POCAHONTAS, Ark. — Voters in Pocahontas and several other Arkansas communities will head back to the polls on Dec. 1 for runoff elections. The additional voting becomes necessary when no candidate in a three-way race secures over 50% of the vote, plus one additional vote, under Arkansas law.

Chris Madison, director of the Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners, explained that runoffs are more common in municipal races because county and state offices follow different rules.

“County offices and state offices have a slightly different rule, but in your municipal offices, it’s the 50 plus one, and so ... that’s what causes runoffs,” Madison said.

In the Pocahontas mayoral race, incumbent Keith Futrell and challenger Danny Swann will face off after neither candidate received a majority of votes in the general election. According to unofficial results, Futrell captured 45% of the vote, while Swann garnered 25%.

This runoff is one of several unfolding across Northeast Arkansas, including contests in Mississippi, Craighead, Cross, and Jackson counties.

Madison said turnout for runoff elections is often lower, making each vote even more critical. “There’s not as many issues or races or things going on,” Madison noted. “There’s not as much hubbub about it, so to speak. So, really making sure that you get your supporters to the polls and vote is hugely important in runoffs.”

Important changes will also apply for the runoff election. Early voting will be held on weekdays during regular county office hours. On Election Day itself, voting locations will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Local residents are already preparing to participate. Stephanie Stockwell, a Pocahontas voter, said she plans to approach the runoff as seriously as the general election. “I think that if you want to be able to speak up, voting is the best way to do so,” she said.

Another resident, Mistina Hibbard, views the runoff as an opportunity for people to take action if they missed the chance to vote earlier. “Now’s the second chance to ... go out there and prove that we can make a change or keep it the same, either way,” Hibbard said.

For complete election results, including races still undecided or heading to a runoff, voters can visit the elections page on the official election website.