AR HB2017

Counties may adopt a resolution to hold nonpartisan elections for sheriff instead of partisan elections, with the election procedure governed by § 7-11-201 et seq.

Nonpartisan sheriff candidates must file a political practices pledge, affidavit of eligibility, and filing fee equal to 3% of the sheriff's annual salary during a one-week period ending at 12:00 noon on the first day in March of the election year.

Candidates may petition without paying a filing fee by submitting signatures from at least 3% of qualified electors in the county, with the petition verified within 30 days by the county clerk.

Write-in candidates for nonpartisan sheriff must file written notice of intent with the county board of election commissioners and county clerk at least 90 days before the election and submit a political practices pledge.

If no nonpartisan candidate receives a majority of votes in the general election, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes advance to a runoff election under § 7-5-106.