Explaining the District 8 Senate election
Three Republican candidates and one Libertarian candidate are all running to be the next state senator serving district 8, which, encompasses part of Fort Smith and Greenwood.
On May, 22nd, voters who cast ballots in the Republican primary election will first select which candidate should represent the party in the general election. Denny Altes, Frank Glidewell, and Mathew Pitsch are all seeking the Republican nomination.
The winner will face the Libertarian candidate, Whitfield Hyman, in the November general election. The term for the winning candidate is four years.
Voters will also see two candidates, Glidewell and Altes, on the same ballot in what's called the "Special Primary" election for the same senate seat.
"With the special election there was a proclamation issued by the governor to fill the remaining term of that position," said Sebastian County Clerk Sharon Brooks.
Brooks told 40/29 News the candidate who wins the special election will serve until 2019, fulfilling the term of former Senator Jake Files.
Files, resigned his senate seat after he was indicted by a federal grand jury. In January, Files pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering in connection to general improvement funds related to the River Valley Sports Complex. The RVSC was never completed and now sits dormant.
Early voting begins May, 7th. On May, 22nd Sebastian County voters can cast their ballots at any polling location in the county.
