Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Nov. 5, 2024 – Election Day is here. Read up on key ballot issues and candidates before you cast your vote.

Stay up to date on election news here.

LOCAL BALLOT ISSUES:

City voters can vote to increase the Craighead County/Jonesboro Public Library’s millage or to maintain the current funding. The library’s budget was decreased from two mills to one in the 2022 midterm election. The library has since laid off staff and reduced its hours. If passed, it would allow for a one mil increase on the city millage tax on real and personal property. If not passed, the budget will remain the same. County voters will not be able to vote on the issue.

Voters can also vote for or against a 0.5% sales tax to fund a new Craighead County jail in response to overcrowding. If passed, capital improvement bonds will be issued, but they must not exceed $105 million, and the county can either build a new facility or expand the current jail. If it does not pass, a new jail or expansion will not be constructed.

While there are no school district millage changes up for debate, voters will still see millage referendums on their ballots in the name of school transparency. Voters will see millage referendums for Brookland Public Schools, Buffalo Island Central Schools, Jonesboro Public Schools, Nettleton Public Schools, Valley View Public Schools, and Westside Consolidated School District.

MORE: What issues are on the Craighead County ballot? – Jonesboro Right Now

STATE BALLOT ISSUES:

Issue 1 asks voters to vote on allowing proceeds from lottery tickets sales to fund vocational tech and technical school scholarships. Currently, lottery ticket sales only fund scholarships to two and four year private or public colleges/universities. If passed, lottery ticket sales will fund vocational tech/technical school scholarships, in addition to college scholarships. If it does not pass, lottery ticket sales will continue to only fund college/university scholarships.

Issue 2 asks voters to vote on changing the state constitution to remove the Pope County casino gaming license. If passed, it would require additional casino licenses to be approved by a statewide vote and a special election to approve the measure in the county where the proposed casino would be located. If it doesn’t pass, Pope County’s gaming license will remain in the state constitution.

Issue 3 asks voters to vote on two things: prohibiting legislators from changing or repealing constitutional amendments without approval from voters unless the amendment explicitly allows them to, and to make changes to the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016. These changes include expanding the state’s existing medical marijuana program regarding who qualifies, the types of healthcare professionals who can certify patients for the program and allow patients to grow marijuana at home.

On Oct. 21, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that votes for Issue 3 will not be counted. It will, however, still appear on the ballot. 

MORE: The state issues on your Craighead County ballot – Jonesboro Right Now

CANDIDATES:

Editor’s note: An (R) by a candidate’s name indicates a Republican candidate, a (D) indicates a Democratic candidate and an (I) indicates an independent candidate. All candidates are listed in alphabetical order. If a candidate has one, a link is provided to their official campaign website, Facebook, or Instagram page.

FEDERAL:

President:

  • Kamala Harris (D) – running mate Tim Walz
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I) – running mate Nicole Shanahan (Kennedy suspended his campaign Aug. 23, but his name will still be listed on the Arkansas ballot)
  • Chase Oliver (I) – running mate Mike ter Maat
  • Peter Sonski (I) – running mate Lauren Onak
  • Jill Stein (I) – running mate Rudolph Ware
  • Donald Trump (R) – running mate J.D. Vance
  • Micheal Wood (I) – running mate John G. Pietrowski

U.S. Congressional District 1 House of Representatives:

MORE: Rodney Govens and Steve Parsons debate at A-State – Jonesboro Right Now

STATE:

State Senate District 20:

MORE: Sen. Sullivan and Askeland debate the issues – Jonesboro Right Now and District 20 State Senate candidates debate for final time – Jonesboro Right Now

State Representative District 30:

State Representative District 32:

State Representative District 36: 

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Position 1:

COUNTY:

Justice of the Peace District 1

Justice of the Peace District 4

Justice of the Peace District 5

Justice of the Peace District 7

Justice of the Peace District 8

Justice of the Peace District 9

Eastern Dist. Deputy Sheriff

CITY:

City of Jonesboro Mayor:

MORE: Jonesboro mayor candidates face off in first debate of election season – Jonesboro Right Now

City of Jonesboro Alderman Ward 2/Position 2:

  • Keith Livesay, nonpartisan
  • Chris Moore, nonpartisan

City of Bono Alderman Ward 3/Position 2

  • William F. Carr, nonpartisan
  • LM Duncan, nonpartisan

City of Egypt Alderman Position 1

  • Jerry Cook, nonpartisan
  • Tieler Blain Simmons, nonpartisan

City of Egypt Alderman Position 3

  • Velva Joy Lingo, nonpartisan
  • Stormi Rhianna McBroome, nonpartisan

City of Lake City Alderman Ward 3/Position 1

  • Jason Garner, nonpartisan
  • Kate Wells, nonpartisan