirect control by the governmental body which he or she serves shall set out this employment
and the fact that the business is regulated by or subject to control of the governmental body on
the Statement of Financial Interest.
If a public servant or any business in which he or she or his or her spouse is an officer, director,
stockholder owning more than ten percent (10%) of the stock of the company, and the owner,
trustee, or partner shall sell any goods or services having a total annual value in excess of one
thousand dollars ($1,000) to the governmental body in which the public servant serves or isemployed, then the public servant shall set out in detail the goods or services sold, thegovernmental body to which they were sold, and the compensation paid for each category of
goods or services sold.

144

PENALITIESPENALTIES [A.C.A. §§7-6-202, 7-6-217, 7-6-218; Rules on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §§213,
247, 250]

The Arkansas Ethics Commission has jurisdiction over Arkansas' campaign financedisclosure laws. If the Arkansas Ethics Commission finds a person in violation of any
provision of these laws, the Commission may impose one or more of the following
sanctions:
Late Filing and Failure to File
Preelection Contribution and Expenditure Reports:• Issue a public letter of caution, warning, or reprimand.
• Impose a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than three thousand, five
hundred dollars ($3,500) for the late filing of reports. Although fines are assessedon the facts of each case, the following schedule serves as a guideline indetermining the amount of the fine:
Repeated Delinquency
DateFirst Time
by
Report Filed
Delinquency
Same Candidate
1 to 3 days late

$ 50.00 per report$100.00 per report

4 to 10 days late

$100.00 per report$150.00 per report

11 to 30 days late$150.00 per report$250.00 per report

All Other Contribution and Expenditure Reports:• Issue a public letter of caution, warning, or reprimand.
• Impose a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than three thousand, five
hundred dollars ($3,500) for the late filing of reports. Although fines are assessedon the facts of each case, the following schedule serves as a guideline indetermining the amount of the fine:
Date
Report Filed

First Time
Delinquency

Repeated Delinquency
bySame Candidate

1 to 10 days late

$ 25.00 per report$ 50.00 per report

11 to 20 days late

$ 50.00 per report$100.00 per report

21 to 30 days late

$100.00 per report$200.00 per report“Repeated delinquency” refers to each different time during the entire election cycle thata candidate fails to file any contribution and expenditure report while running for office
and until such time as the final report has been filed.
In addition to the fines and sanctions, a candidate who fails to file his or her Contribution
and Expenditure Reports will be ordered to file such reports within ten (10) days.

145

PENALITIESStatement of Financial Interest:• Issue a public letter of caution, warning, or reprimand.
• Impose a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than three thousand,five hundred dollars ($3,500) for the late filing of Statements. Although fines areassessed on the facts of each case, the following schedule serves as a guideline
in determining the amount of the fine:
Date Statement Filed
1 to 15 days late
16 to 30 days lateAmount of Fine
$ 50.00$100.00

In addition to the fines and sanctions, a candidate who fails to file his or her
Statement of Financial Interest will be ordered to file such reports within ten (10)days.

False, Materially Misleading, or Incomplete Reporting
Contribution and Expenditure Reports:
Any candidate who reports false or materially misleading information or omits informationfrom a Contribution and Expenditure Report may be assessed a fine of not less than fifty
dollars ($50) or more than three thousand, five hundred dollars ($3,500) for each violationand may be issued a public letter of caution, warning, or reprimand by the Arkansas
Ethics Commission.
Statement of Financial Interest:
Any candidate who reports false or materially misleading information or omits informationfrom a Statement of Financial Interest may be assessed a fine of not less than fifty dollars($50) or more than three thousand, five hundred dollars ($3,500) for each violation andmay be issued a public letter of caution, warning, or reprimand by the Arkansas Ethics
Commission.
Payment of Fines
A campaign or candidate may use campaign funds to pay fines associated with the campaign,such as fines issued by the Ethics Commission for the late filing of a report. The payment ofa fine for violations relating to a candidate’s campaign duties is considered a politicalexpenditure connected with the campaign, not a personal expense.
Fines in excess of one hundred dollars ($100) paid with campaign funds must be reported as
an itemized campaign expenditure on the proper Contribution and Expenditure Report.
The Arkansas Ethics Commission may also refer to the proper law enforcement authorities
for criminal prosecution any person who has knowingly failed to comply with any provision of
Arkansas’ campaign finance disclosure laws, and the offense shall be prosecuted as a ClassA misdemeanor.

146

EXPLORATORY COMMITTEESEXPLORATORY COMMITTEES [A.C.A. §§7-6-201, 7-6-213, 7-6-216; Rules on Campaign
Finance & Disclosure §§251, 252]

An “exploratory committee” is a person that receives contributions which are held to betransferred later to the campaign of a single candidate in an election. An “exploratorycommittee” is one designated by a candidate to promote the candidate’s campaign andto serve as recipient of all contributions and distributor of all expenditures for a candidate
before the candidate’s formal announcement of running for office. An “exploratorycommittee” shall not include a political party that meets the definition of a political party
under §7-1-101, or a political party that meets the requirements of §7-7-205, or the
candidate’s own campaign committee.
Blank registration and reporting forms are available from the Secretary of State and on
the Arkansas Ethics Commission website at www.arkansasethics.com.
Please note, however, that the reports filed by an exploratory committee must be filed inelectronic form through the official website of the Secretary of State.
For information on forming an exploratory committee, funds raised by an exploratorycommittee, maximum contribution limits applicable to an exploratory committee,
expenditures from an exploratory committee, multiple simultaneous exploratorycommittees, and disposing of funds received by an exploratory committee, see the Rules
on Campaign Finance & Disclosure §252 at www.arkansasethics.com.
Registration•••

Filed with the appropriate filing office.
Filed within fifteen (15) days after receiving contributions during a calendar year which
exceed, in the aggregate, five hundred dollars ($500).
Shall be verified by an affidavit of an officer of the committee.

