2026 Candidate Forums at the Garland County Library

The Garland County Library, in partnership with Braver Angels Arkansas and the NAACP Hot Springs Branch, will host a series of three candidate forums this fall, giving voters the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking office.

The forums will cover three levels of government:

  • Garland County Candidates Forum — Tuesday, September 22 | 5 PM
  • Federal and State Candidates Forum — Tuesday, September 29 | 5 PM
  • City of Hot Springs Candidates Forum — Wednesday, September 30 | 5 PM

All countywide, federal, state, and city candidates in opposed races who will appear on the Garland County ballot have been invited to participate.

Each event will follow the same format: doors open to the public at 5:00 p.m. for an informal meet-and-greet, with the moderated forum beginning at 6:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided for candidates and attendees.

Admission is free and open to the public; seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those unable to attend in person, each forum will also be livestreamed on the Garland County Library's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The forums are intended to give Garland County voters direct access to candidates ahead of the election and to encourage informed civic participation.

For more information, contact Paul Kagebein at [email protected], or visit at www/gclibrary.com