House Bill 1295 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 7-5-106 to establish new vote thresholds for municipal elections allowing candidates to win without a runoff if they receive either a majority of votes or a plurality of 40% of votes cast.

• Requires a candidate with 40% plurality to obtain 20% more votes than the second-place candidate to avoid a runoff election.

• Maintains existing runoff procedures for county elected offices, which continue to require a majority vote to avoid a runoff.

• Clarifies that runoff elections, when required, are held 3 weeks after the general election between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes.

• Applies to cities of the first and second class and incorporated towns, but excludes cities with a city manager form of government.