The registration form of an exploratory committee shall disclose the following information:••

The name, address, and phone numbers of the committee and each of its officers.
The name, address, and telephone number of the person who, upon becoming acandidate, is intended to receive the campaign contributions from the committee.

Contribution and Expenditure Report••••

Filed with the appropriate filing office.
Filed beginning with the month in which the committee files its registration.
Filed monthly within thirty (30) days of the end of each month.
A final report shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the end of the month in which
the committee either transfers the contributions received to a candidate’s campaign
or no longer intends to accept contributions on behalf of the candidate.

147

EXPLORATORY COMMITTEESNOTE: An exploratory committee shall not accept contributions after the filing of a
final report.
The Contribution and Expenditure Report from an exploratory committee shallindicate the following information:•
The total amount of contributions received during the filing period and/or theprevious month.
•
The names and addresses of each contributor who contributes in excess of fifty
dollars ($50).
•
Each contributor’s principal place of business, employer, occupation, and theamount contributed.
•
The total amount of expenditures made.
•An itemization for each single expenditure which exceeds one hundred dollars($100), including the amount of the expenditure, the name and address of theperson to whom the expenditure was made, and the date the expenditure wasmade.
All reports shall be verified by affidavit by a committee representative stating that to thebest of the representative’s knowledge and belief, the information disclosed is a complete,true, and accurate financial statement of the committee’s contributions and expenditures.

148

POLITICAL COMMITTEESPOLITICAL COMMITTEESCounty Political Party Committee [A.C.A. §§7-6-201,7-6-203, 7-6-215, 7-6-226; Rules on
Political Committees §§500, 502, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511]

A “county political party committee” is a person that is organized at the county level for the
purpose of supporting its affiliate party and making contributions; is recognized by anorganized political party, as defined in Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-101, as being affiliated withthat political party; receives contributions from one (1) or more persons in order to makecontributions to candidates, campaign committees, ballot question committees, legislative
question committees, political parties, political action committees, or other county politicalparty committees; does not accept any contribution or cumulative contributions in excess
of five thousand dollars ($5,000) from any person in any calendar year; and registers
pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-226 before making contributions.
It shall be unlawful for any county political party committee to accept any contribution froma prohibited political action committee.
For purposes of making contributions to candidates, each county political party committee
may contribute up to the maximum contribution amount to a candidate’s campaign foreach election, whether the candidate is opposed or unopposed. It is also permissible fora county political party committee to pay reasonable administrative expenses out of thecontributions it has received.
Blank registration and reporting forms are available from the Secretary of State and on
the Arkansas Ethics Commission site at www.arkansasethics.com.
Please note, however, that PACs are required to file reports in electronic form throughthe official website of the Secretary of State.
If the committee meets the five thousand dollar ($5,000) threshold, a treasurer who is aqualified elector of the State of Arkansas must be appointed by the committee. No
contribution may be accepted from a committee and no expenditure may be made by acommittee that has met the registration threshold, but has not registered and appointed
a treasurer.
The committee is also required to designate a financial institution within the State of
Arkansas as its official depository for the purposes of depositing all money contributions
that it receives in this state and making all expenditures in this state.
If a county political party committee does not meet the five thousand dollar ($5,000)
threshold, then no registration or reporting is required, and the treasurer and depository
requirements are not applicable.

149

POLITICAL COMMITTEES

Registration:• Filed with the Secretary of State.
• Filed within fifteen (15) days after accepting contributions during a calendar year
which, in the aggregate, exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
• Must be annually renewed by January 15, unless the committee has ceased toexist.
• Must be verified by an affidavit of an officer of the committee.
The registration form of a county political party committee shall disclose
the following information:
•

•
•

•

The name and any acronym, address, and phone number of the committee
and the name, address, phone number, and place of employment of each of
its officers.
The political party with which the county political party committee is affiliated.
The full name and full address of the financial institution in this state that thecommittee designates as its official depository for the purposes of depositing
all money contributions that it receives in this state and making all
expenditures in this state.
A written acceptance of appointment by the treasurer.

Quarterly Report:• Filed with the Secretary of State.
• Filed quarterly within fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of each calendar
quarter.
• Must be verified by an affidavit of an officer of the committee stating that to thebest of his or her knowledge and belief the information disclosed is a complete,true, and accurate financial statement of the committee’s contributions received
and made.
• Considered timely filed if hand delivered or mailed to the Secretary of State,properly addressed, postage prepaid, and postmarked on the date that the reportis due.
• Records evidencing the name, address, and place of employment of each personthat contributed to the committee are required to be maintained by the committee
for a period of four (4) years.
The quarterly report from a county political party committee shall indicate
the following information:• The total amount of contributions received and the total amount ofcontributions made during the filing period and the cumulative amount ofthese totals.
• The current balance of committee funds.
• The name and address of each person that made a contribution orcontributions to the committee that exceeded five hundred dollars ($500) in
the aggregate, the contributor’s place of business, employer, or occupation,
the date of the contribution, the amount contributed, and the total contributed
for the year.
150

POLITICAL COMMITTEES

•

•

•

•

The name and address of each candidate, campaign committee, ballot
question committee, legislative question committee, political party, politicalaction committee, independent expenditure committee, or other county
political party committee, if any, to whom or which the committee made acontribution or contributions that exceeded fifty dollars ($50) in the aggregate
during the filing period, with the amount contributed and the election for which
the contribution was made.
The name and address of each candidate, campaign committee, ballot
question committee, legislative question committee, political party, politicalaction committee, independent expenditure committee, or other county
political party committee, if any, to whom or which the committee contributed
a nonmoney item, together with a description of the item, the date the item
was contributed, and the value of the item.
The total amount of expenditure made for administrative expenses and foreach single expenditure that exceeds one hundred dollars ($100), an
itemization including the amount of the expenditure, the name and address ofthe person to which the expenditure was made, and the date the expenditure
was made.
Any change in information required to be disclosed on the registration form.

