BATESVILLE, Ark. — Gena Lawrence, a lifelong resident of Independence County, is running as a Republican candidate for County Clerk in the March 3, 2026, preferential primary, vying for the open seat created by the retirement of longtime Clerk Tracey Mitchell.
Lawrence faces fellow Republican Lisa Ann Drake in the two-candidate race for the office, which manages vital records such as marriage licenses, deeds, probate filings, voter registration, absentee and early voting, election certification, quorum court minutes, tax levies, board appointments, improvement districts and contracts.
A Batesville-area resident and graduate of Cushman High School, Lawrence has worked in the Independence County Assessor’s Office, gaining experience with county records, property assessments and public service operations that align with the clerk’s responsibilities.
Her campaign describes her as “a lifelong resident of Independence County committed to serving others,” with a focus on integrity and community dedication. Lawrence maintains an active Facebook page, where she shares updates, including calls to vote and messages emphasizing her local roots and readiness to serve.
She filed during the November 2025 candidate filing period and is listed in official rosters from the Association of Arkansas Counties and the Arkansas Secretary of State. No detailed platform priorities or extensive public interviews are widely available, but her campaign highlights a commitment to reliable, accessible county services.
The Independence County Clerk’s office, located at 192 E. Main Street in Batesville, plays a key role in elections, working closely with the county Election Commission to administer voter rolls and polling processes.
Early voting for the primary concluded March 2, with Election Day polls open March 3. Voters can check sample ballots and polling locations via the Arkansas Secretary of State website at candidates.arkansas.gov or contact the Independence County Election Commission.
For more information on Lawrence’s campaign, follow her Facebook page. All candidates are presumed qualified unless otherwise noted by election authorities.
