Fort Smith, AR
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Representation
For the purpose of local government, the City of Fort Smith is divided into four wards. The governing body consists of the mayor and seven directors. One director is elected from each ward, and the mayor and three at-large directors are elected citywide.
Terms
Each elected official serves a four-year term with elections held every other year. Currently, the mayor and at-large director terms expire in December 2026, and the ward director terms expire in December 2024.
Candidacy Requirements
To be nominated as a candidate for director or mayor, you will need to file two items with the City Clerk:
- A petition with the signatures of 50 qualified electors
- A statement of candidacy
These items must be filed during the 7-day filing period in August of each general election year. Effective in 2024, there is no longer a filing fee.
Candidates for elected office must:
- Be at least 21 years of age;
- Be a resident of the city for at least 6 months; and,
- Be a registered voter.
Ward directors must reside and be a registered voter of the ward in which they are a candidate.
In the spring of each general election year, the City Clerk’s Office will provide candidate packets containing all necessary forms and information to run for elected office. A media release will be distributed and posted to the City’s website when candidate packets are available.
If you are interested in running for office, please call or email the City Clerk's Office at (479)784-2208 or cityclerk@fortsmithar.gov.
General Information
If two (2) or more candidates file for an elected position, the name of each candidate will appear on the ballot of the general election held in November.
If no candidate obtains a clear majority of votes at the general election, a runoff election will be held on the first Tuesday in December containing the names of the two (2) candidates with the most votes obtained at the general election.
If only one candidate has filed and qualified for a position, the sole candidate will be declared elected without the necessity of putting their name on the ballot.