Reports Received via Facsimile:
The Secretary of State shall accept faxed copies of any report if the original isreceived within ten (10) days of the date of transmission. Reports, in a readable
electronic format acceptable to the Secretary of State and approved by the Arkansas
Ethics Commission, may be received by the Secretary of State.
Penalties for Registration and Reporting Violations:
If the Arkansas Ethics Commission finds that a person or a county political party
committee has committed a violation of Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-226 concerning
registration and reporting requirements, it may impose a fine of not less than fifty
dollars ($50) and not more than three thousand, five hundred dollars ($3,500) and/or
issue a public letter of caution, warning, or reprimand.
Notice of Termination:• Filed with the Secretary of State.
• Must file a report of all previously unreported financial activity up to the date of
termination.
The notice of termination from a county political party committee shallindicate the following information:•••

The name and full address of the committee.
The date the committee ceased to exist.
An itemization of all previously unreported financial activity or an indicationthat all financial activity during the registration period has already beenreported.

151

POLITICAL COMMITTEES

All reports shall be verified by an affidavit of an officer of the committee stating that to thebest of his or her knowledge and belief the information disclosed is a complete, true, andaccurate financial statement of the committee’s contributions received and made.

Political Action Committee [A.C.A. §§7-6-201, 7-6-203, 7-6-215; Rules on Political Committees§§500, 501,502, 503, 505, 507, 509, 510, 511]

An “approved political action committee” is any person that receives contributions fromone (1) or more persons in order to make contributions to candidates, campaign
committees, ballot question committees, legislative question committees, political parties,
county political party committees, or other political action committees; does not accept
any contribution or cumulative contributions in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000)
from any person in any calendar year; and registers pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-215
before making contributions.
An approved political action committee shall not include an organized political party as
defined in Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-101, a county political party committee, the candidate’s
own campaign committee, an exploratory committee, or a ballot or legislative question
committee.
It shall be unlawful for any approved political action committee to accept any contributions
from a prohibited political action committee.
It shall be unlawful for a prohibited political action committee to make a contribution to aballot question committee, legislative question committee, political party, political party
committee, or an approved political action committee.
For purposes of making contributions to candidates, each political action committee may
contribute up to the maximum contribution amount to a candidate’s campaign for eachelection, whether the candidate is opposed or unopposed. It is also permissible for apolitical action committee to pay reasonable administrative expenses out of thecontributions it has received.
Blank registration and reporting forms are available from the Secretary of State and on
the Arkansas Ethics Commission website at www.arkansasethics.com.
Please note, however, that PACs are required to file reports in electronic form throughthe official website of the Secretary of State.

152

POLITICAL COMMITTEES

If an out-of-state political action committee, including a federal committee, contributes
more than five hundred dollar ($500) in a calendar year to candidates, campaign
committees, ballot question committees, legislative question committees, political parties,
county political party committees, or other political action committees within this state, theout-of-state political action committee must designate a resident agent and comply withall registration and reporting requirements of subchapter 2 of chapter 6, Title 7 of the
Arkansas Code and subject to the jurisdiction of the State of Arkansas for purposes ofcompliance.
No contribution may be accepted from a committee and no expenditure may be made by
a committee that has not registered and does not have a resident agent. For exceptions
to these requirements, see the Rules on Political Committees §§501(a)(4)(B) and 505 at
www.arkansasethics.com.
If a political action committee, including any out-of-state political action committee, does
not meet the five hundred dollar ($500) contribution threshold, then no registration orreporting is required.
Registration:• Filed with the Secretary of State.
• Filed (i) before making any contributions or (ii) within fifteen (15) days after accepting
contributions during a calendar year that exceed five hundred dollars ($500) in theaggregate, whichever is earlier.
• Must designate an individual who resides in this state to serve as a resident agent.
• Must be annually renewed by January 15, unless the committee has ceased to exist.
The registration form of a political action committee shall disclose thefollowing information:• The name and any acronym, address, and phone number of the committee andthe name, address, phone number, and place of employment of each of its
officers.
• The professional, business, trade, labor, or other interests represented by thecommittee, including any individual business, organization, association,
corporation, labor organization, or other group or firm whose interests will be
represented by the committee.
• The full name and full address of each financial institution the committee uses toreceive contributions or make expenditures within this state.
• The name, street address, and telephone number of the individual designated as
the resident agent and, if the registration form is filed in paper form, a written
acceptance of designation as a resident agent.
• A certification by an officer of the committee, under penalty of false swearing, thatthe information provided on the registration is true and correct.
• A clause submitting the committee to the jurisdiction of this state for all purposes
related to provisions of subchapter 2 of chapter 6, Title 7 of the Arkansas Code.

153

POLITICAL COMMITTEES

Amended Registration:• Filed within ten (10) days of any change or subject to a late filing fee of ten dollars($10) for each day the change is not filed.
Quarterly Report:• Filed with the Secretary of State.
Please note, however, that PACs are required to file reports in electronic form
through the official website of the Secretary of State.
• Filed quarterly within fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter.
• Must be verified by an affidavit of an officer of the committee stating that to the bestof his or her knowledge and belief the information so disclosed is a complete, true,
and accurate financial statement of the committee’s contributions received and made.
• Required to be maintained by the committee for a period of four (4) years.
• Report for the fourth quarter must indicate whether or not the political action
committee intends to renew its registration for the next calendar year and, if so, it
must submit its registration for the next calendar year at the same time it files thereport for the fourth quarter.
The quarterly report from a political action committee shall indicate thefollowing information:

154•

The total amount of contributions received and the total amount ofcontributions made during the filing period and the cumulative amount of
those totals.

•

The current balance of committee funds.

