REQUIREMENTS TO FILE FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICE
Affidavit of Eligibility, Petition Affidavit, Statement of Financial Interest and Campaign Contribution and Expenditure forms will be provided to the candidate at the time of filing. Therefore, it is suggested that the candidate appear, in person, in the office of the County Clerk to complete filing requirements.
For a City of the First Class, the Petition must contain signatures from not less than 30 qualified electors of the city in which the candidate files.
For a City of the Second Class or Incorporated Town, the Petition must contain signatures from not less than 10 qualified electors of the city in which the candidate files.
No write-in candidates for municipal office are allowed (A.C.A §14-43-202).
In order to assist the candidate in their filing requirements, information packets and forms are available at the County Clerk’s Office. The County Clerk recommends that candidates circulate petitions for signatures well in advance of the deadline to file in order that proper certification of the signatures on the petitions may be made.
Deadline to register to vote for the General Election is Oct. 9.
Early voting for the General Election is Monday, Oct. 22, through Saturday, Nov. 3, on weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Monday Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Statement of Financial Interest:
{A.C.A §21-8701(c)(1)(A)}
A candidate for municipal office must file a Statement of Financial Interest with the City Clerk or Recorder by August 20, unless a statement was filed as an incumbent office holder by Jan. 31, then they shall not be required to file an additional statement.
Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports:
{A.C.A §7-6-208(a) (1)&(2)}
Pre-election Report:
{A.C.A. § 7-6-208 (a)(1)}
Opposed candidates are required to file if they have contributions or expenditures in excess of f $500. This report covers all campaign activity through Oct. 29.
Deadline to File: Oct. 30 (No later than seven days prior to the General Election)
Final Report:
{A.C.A. § 7-6-208 (a)(2)}
Required of ALL candidates, regardless or contributions or expenditures Deadline to File: Dec. 31 Alderman Candidates Elected at Large
(Pursuant to A.C.A. 1442-206) •••
Editor’s note: This information was prepared by and is available at the Benton County Clerk’s Office.