Gassville voters will head back to the polls on December 1 to determine the outcome of the Ward 1, Position 2 race for the Gassville City Council. The runoff follows the November 3 general election, in which none of the three candidates cleared the threshold required for an outright win under Arkansas law.
According to unofficial Baxter County election results, Robert Simmons led the initial race with 166 votes, approximately 42 percent, followed by Michael Fouts with 138 votes and Ben Frodt with 87. Arkansas law stipulates that in a municipal race with more than two candidates, a runoff is required unless one contender claims a majority of votes or secures at least 40 percent while finishing 20 points ahead of the runner-up. Simmons surpassed the 40 percent mark but fell short of the 20-point margin needed to avoid a runoff.
The Baxter County Election Commission has confirmed that the runoff will be the sole item on the ballot. Early voting will be offered at First United Methodist Church, 605 W. Sixth St. in Mountain Home, during select days: Tuesday, November 24; Wednesday, November 25; Friday, November 27; and Monday, November 30. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on those days. Early voting will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
On Election Day, December 1, voters will have two options: First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home and The Good Shepherd Methodist Church, 179 Memory Lane in Cotter. Both polling places will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. If severe weather or other emergencies cause widespread closures, only First United Methodist will remain open.
Voters wishing to cast absentee ballots can contact the Baxter County Clerk’s office at the courthouse (1 E. Seventh St., Suite 103) or reach them via phone at 870-425-3475 or 870-580-5602. Requests can also be made by emailing elections@baxtercountyar.gov. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Absentee ballots will be counted by the Election Commission beginning at 5 p.m. on December 1 at its office, located at 213 E. Fifth St. Unofficial results are expected to be posted at the courthouse after polls close that evening. A post-election audit and certification are scheduled for December 4, and provisional ballot hearings are set for December 7.
Sample ballots are available for review at voterview.ar-nova.org and will also be posted at polling locations. A full list of election officials is expected to be available in the County Clerk’s office starting November 16, with objections permitted in writing within limits of seven to 10 days, depending on the nature of the objection.