The 2026 General Election Produces 4 Possible Runoff Races in Saline County

👉 Results for the General Election are posted at www.mysaline.com/2026-elections-general-results/.

It’s been a long election year, with Saline County’s Primary Election and subsequent runoff race and recount, then the General Election, and we are not done. Now Saline County has several races that may end up forcing a General Election runoff.

We have listed the possible candidates below – and the reason for uncertainty regarding a runoff. Also see the voting places, times, and more.

Yes, we’re all tired of elections, but it’s important to follow procedures and be fair to every candidate. With that, it looks like we have at least one more step to complete in 2026. Here’s an index so you can easily find your favorite parts:

INDEX:

1. What’s a runoff & why might we have one?
2. Runoff Candidates
3. Voting Registration, Locations & Times
4. Election Results Dec. 1, 2026

2026 General Election
RUNOFF Info:

1. What’s a runoff & why might we have one?

What is it?

A runoff election can be forced if no candidate receives a majority of the total votes cast. A majority in this case is 50% of the votes + 1 more vote. For example, if Apple gets 100 votes & Orange gets 101 votes, then Orange wins the race. This occasionally happens if there are three or more candidates in the initial race.

Who’s in it?

A runoff is held between the two candidates who received the most votes. In Saline County, there are four possible runoff races after the 2026 General Election.

Why the uncertainty?

It’s obvious that the following four races don’t have a majority winner, so it’s logical to think there would be four runoff races. But one Benton City Council race has a candidate that is very close to having a majority of the votes. “Close” only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, right?

According to the County Clerk’s office, there are still some outstanding UOCAVA ballots and some provisional ballots. Once those votes are tabulated, it’s possible that the results could change enough that the top candidate would have the required majority of votes.

Watch for an update on this from MySaline, but meanwhile:

2. Runoff Candidates

Top 2 Candidates from General Election Runoff Races:

Alexander — City Council Ward 4, Pos. 2
(Saline & Pulaski County numbers combined)

• Trevis Bentley… 268… 45.81%
• Juanita Wilson… 214… 36.58%

Benton — City Council Ward 1, Pos. 1

• Frank Baptist… 818… 40.30%
• Preston Madison… 631… 31.08%

Benton — City Council Ward 3, Pos. 1

• Chad Slaughter… 1,164… 49.85%
• Jana Hogue… 629… 26.94%

Haskell — Mayor

• Clyde Crookham… 435… 44.48%
• Ray Garner… 384… 39.26%

2. Voting Registration, Locations & Times

A. Registration:

To be eligible to vote in these races, you must have registered to vote on or before Monday, November 2, 2026.

However, if you are registered for the correct county but you just need to note a name or address change, contact the Saline County Clerk’s office at 501-303-5630.

B. Vote Early or on Election Day:

Early Voting:

All Runoff Races
at Benton Vote Center, 221 N. Main Street, Benton

Tue, Nov. 24, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wed, Nov. 25, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thu, Nov. 26, Closed Thanksgiving Day
Fri, Nov 27, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Mon, Nov. 30, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Election Day:

The following sites are vote centers so registered voters in Saline County may vote at any of them.

Alexander City Council Race (if necessary)
at Alexander Community Center #2, 14577 Highway 111, Alexander

Tue, Dec 1, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Benton City Council Races (if necessary)
at Benton Vote Center, 221 N. Main Street, Benton

Tue, Dec 1, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Haskell Mayor Race (if necessary)
at Haskell Fire Department, 121 Cardinal Drive, Haskell

Tue, Dec 1, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

3. Election Results Dec. 1, 2026

A. Early Voter Turnout Numbers

B. Election Night Voting Results

C. Voter Rights

On Election Day, if you are a registered voter already in line by 7:30 p.m., you’re entitled to vote.
If you encounter anything otherwise, stay in line and call the Voter Protection Line at 501-294-2178.
A list of election officials will be posted in the Saline County Clerk’s Office, 215 N. Main Street, Benton.
Objections concerning officials can be filed with the Saline County Election Commission by contacting the Clerk’s office at (501) 303-5630.

If you have any suggestions or edits for this page, email [email protected].

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