Early voting offers head start for March 3 election

Early voting begins Tuesday across north central Arkansas for the 2026 preferential primary and nonpartisan judicial elections, following a one-day delay for the Presidents’ Day holiday.

Voters are deciding several contested local administrative and law enforcement roles, as well as a full slate of judicial seats in the 16th Judicial District. Because many local candidates filed only as Republicans, several of these primary contests will effectively determine the officeholder before the November general election.

In Independence County, two top executive positions are contested in the Republican primary. Incumbent County Judge Kevin Jeffery faces a challenge from Mark W. Biram, while incumbent Sheriff Shawn Stephens is opposed by Susan Baxter.

A vacancy in the County Clerk’s office, following the retirement of Tracey Mitchell, has drawn two candidates: Lisa Ann Drake and Gena Lawrence. Additionally, a three-way race for Dota Township Constable features Brice Foust, Curtis Davis, and Ronald Laslo.

The Republican primary for Stone County Judge features a three-way contest between Tim Hudspeth, Jim Nesbitt, and Darryl Sullivan.

In the Sheriff’s race, incumbent Brandon Long is being challenged by Dennis R. Simons. Voters in Justice of the Peace District 4 will choose between Robert Huckleberry and Jason Kocher, while District 5 features a race between Ronald Clark and Tammy Knapp.

In Sharp County, the Republican primary for Coroner features Renee Clay-Circle and Seth H. Wortham. The Highland School District also has a contested race for Position 2 between Jason Rhodes and Conway Spurlock.

Izard County features a contested Republican primary for County Treasurer between Brad Felton and Warren Sanders. In local school board elections, Adam Sutterfield and Ty Woodall are vying for the Melbourne School District Zone 2 seat.

A rare election cycle finds all four divisions of the 16th Judicial District contested. These nonpartisan races are held concurrently with the primary; if a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, they are elected outright.

Division 1: Circuit Judge Holly Meyer vs. District Judge Chaney Taylor.

Division 2: Kara Byars, Scott Davidson, and Thomas Kendrick.

Division 3: Circuit Judge Lee Harrod vs. Mathew Gray Dellinger.

Division 4: Kimberly Edington vs. Maureen Harrod.

Early voting continues through March 2 at designated county polling sites. Under Arkansas law, voters must present a photo ID. Following a shift in party rules, the Republican primary is now semi-closed, restricting participation to registered Republicans and crossover voters who have not registered with another party.