Indivisible LRCA’s Voter’s Guide to the 2022 Arkansas Judicial Elections

FAQs About Arkansas Judicial Elections

Guide to the Candidates | Printable PDF Reference to the Pulaski County Judicial Voters’ Guide

Why It’s Important to Vote for Judges


When are the 2022 judicial elections?

The elections themselves are at the time of the preferential primaries—with early voting beginning Monday, May 9 and ending at 5pm on Monday, Ma7 23. Election day is on Tuesday, May 24.

For more info on the election schedule, go to the Pulaski County Clerk’s page, or to the Arkansas Secretary of State.

For information on Pulaski County candidates and Supreme Court Candidates, see our Voter guide.

If a runoff is necessary for judicial candidates, it will be held during the November General Election. In 2022, early voting will begin on October 24th, with voting concluding on November 8th, Election Day.

What’s different about judicial elections?

First, in May, we also vote in the Democratic and Republican primaries for party candidates who will then run against each other in the fall. But the actual election for judges is also held in May, with only runoffs, if any, being held in November.

Second, judicial candidates must be nonpartisan. 

What does nonpartisan mean?

Here’s what being nonpartisan means. Candidates must not publicly identify themselves as Democrats or Republicans or members of any other political party. They must not publicly endorse or oppose candidates for any political office. They can’t make speeches on behalf of a political organization (but they can attend events sponsored by a political organization.) They can’t make promises that are inconsistent with the unbiased viewpoint that a judge must have.

Also, very importantly, they can’t comment on any issues they may later be called upon to decide in such a way that they would seem partial or biased. Because judges do not make decisions based on the preferences of the public, or of Republicans or Democrats, but instead do make decisions based on the law and the facts of each particular case, judicial candidates should not only appear to be free but should actually be free from political influence and political pressure.

Judicial candidates should not speak or announce personal views on social or political topics if to do so will suggest that the candidate lacks impartiality, or is biased against individuals with contrary social or political views. If the candidate does so, they may be required to later recuse themselves when litigation involving those issues or individuals comes before them. 


Why do some candidates have the title “judge” but most don’t?

A candidate who is currently serving as a circuit or district judge and was elected to that office can use the title of “Judge” on the ballot and in their campaign materials. Or a current Arkansas Supreme Court Justice may use the title “Justice.” With respect to current races, this is true of Judge Chris Carnahan, for example, who is an elected district court judge, and Justice Robin Wynne, who is an elected Supreme Court Justice.


Candidates & Courts

The Arkansas Supreme Court

This court makes rules for attorneys and court procedure. It hears appeals from circuit courts and has the final say as to how the Arkansas Constitution is interpreted.

It also is the only appellate court to hear appeals of death penalty cases, election cases, and judicial and attorney discipline cases, to name a few categories. This court has seven justices who serve staggered eight-year terms. In May 2022, three positions are up for election. All Arkansas voters will vote on each of these positions. The candidates for Position 2 are Justice Robin Wynne, Judge Chris Carnahan, and David Sterling. The candidates for Position 6 are Justice Karen Baker and Judge Gunner Delay. The candidate for position 7 is Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Wood, who is running without opposition.


The Arkansas Court of Appeals

This court also hears appeals from circuit courts. It is typically the court of last resort for the types of cases it hears, although a few of its decisions will be later reviewed by the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Judges on this court are elected from different areas of the state. Pulaski County is in the 6th District. The twelve judges serve staggered eight-year terms. Judge Stephanie Casady and Wendy Wood are currently running for the District 06, Position 02 opening.

Circuit Courts

Circuit courts are where trials take place. Circuit court judges hear criminal and civil cases involving all types of state law, such as divorce, probate, criminal, and juvenile law. In 2022 in Pulaski County, three circuit judgeships are open for election. Circuit court judges serve six-year terms.

Additionally, across the state, voters in Circuit Court Districts 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, and 13 will be electing judges. Voters can find their district and their sample ballot at VoterView.org.

In Pulaski County, all three Circuit Court elections this year are in district 6.1, which is in the southeast part of Pulaski County. That means that voters in the north and west parts of Pulaski will not see Circuit Court candidates on their ballot. How can you find out where you are? Here’s a map of judicial subdistricts 6.1 and 6.2. 

Judge Leon Johnson is running unopposed for the Division 01 seat. LaTonya Austin Honorable and Ernest Sanders, Jr. are running for the Division 05 seat. Cara Connors and Brenda Stallings are running for the Division 12 seat.

Whether elected by district 6.1 or district 6.2 voters, these judges will serve ALL residents in Pulaski and Perry counties.

District Courts

District courts hear less serious civil and criminal matters, like traffic violations, misdemeanors, and civil cases involving less than $25,000. A judge may specialize and only hear traffic violations or criminal cases or code violation cases.

District court judges serve four-year terms. There are no district court races in Pulaski or Perry Counties in 2022. The only district court race in Arkansas this year is in Baxter and Marion counties, District 10.