Benton County election officials are gearing up for the November general election with a public ballot draw scheduled for Monday. The draw will set the order in which candidates appear on the ballot, and candidates may attend in person or send a representative to draw a number on their behalf. If no candidate or representative is present, the Election Commission will draw a number for the vacant slot.
Ballot Draw Details
“We will hold a public meeting. It’s open to anybody that wants to be here,” said Kimberly Dennison, the county’s election coordinator. Dennison noted that ballot draws are a routine part of every primary and general election involving candidates.
Unopposed Races
Several county and municipal races this year will be unopposed. While state‑level unopposed candidates will still appear individually on the ballot, local unopposed candidates will be grouped under a single box labeled “unopposed candidates.” Voters will simply check that box if they wish to vote for any of the unopposed candidates, Dennison explained.
Judge Race Spotlight
The Benton County judge’s race has drawn particular attention because Austin McCollum remains the sole candidate. McCollum was arrested on Aug. 1 on suspicion of aggravated assault of a family or household member, first‑degree false imprisonment, and third‑degree domestic battering. He subsequently resigned from the Arkansas House of Representatives but has not been formally charged, and no ballot changes have been made. “He is the only candidate, and nothing has changed,” Dennison said. Candidates can only be removed from the ballot under limited circumstances such as moving out of the district, serious illness, running for another office, or death. Questions about a potential vacancy if McCollum were to win but not take office were referred to County Judge Barry Moehring.
Ballot Proofing and Equipment Testing
The election office will proof the ballots on Wednesday to verify correct spelling of candidates’ names and ensure all races appear as required. Equipment testing will begin in early September and continue for about three weeks. Workers will test voting machines, confirm that ballots print correctly, and ensure the scanners read the ballots accurately. Following testing, poll workers will receive training before early voting starts.
Voter Guidance
Dennison urged voters to research every race on their ballot, emphasizing that local elections directly affect community life. “Your local elections really matter in what’s happening right there in your city,” she said.
Early voting is set to begin Oct. 19, with the voter‑registration deadline on Oct. 5. Voters are reminded to bring a photo ID to the polls. Sample ballots are available on the county’s website, and those who registered outside the county clerk’s office but have not received a registration card should contact the clerk’s office to confirm their status. Voters can also check registration and view a sample ballot through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s VoterView website.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