•

The name and address of each person that made a contribution or contributions
to the committee that exceeded five hundred dollars ($500) in the aggregate
during the calendar year, the contributor’s place of business, employer,
occupation, the date of the contribution, the amount of the contribution, and thetotal contributed for the year.

•

The name and address of each candidate, campaign committee, ballot question
committee, legislative question committee, political party, county political party
committee, or other political action committee, if any, to whom or which thecommittee made a contribution or contributions that exceeded fifty dollars ($50)
in the aggregate during the filing period, with the amount contributed and theelection for which the contribution was made.

•The name and address of each candidate, campaign committee, ballot question
committee, legislative question committee, political party, county political party
committee, or other political action committee, if any, to whom or which thecommittee contributed a nonmoney item, together with a description of the item,the date the item was contributed, and the value of the item.

•

The total amount of expenditures made for administrative expenses and for eachsingle expenditure that exceeds one hundred dollars ($100), an itemization of theamount of the expenditure, the name and address of the person to which theexpenditure was made, and the date the expenditure was made.

POLITICAL COMMITTEES

Penalties for Registration and Reporting Violations:
If the Arkansas Ethics Commission finds that a person or a political action committee hascommitted a violation of Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-215 concerning registration and reporting
requirements, it may impose a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) and not more than
three thousand, five hundred dollars ($3,500) and/or issue a public letter of caution,
warning, or reprimand.

Notice of Termination:• Filed with the Secretary of State.
• Must file a report of all previously unreported financial activity up to the date of
termination.
The notice of termination from a political action committee shall indicate
the following information:• The name and full address of the committee.
• The date the committee ceased to exist.
• An itemization of all previously unreported financial activity or an indication that
all financial activity during the registration period has already been reported.
All reports shall be verified by an affidavit of an officer of the committee stating that to thebest of his or her knowledge and belief the information so disclosed is a complete, true, andaccurate financial statement of the political action committee’s contributions received andmade.

Legislative Caucus Committee [A.C.A. §§7-6-201, 7-6-215; Rules on Political Committees §§500,
501, 502, 503, 504, 507, 509]

A “legislative caucus committee” is a person that is composed exclusively of members of
the General Assembly, that elects or appoints officers and recognizes identified
legislators as members of the organization, and that exists for research and other supportof policy development and interest that the membership hold in common. A legislative
caucus committee includes, but is not limited to, a political party caucus of the General
Assembly, the Senate, or the House of Representatives.
Blank registration and reporting forms are available from the Secretary of State andsample political action committee forms can be found at www.arkansasethics.com.
Before a legislative caucus committee makes contributions to candidates, campaign
committees, ballot question committees, legislative question committees, political parties,
county political party committees, or political action committees, the legislative caucus
committee is required to comply with the same registration and reporting provisions
required of political action committees, including the designation of a resident agent who
is an individual who resides in this state and the establishment of an account in a financial
institution.

155

POLITICAL COMMITTEES

Registration:• Filed with the Secretary of State.
Please note, however, that PACs are required to file reports in electronic form
through the official website of the Secretary of State.
• Filed (i) before making any contributions or (ii) within fifteen (15) days after
accepting contributions during a calendar year that exceed five hundred dollars($500) in the aggregate, whichever is earlier.
• Must designate an individual who resides in this state to serve as a resident agent.
• Must be annually renewed by January 15, unless the committee has ceased toexist.

Amended Registration:• Filed within ten (10) days of any change or subject to a late filing fee of ten dollars($10) for each day the change is not filed.
Quarterly Report:• Filed with the Secretary of State.
• Filed quarterly within fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of each calendar
quarter.
• Must be verified by an affidavit of an officer of the committee stating that to thebest of his or her knowledge and belief the information so disclosed is a complete,true, and accurate financial statement of the committee’s contributions received
and made.
• Required to be maintained by the committee for a period of four (4) years.
Penalties for Registration and Reporting Violations:
If the Arkansas Ethics Commission finds that a person or a political action committee
has committed a violation of Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-215 concerning registration andreporting requirements, it may impose a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) andnot more than three thousand, five hundred dollars ($3,500) and/or issue a public
letter of caution, warning, or reprimand.
Legislative caucus committees use political action committee forms. For details on theinformation required to be disclosed on a quarterly report from a legislative caucus
committee, see pages 155 -156.

156

INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE COMMITTESSINDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE COMMITTEES [A.C.A. §§7-6-201, 7-6-207, 7-6-213,
7-6-220, 7-6-227; Rules on Independent Expenditures §§700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706]

An “independent expenditure committee” is any person that receives contributions fromone (1) or more persons in order to make an independent expenditure and is registeredpursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-227 before making expenditures.
An “independent expenditure” is any expenditure which is not a contribution and expressly
advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for office; is made withoutarrangement, cooperation, or consultation between any candidate or any authorizedcommittee or agent of the candidate and the person making the expenditure or any
authorized agent of that person; and is not made in concert with or at the request or
suggestion of any candidate or any authorized committee or agent of the candidate.
Blank registration and reporting forms are available from the Secretary of State and on
the Arkansas Ethics Commission website at www.arkansasethics.com.
Please note, however, that the reports filed by an independent expenditure committee
must be filed in electronic form through the official website of the Secretary of State.
If an out-of-state independent expenditure committee makes an independent expenditure
or expenditures within the state that in the aggregate exceed five hundred dollars ($500)
during a calendar year, the committee must comply with all registration and reporting
requirements under Arkansas law and is subject to the jurisdiction of the State of
Arkansas for all purposes of compliance with the provisions of subchapter 2 of chapter 6,
Title 7 of the Arkansas Code.
It is permissible for an independent expenditure committee to pay reasonableadministrative expenses out of the contributions it has received.
While it is permissible for an organized political party to make a contribution to anindependent expenditure committee, an organized political party is NOT able to make an
independent expenditure due to the inherently close relationship between the party andits nominees. AEC Advisory Opinion No. 2005-EC-006
A contribution shall not be accepted from an independent expenditure committee nor canan expenditure be made by an independent expenditure committee that has notregistered and does not have a resident agent.
If a person or an independent expenditure committee does not make independent
expenditures that in the aggregate exceed five hundred dollars ($500) in a calendar year,
then no registration or reporting is required.

