Arkansas election officials prepare for voting changes ahead of 2026

Arkansas election officials are adapting to new laws as the 2026 election cycle approaches, with major changes to voter access and election timelines. The primary election date has shifted to early March, which compresses the timelines for voter registration and absentee ballot requests. Act 372 allows voters to cast ballots in their new counties, while Act 978 ensures early voting locations are available on both sides of Springdale to avoid confusion among voters from different counties. Furthermore, Act 991 tightens municipal election rules, requiring candidates to receive over 50% of the vote to win outright, aligning them with other contests. Washington County’s Director of Elections, Jennifer Price, highlighted the positive impact of these changes on voter experience.

Benton County’s election coordinator, Kim Dennison, noted the value of cross-county collaboration in sharing strategies and best practices. As candidate filing approaches in November, officials stress the need for early coordination to keep voters informed. These legislative changes aim to enhance the electoral process and ensure smoother elections in Arkansas.