FORT SMITH (KFSM)- The two leading candidates for the top office in the state of Arkansas have taken to social media to reach voters ahead of the Nov. 4 general election.
For Republican nominee Asa Hutchinson and Democrat Mike Ross, social media is a way to get votes.
“Facebook gets the most followers, without any question,” Hutchinson said.
“It`s the ability for us to instantly communicate,” Ross said.
From Facebook to Twitter and YouTube, voters can find these candidates and thousands of their followers.
“My plan is to grow the middle class and create more opportunities for people,” Ross said.
"My plan is for economic growth in Arkansas,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson developed a smartphone app to keep up with the new trend.
From likes, hashtags, filters and uploads of all kinds, the candidates said it might help them snag the spot as governor of Arkansas.
“Back in 2000, if you wanted to send a press release, you typed it up, you put it on a copy machine and made copies and stuffed it in an envelope,” Ross said.
“Social media has been very important because our followers can follow the campaign,” Hutchinson said. “They can see what we are doing in all parts of the state.”
Other candidates running for governor are Green party candidate J. Joshua Drake and Frank Gilbert, the Libertarian candidate.
Gov. Mike Beebe is finishing up his last term because he is term-limited.