157

INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE COMMITTESS

Registration
•
•
•
•
•
•

Filed with the Secretary of State.
Filed within fifteen (15) days after accepting contributions during a calendar year thatexceed five hundred dollars ($500) in the aggregate.
Must be annually renewed by January 15 unless the committee has ceased to exist.
Shall be verified by an affidavit of an officer of the committee.
Shall designate a resident agent who shall be an individual who resides in the Stateof Arkansas.
Each committee is required to maintain contribution and expenditure reports for aperiod of four (4) years.
The registration form of an independent expenditure committee shall disclose
the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

The name and acronym, if applicable, address and phone number of thecommittee.
The name, address, phone number, and place of employment of each officer.
The full name and full address of each financial institution the committee uses forpurposes of receiving contributions or making expenditures within the state.
A written acceptance of designation as a resident agent.
A certification by a committee officer, under penalty of false swearing, that the
information provided on the registration is true and correct.
A clause submitting the committee to the jurisdiction of the State of Arkansas for
all purposes of compliance with the provisions of subchapter 2 of chapter 6, Title
7 of the Arkansas Code.

Amended Registration•

Filed within ten (10) days of any change or subject to a late filing fee of ten dollars($10) for each day the change is not filed.

Report for Committees, Individuals, and Other Entities• Filed with the Secretary of State.
Please note, however, that the reports filed by an exploratory committee must be filedin electronic form through the official website of the Secretary of State.
• Filed no later than thirty (30) days before preferential primary elections, generalelections, and special elections covering the period ending thirty-five (35) days before
the elections.
• Filed no later than seven (7) days before preferential primary elections, runoff
elections, general elections, and special elections covering the period ending ten (10)days before the elections.
• Final reports filed no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the month in which thelast election is held at which the candidate seeks nomination or election.
• Reports to be maintained by the committee for a period of four (4) years.

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INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE COMMITTESS

The independent expenditure report from a committee, individual, and any otherentity required to file shall indicate the following information:
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

•
•

•
•

In the case of an individual making an expenditure, the name, address, phone number,principal place of business, employer, and occupation of the individual.
In the case of a committee, the name, address, employer, and occupation of its officers.
In the case of a person who is not an individual, the principal name of the entity, theaddress, and the name, address, employer, and occupation of its officers.
The total amount of contributions received, with loans stated separately, and the total
amount of expenditures made during the filing periods, and the cumulative amount of
those totals.
The name and address of each person who made a contribution or contributions that in
the aggregate exceeded fifty dollars ($50), the contributor’s place of business, employer,
occupation, and the date of the contribution, and the amount contributed.
The contributor’s principal place of business, employer, occupation, the amountcontributed, the date the contribution was accepted by the committee, and the aggregate
contributed for each election.
The name and address of each person who contributed a nonmoney item, together witha description of the item, the date of receipt, and the value, not including volunteer service
by individuals.
An itemization of all single expenditures made that exceed one hundred dollars ($100),
including the amount of the expenditure, the name and address of any person to whom
the expenditure was made, and the date the expenditure was made.
A list of all paid workers and the amount the workers were paid.
A list of all expenditures by category, including, but not limited to, television, radio, print
and other advertising, direct mail, office supplies, rent, travel, expenses, entertainment,
and telephone.
The total amount of all nonitemized expenditures made during the filing period.
The current balance of committee funds.

The information required by bullets four through twelve may be provided in the form of aschedule or schedules attached to the report.

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INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE COMMITTESS

Penalties for Registration and Reporting Violations
If the Arkansas Ethics Commission finds that a person or an independent expenditurecommittee has committed a violation of Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-220 and/or Ark. Code Ann. §76-227 concerning registration and reporting requirements, it may impose a fine of not lessthan fifty dollars ($50) and not more than three thousand, five hundred dollars ($3,500) and/or
issue a public letter of caution, warning, or reprimand.
All reports shall be verified by an affidavit of an officer of the committee or entity stating thathe or she has examined the report, and that to the best of his or her knowledge and belief,
the information disclosed is a complete, true, and accurate financial statement of thecommittee’s contributions received and expenditures made160

ARKANSAS STATUTES

ARKANSAS STATUTES
Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-103.

Miscellaneous misdemeanor offenses –Penalties.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-104.

Miscellaneous felonies – Penalties.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-3-108.

Subversive parties – New parties – Affidavit
required – Penalty.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-101.

Campaign services contract – Right of action.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-102.

Political practices pledge – Penalty for
Falsification.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-103.

Campaign participation by judges – Penalty.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-104.

Defamatory political broadcasts.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-228.

Campaign signs and materials.

