BATESVILLE, Ark. — Voters across five North Arkansas counties will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking circuit judge positions during a public forum scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 15, at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville.
The Independence County Bar Association will host the 16th Judicial District Candidate Forum beginning at 6 p.m. in Independence Hall on the UACCB campus. Organizers say the forum comes during a nearly unprecedented election cycle, with all four circuit judge divisions in the district contested.
The 16th Judicial District includes Cleburne, Stone, Independence, Izard, and Fulton counties. A total of nine candidates will appear on the March 3, 2026 ballot seeking the four circuit judge positions.
Candidates by division
1st Division, which traditionally handles civil and probate matters:
- Circuit Judge Holly Meyer
- District Judge Chaney Taylor
2nd Division, which typically hears domestic relations cases, guardianships, and adoptions:
- Scott Davidson
- Kara Byars
- Thomas Kendrick
3rd Division, which focuses on juvenile matters and child support cases:
- Circuit Judge Lee Harrod
- Mathew Gray Dellinger
4th Division, which traditionally hears felony criminal cases:
- Maureen Harrod
- Kimberly Edington
Forum format and rules
The Independence County Bar Association said it is hosting the forum as a neutral third party and has invited all candidates to participate. Each candidate will be given equal time to address attendees, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session.
Questions may be submitted by members of the public, the media, and the bar, but will be screened in advance. Organizers noted that judicial ethics rules prohibit candidates from offering opinions on issues that could come before the court or engaging in conduct that could undermine the integrity or impartiality of the judiciary.
The event will conclude with an opportunity for attendees to meet and speak informally with the candidates.
The Independence County Bar Association is a voluntary organization of attorneys practicing in and around the Batesville area.
