‘Unduly Burdensome’ (Editorial)

(shutterstock)

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has set the special election to replace the late state Sen. Gary Stubblefield for June 9, 279 days after the seat became open with Stubblefield’s death Sept. 2.

The Arkansas Constitution and state law require the governor to schedule such elections “as soon as possible after the vacancy occurs” and “not more than one hundred fifty (150) days after the occurrence of the vacancy.” The law provides an exception if the governor determines “it is impracticable or unduly burdensome” to hold the special election within 150 days after a vacancy.

Stubblefield was a vocal opponent of Sanders’ plans to locate a 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County, which he represented, and state Sen. Bryan King, also a foe of the prison plan, has accused state officials of trying to leave Stubblefield’s district without representation during the upcoming legislative session.

A lawsuit has been filed challenging Sanders’ decision and requesting a special election be held Dec. 9. Amber Sullivan, Stubblefield’s daughter, told a judge at a hearing in the case, “We need somebody there to represent the people.”

Local election officials, who apparently weren’t consulted by the governor, testified they could be ready for an election by February or March, meaning the district would have representation in next year’s fiscal session, which starts in April.

That, of course, could spell trouble for the governor’s Franklin County plans, which could be voted on in the fiscal session. Stubblefield’s successor will most likely oppose the plan, and in the state Senate, every vote counts.

It shouldn’t take a lawsuit to get the governor to do the right thing and schedule the vote as soon as possible.

We are sensitive to the costs of holding a special election, but in the grand scheme of state government, it isn’t much.

After all, what is the representation of 86,000 Arkansan’s worth?