Justin Meeks of Salem, Ark., has another year before he earns a degree in political science from UALR. But he is already practicing what he’s learning. Meeks, 19, won the Republican primary for justice of the peace in his district in Saline County.

With no opponent in the general election in the fall, Meeks is set to take over the seat held by a three-term incumbent.

“Justices of the peace can marry people, and everyone thinks that’s all they do,” Meeks said. “But they are legislators for county government, writing county laws and overseeing county budgets.”

The new JP also is studying for a minor in economics.

A 2008 graduate of Benton High School and a Friday Fellow at UALR, Meeks said he has several ideas he hopes to propose when he gets to the county quorum court. He said he will push for term limits on all county officials and what he calls “voter check,” requiring all county proposals to be online for at least 72 hours before a final vote.

Meeks is the son of Dee and Todd Thomas of Jacksonville.