2017 last year for September school elections

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The completion of the annual school election cycle this year signals the end of a long-standing fall practice in Arkansas.Earlier this year, the Arkansas legislature passed Act 910 moving the annual September school election to either coincide with the May preferential primary or the November general election beginning in 2018.

Baxter County and Circuit Clerk Canda Reese says the amended school election calendar will complicate matters for those involved in facilitating the change. Coordinating the change could become even more complicated if all school districts do not select the same election cycle.


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With 2018 being a gubernatorial election year, if the school districts opt to attach to the general election in November, Reese says it could be a crowded ballot.


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Reese says the primary election also presents its own challenges.


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Proponents of moving the school elections point to low voter turnout. Reese says low turnout, particularly with school elections, is a concern.


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In the September 19 school election in Mountain Home, 300 registered voters cast their ballots. Records from the Baxter County and Circuit Clerk’s office indicate 23,292 people are registered to vote in the Mountain Home school district.

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