Seven candidates filed paperwork on Wednesday, the first day for municipal and township position filings ahead of the November 3 general election. According to the Independence County Clerk’s Office, the filing period will remain open until noon on Wednesday, August 5.
Those who filed for various city council positions within the county include:
- Council Ward 2, Position 2: Robb Roberts - Council Ward 3, Position 1: Julie Hinkle - Council Position 5: Elizabeth Davidson - Council Ward 1, Position 2: Kendall Rutledge - Council Position 1: Stacey Caplener
Early voting begins on October 19, and the deadline to register to vote in the election is October 5, County Clerk Tracey Mitchell confirmed.
One ballot question will appear in Pleasant Plains, where voters will decide whether to transition council member terms to four-year staggered terms.
Terms for all mayors in Independence County, along with Batesville’s city clerk and city attorney, are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026. Terms for recorder-treasurers will end on December 31, 2028. Generally, city council member terms are two years, except for Southside council members, who serve four-year staggered terms. Southside council members holding Position 1 seats will see their terms expire on December 31, 2026, while Position 2 members’ terms will end on December 31, 2028.