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ARKANSAS STATUTES

ARKANSAS STATUTES
Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-103
7-1-103. Miscellaneous misdemeanor offenses - Penalties.
(a) The violation of any of the following shall be deemed misdemeanors punishable asprovided in this section:(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to appoint or offer to appoint anyone to any
office or position of trust or for any person to influence, attempt to influence, or offer toinfluence the appointment, nomination, or election of any person to office in considerationof the support or assistance of the person for any candidate in any election in this state;(2)(A)(i) It shall be unlawful for any public servant, as defined in §21-8-402, to devote
any time or labor during usual office hours toward the campaign of any other candidatefor office or for the nomination to any office.
(ii) Devoting any time or labor during usual office hours toward the campaign of
any other candidate for office or for the nomination to any office includes without limitation
the gathering of signatures for a nominating petition.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any public servant, as defined in §21-8-402, to circulate
an initiative or referendum petition or to solicit signatures on an initiative or referendum
petition in any public office of the state, county, or municipal governments of Arkansas orduring the usual office hours or while on duty for any state agency or any county ormunicipal government in Arkansas.
(C) It shall be unlawful for any public servant, as defined in §21-8-402, to coerce,by threats or otherwise, any public employee into devoting time or labor toward thecampaign of any candidate for office or for the nomination to any office;(3)(A) It shall be unlawful for any public servant, as defined in §21-8-402, to use any
office or room furnished at public expense to distribute any letters, circulars, or othercampaign materials unless such office or room is regularly used by members of the public
for such purposes without regard to political affiliation. It shall further be unlawful for any
public servant to use for campaign purposes any item of personal property provided withpublic funds.
(B) As used in subdivision (a)(3)(A) of this section, “campaign materials” and“campaign purposes” refer to:(i) The campaign of a candidate for public office; and(ii) Efforts to support or oppose a ballot measure except as provided in§7-1- 111;

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(4) It shall be unlawful for any person to assess any public employee, as defined in§21-8-402, for any political purpose whatever or to coerce, by threats or otherwise, any
public employee into making a subscription or contribution for any political purpose;(5) It shall be unlawful for any person employed in any capacity in any department of
the State of Arkansas to have membership in any political party or organization that
advocates the overthrow of our constitutional form of government;(6) It shall be unlawful for any campaign banners, campaign signs, or other campaign
literature to be placed on any cars, trucks, tractors, or other vehicles belonging to theState of Arkansas or any municipality, county, or school district in the state;(7)(A)(i) All articles, statements, or communications appearing in any newspaper
printed or circulated in this state intended or calculated to influence the vote of any elector
in any election and for the publication of which a consideration is paid or to be paid shallclearly contain the words “Paid Political Advertisement,” “Paid Political Ad,” or “Paid forby” the candidate, committee, or person who paid for the message.
(ii) Both the persons placing and the persons publishing the articles,
statements, or communications shall be responsible for including the required disclaimer.
(B)(i) All articles, statements, or communications appearing in any radio,
television, or any other electronic medium intended or calculated to influence the vote ofany elector in any election and for the publication of which a consideration is paid or tobe paid shall clearly contain the words:(a) “Paid political advertisement” or “paid political ad”; or(b) “Paid for by”, “sponsored by”, or “furnished by” the true sponsor of theadvertisement.
(iii)

Both the persons placing and the persons publishing the articles, statements,
or communications shall be responsible for including the required disclaimer;(8) [Repealed](9)(A) No An election official acting in his or her official capacity shall not do any
electioneering on any:(i) On election day or any day on which early voting is allowed;(ii) In a building in which voting is taking place; or(iii) Within one hundred feet (100') of the primary exterior entrance used by
voters to the a building in which voting is taking place.

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ARKANSAS STATUTES(B) On early voting days and election day a person shall not do any electioneering
during voting hours:(i) In a building or within in which voting is taking place;(ii) Within one hundred feet (100') of the primary exterior entrance used by voters
to a building in which voting is taking place; or(iii) With persons standing in line to vote.
(C)(i) As used in this subdivision (a)(8), "electioneering" means the display of or
audible dissemination of information that advocates for or against any candidate, issue,or measure on a ballot.
(ii) "Electioneering" includes without limitation the following:(a) Handing out, distributing, or offering to hand out or distribute campaign
literature or literature regarding a candidate, issue, or measure on theballot;(b) Soliciting signatures on a petition;(c) Soliciting contributions for a charitable or other purpose;(d) Displaying a candidate's name, likeness, or logo;(e) Displaying a ballot measure's number, title, subject, or logo;(f) Displaying or dissemination of buttons, hats, pencils, pens, shirts, signs,
or stickers containing electioneering information; and(g) Disseminating audible electioneering information.
(iii) "Electioneering" does not include:(a) The presentation of a candidate's identification by the candidate under
Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, 11 §13; or(b) The display of a ballot measure in the polling place as required under §7-5-202.
(10) No election official shall perform any of the duties of the position before taking
and subscribing to the oath provided for in §7-4-110;(11) No person applying for a ballot shall swear falsely to any oath administered by
the election officials with reference to his or her qualifications to vote;164

(12) No person shall willfully cause or attempt to cause his or her own name to beregistered in any other election precinct than that in which he or she is or will be before
the next ensuing election qualified as an elector;(13) During any election, no person shall remove, tear down, or destroy any booths
or supplies or other conveniences placed in any booth or polling site for the purpose of
enabling the voter to prepare his or her ballot;(14) No person shall take or carry any ballot obtained from any election official
outside of the polling room or have in his possession outside of the polling room before
the closing of the polls any ballot provided by any county election commissioner;(15) No person shall furnish a ballot to any elector who cannot read informing him or
her that it contains a name or names different from those that are written or printed
thereon or shall change or mark the ballot of any elector who cannot read so as to preventthe elector from voting for any candidate, act, section, or constitutional amendment as theelector intended;(16) No election official or other person shall unfold a ballot or without the express
consent of the voter ascertain or attempt to ascertain any vote on a ballot before it isplaced in the ballot box;(17) No person shall print or cause to be printed any ballot for any election held under
this act with the names of the candidates appearing thereon in any other or different orderor manner than provided by this act;(18) No election official shall permit the vote of any person to be cast in any election
precinct in this state in any election legally held in this state when the person does notappear in person at the election precinct and actually cast the vote. This subdivision(a)(18) shall not apply to persons entitled to cast absentee ballots;(19)(A) No person shall vote or offer to vote more than one (1) time in any election
held in this state, either in person or by absentee ballot, or shall vote in more than one (1)election precinct in any election held in this state.
(B) No person shall cast a ballot or vote in the preferential primary of one (1)political party and then cast a ballot or vote in the general primary of another political party
in this state;(20) No person shall:(A) Vote, knowing himself or herself not to be entitled to vote;(B) Vote more than once at any election or knowingly cast more than one (1)ballot or attempt to do so;

