KEY DATES FOR THE 2026 NOVEMBER ELECTION

This November, all six City Council positions as well as the Office of Mayor will be on the general election ballot. This is a critical time in history for our city given the work being done to transition services currently provided by HISID to the city. This transition must be undertaken with public support. Your city needs your participation and involvement. Please consider running for one of these offices.

NOTE: If interested please contact Connie Doss, the Carroll County Clerk, in Berryville for the necessary forms and other election information. Her office phone number is 870-423-2022.

NOTE: Municipal elections in Arkansas are nonpartisan. You must be 18 years old, be a qualified elector (registered voter), live in the Ward you wish to represent, and not be a convicted felon.

Key dates to be aware of:

May 7, 2026

First day that independent candidates running for municipal offices with MAYOR-COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT may circulate petitions of nomination. Ark. Code § 14-42-206(b).

You only need 10 signatures from registered voters in your ward.

July 29, 2026

CANDIDATE FILING FOR MAYOR-COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT BEGINS AT 12:00 NOON 

First day that independent candidates running for municipal offices with Mayor-Council form of government may file petitions of nomination, affidavit of eligibility and political practices pledge with the County Clerk. The County Clerk must determine whether or not the petition contains a sufficient number of qualified electors within fourteen (14) days. Ark. Code § 14-42-206(b)(1); § 14-42-206(b)(3)(B)(i), Act 360 of 2025.

August 5, 2026

CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINE FOR MAYOR-COUNCIL FORM OF GOVERNMENT 12:00 Noon

Last day that independent candidates running for municipal offices with Mayor-Council form of government may file petitions of nomination, affidavit of eligibility, and political practices pledge with the county clerk. County clerk must determine whether or not the petition contains a sufficient number of qualified electors within fourteen (14) days. Ark. Code § 14-42-206(b)(1); § 14-42-206(b)(3)(B)(i).

August 10, 2026

DEADLINE FOR MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES IN MAYOR-COUNCIL FORMS OF GOVERNMENT TO FILE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL INTEREST WITH CITY CLERK OR RECORDER

Unless previously filed by January 31, 2026. Ark. Code § 21-8-701(c)(1)(A); § 21-8-703(a)(3).

August 25, 2026

DEADLINE FOR PETITIONS TO HAVE AN ISSUE PUT ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT

Petitions for a ballot initiative must be presented to the City Recorder Treasurer with ample time for he/she to determine the sufficiency of the signatures. The City Council must then pass an ordinance to have it put on the ballot and present that ordinance to the County Clerk no later than August 25^th. Consequently, an unofficial deadline of August 1^st would be recommended for the petitioners.

Mayor Dan Kees, City of Holiday Island