Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Bull Shoals City Council Election 2026

1 of 6 council seats are on the ballot, with 2 candidates running. Updated Oct 21, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check

Nov 3Election Day

How to vote · 11 days left

Early voting ends (Nov 2): the election office's notice

These links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

Only Ward 1, Position 1 is contested; Michael Howell is unopposed for mayor and five council candidates are unopposed.

Early voting ends · Nov 2

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Also on your Nov 3 ballot

We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.

Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

What the next council decides

01City finances and audits4 sourced facts

Where it standsCouncil members and residents have questioned the city's financial reports, and in 2026 the council separated the recorder and treasurer jobs.

What's on the tableHow the city checks its books, finishes its audits and sets its budget.

02Sewer and water system4 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city is working with the state on sewer line infiltration and raised its water/sewer maintenance fee in January 2026.

What's on the tableHow the city pays for sewer repairs and whether it does the work itself or hires contractors.

03Sunday alcohol sales3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council referred the question of Sunday off-premises alcohol sales, 10 a.m. to midnight, to Bull Shoals voters on Nov. 3, 2026.

What's on the tableHow the city handles alcohol permits and taxes after voters decide the Sunday sales question.

04Zoning, resorts and rentals4 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council updated the zoning code in April 2026, and residents have disputed whether the Bel Arco resort property is following city zoning rules.

What's on the tableHow the city enforces zoning rules for resorts and rentals and rules on rezoning requests.

05Golf carts on city streets2 sourced facts

Where it standsIn March 2026 the council approved Ordinance 2026-03, allowing golf carts on city streets with permits.

What's on the tableHow the city permits and enforces golf cart use on its streets.

5 notes on these statements

Travis Fancher was appointed to fill the vacant Ward 1, Position 1 council seat in May 2026. City of Bull Shoals · May 28, 2026

The council accepted the resignation of Mayor Bill Stahlman on July 9, 2026. City of Bull Shoals · Jul 9, 2026

Travis Fancher, the only applicant, was appointed mayor for the remainder of the year, to December 31, 2026. City of Bull Shoals · Jul 30, 2026

Michael Howell is the only candidate for mayor, and George J. Grede, Russell Meinking, Edwin R. Martin Sr., Cody Jackson and Kevin Hutchison are unopposed for the other council seats. Marion County Election Commission

Bull Shoals voters will also decide whether to allow off-premises alcohol sales on Sundays from 10 a.m. to midnight. City of Bull Shoals · Jun 25, 2026

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Who matches you?

Answer any of these questions. We compare your answers with each person's sourced record, and nothing is stored. Questions where no one has a sourced record yet are left out. Tap a selected answer again to skip it.

    Seat the councilSeat the Council →Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.On the recordHow the council voted8 council decisions, each member's vote side by side, with a link to the minutes.

    Key dates

    The seat math

    6 stay (not up this year): George J. Grede, Michael Howell, Kevin Hutchison, Cody Jackson, Edwin R. Martin Sr., Russell Meinking1 on this ballot

    6 council seats plus a mayor who doesn't vote on council items. The council decides by a 4-vote majority.

    Every claim here links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works

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