Voters can hear from the candidates for Drew County judge tonight at a nonpartisan forum on the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, on the first day of early voting.
Monticello Live posted the forum announcement early Monday. The county judge seat is open this year, so the county’s top elected office will change hands in January.
Forum details
- When: Monday, Oct. 19. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the moderated question-and-answer session starts at 6 p.m.
- Where: UAM Agriculture Auditorium, Room 109, on the Monticello campus.
- Moderator: Dr. Carol Strong.
- Other races: After the county judge forum, other candidates on this year’s ballot who attend will get a few minutes to introduce themselves.
- Cost: Admission is free and open to the public.
Who is running
Two candidates are on the Nov. 3 ballot for county judge, according to the Drew County list of contested races and the Association of Arkansas Counties’ candidate list:
- Robert Akin: Independent.
- Michael L. Owens: Republican. Owens beat County Judge Jessie L. Griffin in the March Republican primary.
The announcement did not say which candidates have confirmed they will attend.
Early voting in Drew County
Early voting runs 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Monday, Nov. 2, when it closes at 5 p.m. Voters in Monticello, Wilmar, Tillar, Jerome and the rest of the county will also decide a three-way race for sheriff and three contested justice of the peace seats.
For the full list of races and key dates, see the iSEARK.com Drew County election guide and our Southeast Arkansas early voting guide.
Sources: Monticello Live, Oct. 19, 2026; Drew County contested candidate list; Association of Arkansas Counties 2026 general election candidate list.
