AR HB1786

Amends Arkansas Code § 7-5-106(a) to clarify runoff election procedures for county and municipal offices when no candidate receives a majority of votes in a general election.

Establishes that a candidate for municipal office can avoid a runoff by receiving either a majority of votes cast or a plurality of 40% of votes with at least 20% more votes than the second-place candidate.

Requires runoff elections between the top two candidates to be held four (4) weeks following the general election if the threshold requirements are not met.

Amends Arkansas Code § 7-5-106(d) to specify that if one of the top two candidates withdraws before certification of election results, the remaining candidate with the most votes is declared elected without a runoff.

Applies the amended plurality threshold (40% with 20% lead over second place) to municipal offices while maintaining different standards for county elected offices.