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ARKANSAS STATUTES(C) Provide assistance to a voter in marking and casting the voter’s ballot except
as provided in §7-5-310;(D) Alter or attempt to alter any ballot after it has been cast;(E) Add or attempt to add any ballot to those legally polled at any election either
by fraudulently introducing it into the ballot box before or after the ballots have beencounted or at any other time or in any other manner with the intent or effect of affecting
the count or recount of the ballots;(F) Withdraw or attempt to withdraw any ballot lawfully polled with the intent oreffect of affecting the count or recount of the ballots; or(G) In any manner interfere with the officials lawfully conducting the election or
the canvass or with the voters lawfully exercising their right to vote at the election;(21) No person shall make any bet or wager upon the result of any election in thisstate;(22) No election official, poll watcher, or any other person in or out of this state in any
primary, general, or special election in this state shall divulge to any person the results ofany votes cast for any candidate or on any issue in the election until after the closing of
the polls on the day of the election. The provisions of this subdivision (a)(22) shall not
apply to any township or precinct in this state in which all of the registered voters therein
have voted prior to the closing of the polls in those instances in which there are fifteen(15) or fewer registered voters in the precinct or township; and(23) Any person, election official, county clerk, or deputy clerk who violates any
provisions of the absentee voting laws, §7-5-401 et seq., shall be punished as provided
in this section.
(b)(1) Except as otherwise provided, the violation of any provision of this section shall be
a Class A misdemeanor.
(2)(A) Any person convicted under the provisions of this section shall thereafter beineligible to hold any office or employment in any of the departments in this state.
(B)(i) If any person is convicted under the provisions of this section while employedby any of the departments of this state, he or she shall be removed from employment
immediately.
(ii) If any person is convicted under the provisions of this section while holding
public office, the conviction shall be deemed a misfeasance and malfeasance in officeand shall subject the person to impeachment.

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(c) Any violation of this act not covered by this section and §7-1-104 shall be considereda Class A misdemeanor and shall be punishable as such.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-1-104
7-1-104. Miscellaneous felonies - Penalties.
(a) The following offenses shall be deemed felonies punishable as provided in thissection:(1) No person shall falsely make or fraudulently destroy any certificate of nominations
or any part thereof, file any certificate of nominations knowing the certificate or any part
thereof to be false, suppress any nomination or any part thereof which has been filed, orforge or falsely write the name or initials of any election official on any ballot;(2) No public official or other person shall in any manner willfully or corruptly permit
any person not entitled to register for the purpose of voting to register, nor shall a public
official or other person forge or attempt to forge a registration;(3) No person shall vote in any election in the state unless the person is a qualified
elector of this state and has registered to vote in the manner provided by law;(4) It shall be unlawful for any person to offer, accept, receive, or pay any person any
money, goods, wares, or merchandise or solicit any money, goods, wares, or
merchandise for the purpose of influencing his or her vote during the progress of any
election in this state;(5) It shall be unlawful for any person to make any threat or attempt to intimidate any
elector or the family, business, or profession of the elector;(6) It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with or to prevent any qualified
elector from voting at any election or to attempt to interfere with or to prevent any qualified
elector from voting at any election, provided that this subdivision (a)(6) shall not prohibit
good faith challenges of ballots or voters according to law by candidates, authorized
representatives of candidates, political parties, or ballot issues;(7) It shall be unlawful for any person to attend any polling site on election day andhand out or give away any campaign cards, placards, or other articles for the purpose of
influencing the electors to vote for any candidate, except in the manner now provided bylaw;(8)(A) It shall be unlawful for a person with the intent to defraud a voter or an election
official to possess an absentee ballot issued to another.
(B) The possession by a person of more than ten (10) absentee ballots creates arebuttable presumption of intent to defraud.

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ARKANSAS STATUTES(C) The presumption under subdivision (a)(8)(B) of this section does not apply to:(i) An employee of the United States Postal Service performing the normal courseof the employee’s authorized duties;(ii) A common or contract carrier performing the normal course of the carrier’s
authorized duties;(iii) The administrative head of a long-term care or residential care facility licensed
by the state authorized by a voter under Arkansas law; or(iv) An election official acting in his or her official capacity;(9) No person shall tamper with a voting machine or fraudulently affect or attempt toaffect its results;(10) No person may cast a ballot in more than one (1) party primary election on thesame day in this state or for candidates for more than one (1) political party;(11) No person shall vote in any election more than one (1) vote;(12) No person shall vote or attempt to vote other than his or her legal ballot;(13) No election official shall knowingly permit any person to vote other than his or her
legal ballot in any election;(14) No election official or other person shall fraudulently permit any person to voteillegally, refuse the vote of any qualified elector, or cast up or make a false return of any
election;(15) No election official or other person shall willfully make a false count of any election
ballots or falsely or fraudulently certify the returns of any election;(16) No person shall fraudulently change, alter, or obliterate the poll books or booksof any election or break any seals upon any ballot box, voting machine, or stub box,
except as authorized by law;(17) No person shall contrive, alter, forge, counterfeit, detain, mutilate, steal, secrete,or destroy any election returns or election materials for the purpose of hindering or
preventing or falsely reporting a tabulation or check of the returns; and(18) Any person who violates the provisions of §7-5-702 or who shall disclose how
any voter may have voted unless compelled to do so in a judicial proceeding shall bedeemed guilty of a Class D felony and punished as provided in this section.

