A look at the races for Arkansas House of Representative this November clearly shows the lack of competition in Arkansas’ electoral process. Most Arkansans will have only a single candidate to vote for.
Out of 100 races, 62 have already been decided: 49 Republicans and 13 Democrats have already secured their seats. Most of these “Representatives” faced no primary opponent either. They paid their filing fees and proved their loyalty to their party so as to avoid a primary election competitor. They will take office without ever receiving a single vote.
Only 32 races will feature both a Republican and a Democrat (one also includes an Independent). Two races will have an Independent challenging a Republican incumbent and four will include a Libertarian candidate facing an otherwise unopposed Republican (3) or Democrat (1).
Arkansas has among the highest percentage of unopposed races in the nation and voter turnout is consistently among the lowest. This isn’t voter apathy—this is due to a lack of real choices given to the voters.
The Libertarian Party of Arkansas is offering alternatives, and I am running for Secretary of State to champion the cause of reforming our election process to allow for more competition.
If you’re disillusioned with the two-party duopoly or downright sick and tired of the lack of choices they give us; if you believe that we need a viable third party to open up the process; then what better way to express your sentiment through the ballot box than by voting for a third-party candidate running for Secretary of State?
This year, vote different. Vote Libertarian.