TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:
AMENDED PROCLAMATION CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF FILLING A VACANCY IN OFFICE FOR STATE SENATOR FOR DISTRICT 18 AND SETTING ELECTION-RELATED DEADLINES, PURSUANT TO ARK. CODE ANN. § 7-7-105(a)(3)(C)
WHEREAS: Jonathan Dismang, Arkansas State Senator representing District 18, resigned on September 15, 2026;
WHEREAS: The resignation of Senator Dismang has created a vacancy in office for State Senator for District 18 of the Arkansas General Assembly;
WHEREAS: Under Arkansas law, the Governor has the sole responsibility to issue writs of election and set the dates for special elections to fill vacancies in the General Assembly, see Ark. Const. Art. V § 6;
WHEREAS: In such circumstance, Ark. Code Ann. § 7-7-105 requires the special election to fill the vacancy, as well as other election-related deadlines and requirements, be set as soon as possible after the vacancy occurs;
WHEREAS: On September 18, 2026, a proclamation was issued setting the dates for a special election to fill the vacancy in office for State Senator for District 18;
WHEREAS: Ark. Code Ann. § 7-7-105(a)(3)(C) requires that if a nominee is to be chosen at a special primary election and if, after the close of the filing period, only one or two candidates have filed for the nomination of a party holding a primary, the Governor shall issue a new proclamation setting the special election for an earlier date; and
WHEREAS: The filing period for this special election closed at 12:00 noon on September 24, 2026, with only one candidate having filed for each party.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim, as follows:
- A special election shall be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, for the purpose of filling the vacancy in office for State Senator for District 18.
- The results of the special primary election shall be certified by the county boards of election commissioners on or before Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Certificates of Nomination shall be issued by parties no later than 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 8, 2026, and candidates shall file the Certificates of Nomination by 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
- Drawing for ballot position for the special election shall occur on or before Friday, October 9, 2026.
- The results of the special election shall be certified by the county boards of election commissioners on or before Monday, December 28, 2026.
- All other deadlines and requirements not provided for in this proclamation shall be as provided for by the election laws of this State.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 5th day of October, in the year of our Lord 2026.