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(b)(1) Any person convicted of a felony as defined in this section shall be guilty of a Class
D felony.
(2)(A) Any person convicted of a felony as defined in this section shall be barred fromholding public office or employment in any of the departments of the state from the dateof his conviction.
(B)(i) If the person is employed by any of the departments of this state at the timeof his conviction, he shall be removed from employment immediately.
(ii) If any person is convicted under the provisions of this section while holding
public office, the conviction shall be deemed a misfeasance and malfeasance in officeand shall subject the person to impeachment.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-3-108
7-3-108. Subversive parties - New parties - Affidavit required - Penalty.
(a) A political party shall be not be recognized, qualified to participate, or permitted tohave the names of its candidates printed on the ballot in any election in this state that:(1) Either directly or indirectly advocates, teaches, justifies, aids, or abets theoverthrow by force or violence, or by any unlawful means, of the government of the UnitedStates or this state, or an act of terrorism as described by §5-54-205; or(2) Directly or indirectly carries on, advocates, teaches, justifies, aids, or abets a
program of sabotage, force and violence, sedition, or treason against the government of
the United States or this state.
(b)(1) A newly organized political party shall not be recognized, qualified to participate, or
permitted to have the names of its candidates printed on the ballot in any election in thisstate until it has filed an affidavit, by the officers of the party in this state under oath, that:(A) It does not either directly or indirectly advocate, teach, justify, aid, or abet theoverthrow by force or violence or by any unlawful means of the government of the UnitedStates or this state, or an act of terrorism as described by §5-54-205; or(B) It does not directly or indirectly carry on, advocate, teach, justify, aid, or abet a
program of sabotage, force and violence, sedition, or treason against the government of
the United States or this state.
(2) The affidavit shall be filed with the Secretary of State.
(c) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class A
misdemeanor.

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ARKANSAS STATUTES

Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-101
7-6-101. Campaign services contract - Right of action.
No action shall be brought to charge any person upon any contract, promise, or
agreement for any service rendered to or for him or her as a candidate in any election inthis state or in aid of his or her campaign for the nomination to any office in this state
unless the agreement, promise, or contract, upon which said action shall be brought, orsome memorandum or note thereof, shall be made in writing and signed by the party to
be charged therewith, or signed by some other person by him or her thereunto properly
authorized in writing.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-102
7-6-102. Political practices pledge — Penalty for falsification(a)(1) Candidates for political party nominations for state or district offices shall file with
the Secretary of State and candidates for county, municipal, or township offices shall filewith the county clerk of the county during the filing period set out in §7-7-203 for the
preferential primary election a pledge in writing stating that they are familiar with therequirements of §§7-1-103, 7-1-104, 7-3-108, and 7-6-101, 7-6-103, 7-6-104 and thissection and will comply in good faith with their terms.
(2) An independent candidate or school district candidate shall file the politicalpractices pledge at the time of filing the petition for nomination.
(3) Independent candidates for municipal office shall file the political practices pledge
with the county clerk at the time of filing the petition for nomination.
(4) Write-in candidates shall file the political practices pledge at the time of filing thenotice to be a write-in candidate.
(5) A nonpartisan candidate paying filing fees in accordance with §7-10-103(b) shallfile the political practices pledge at the time of filing for office.
(6) A nonpartisan candidate filing by petition according to §7-10-103(c) shall file thepolitical practices pledge at the time of filing the petition.
(b) All political practices pledge forms for state or district offices and county, municipal,
or township offices shall be required to contain the following additional pledge:“I hereby certify that I have never been convicted of a felony in Arkansas or in any otherjurisdiction outside of Arkansas.”

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(c) Any person who has been convicted of a felony and signs the pledge stating that heor she has not been convicted of a felony shall be guilty of a Class D felony.
(d) For purposes of this section, a person shall be qualified to be a candidate for a state,
district, county, municipal, and township office and may certify that he or she has neverbeen convicted of a felony if his or her record was expunged in accordance with §§1693-301 - 16-93-303, or a similar expunction statute in another state if the candidate
presents a certificate of expunction from the court that convicted the candidate.
(e)(1) The name of a candidate who fails to sign and file the pledge shall not appear on
the ballot.
(2)(A) Within two (2) days of the date the pledge is required to be filed, the Secretaryof State or the county clerk shall notify by certified mail that requires a return receipt
signed by the candidate those candidates who have failed to file a signed political practicepledge and include a copy of the written pledge required by this section.
(B) Failure of the state or district candidate to file with the Secretary of State or of
the county, municipal, or township candidate to file with the county clerk within five (5)days of receipt or refusal of this notice shall prevent the candidate's name from appearing
on the ballot.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-103
7-6-103. Campaign participation by judges - Penalty.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any judge of the district or circuit courts and any Justice of
the Supreme Court or judge of the Court of Appeals to participate in the campaign of any
candidate for office at any election, other than his or her own.
(b) The word "participation", as used in this section, shall mean the managing ofanother's campaign or any solicitation on his or her behalf.
(c) Participation shall be deemed to be misfeasance and malfeasance in office andshall subject the judge to impeachment therefore.

Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-104
7-6-104. Defamatory political broadcasts.
Neither the owner, licensee, nor operator of a visual or sound radio broadcasting stationor network of stations nor his agents or employees shall be liable for any damages forany defamatory statement published or uttered in, or as a part of, a visual or soundbroadcast by a candidate for political office in those instances in which, under the acts ofCongress or the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, thebroadcasting station or network is prohibited from censoring the script of the broadcast.

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ARKANSAS STATUTES

Ark. Code Ann. §7-6-228
7-6-228 (c)(1)(2). Campaign signs and materials.
(c)(1) Campaign signs, campaign literature, and other printed campaign materials under
this section shall clearly contain the words "Paid for by" followed by the name of thecandidate, committee, or person who paid for the campaign sign, campaign literature, orother printed campaign materials.
(2) Subdivision (c)(1) of this section applies only to campaign signs, campaign literature,and other printed campaign materials created by or sponsored by a political candidate, apolitical action committee, or an independent expenditure committee.

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