Демократы выдвинули Паркера Столтона на досрочные выборы в палату представителей округа 8 в Бентон-каунти

Benton County race set as Democrats nominate Parker Stohlton for House District 8 special election The Democratic Party of Benton County has nominated Parker Stohlton as its candidate for the House District 8 special election. Republicans nominated Kara Armas earlier this month. The special election is scheduled for Nov. 3, the same day as the general election. The special election winner will temporarily replace former state representative Austin McCollum until the general election winner officially takes office. McCollum resigned after he was accused of assaulting his wife. 40/29 News has reached out to McCollum and his attorney. District 8 covers parts of northern Benton County. McCollum was first elected to the position in 2017. He served as House Majority Leader in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025. Benton County Judge's race Austin McCollum is still on the ballot in the Benton County Judge's race. In fact, he's the only candidate. "He is the only candidate, and nothing has changed," said Kimberly Dennison, Benton County's election coordinator. Dennison said candidates can only be removed from the ballot in limited circumstances, including moving outside the district, becoming seriously ill, running for another office or dying. She referred questions about what could happen if McCollum wins the election but does not take office to Benton County Judge Barry Moehring. The election office will proof the ballots Wednesday to make sure candidates' names are spelled correctly and all races appear as required. Equipment testing is scheduled to begin in early September and will continue for about three weeks. Election workers will test the voting equipment, verify that ballots print correctly and ensure the machines read the ballots properly. The commission will then train poll workers before early voting begins. Dennison encouraged voters to research all the races on their ballots, including local contests. "Your local elections really matter in what’s happening right there in your city," she said. Early voting is scheduled to begin Oct. 19. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. Dennison also reminded voters to bring photo identification to the polls. Sample ballots will be available through the county's website. Voters who registered outside the county clerk's office and have not received a voter registration card should contact the clerk's office to confirm their registration. Voters can visit the Arkansas Secretary of State's VoterView website to check their registration status and view a sample ballot.