How often is Secretary of State elected?

The position of Secretary of State is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be partisan?

Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Arkansas?

Filing fee is $1,500 (Democrat), $12,500 (Republican), $0 (independent); signature requirement of the lesser of 10,000 qualified signatures or 3% of voters in the last gubernatorial election in which the candidate is seeking office for independant candidates only.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.

Where is the filing office?

Arkansas Secretary of State: 500 Woodlane Street, Suite 256, Little Rock, AR 72201

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 501-682-5070.

How do I get started running for Secretary of State?

You can start running for Secretary of State by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for Secretary of State does not include a primary or runoff election.

Secretary of State in Arkansas

Candidates for Secretary of State

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for Secretary of State.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in Arkansas.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Cole Jester
Republican · Current term 2025 to 2027
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About Secretary of State

About this position

The duties of the position are generally administrative in nature, and no two states have identical responsibilities delegated to the secretary of state. Many are tasked with keeping state records, from registering businesses to recording the official acts of the governor. The officeholder also often serves as the chief election official in their state, administering state elections and maintaining official election results. The commissioning and regulation of notaries public, keeping of the official state seal and certification of official documents all typically fall under the purview of the secretary of state

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $96,918/year
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Partisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for Secretary of State

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Must be a qualified elector, a U.S. Citizen, an Arkansas resident, at least 18 years old, lawfully registered to vote, must not hold any other office, must never have been convicted of embezzelment of public money, bribery, forgery, or other infamous crimes
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee is $1,500 (Democrat), $12,500 (Republican), $0 (independent); signature requirement of the lesser of 10,000 qualified signatures or 3% of voters in the last gubernatorial election in which the candidate is seeking office for independant candidates only.
Filing period
January 31, 2026 - May 1, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.
Where to file
Arkansas Secretary of State: 500 Woodlane Street, Suite 256, Little Rock, AR 72201
Filing phone
501-682-5070
Step 3
Launch your campaign
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Secretary of State in Arkansas

On the ballot

Candidates for Secretary of State

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Arkansas's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About Secretary of State

About this position

Election type

How to run for Secretary of State

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

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