What is a Preferential Primary?
Arkansas uses a preferential primary system (also called an "open primary" in some contexts). Here's how it works:
- Choose a party ballot: When you arrive to vote, you choose whether to vote in the Republican primary, the Democratic primary, or only on nonpartisan races.
- Vote within that party: You can only vote for candidates in the primary you choose. For example, if you take a Republican ballot, you vote in Republican primaries only.
- Nonpartisan races: Some races (like judicial elections and school boards) are nonpartisan and appear on all ballots.
- 50% threshold: If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, they win outright. If no candidate reaches 50%, a runoff election is held.
Key Dates for 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 16, 2026 | Deadline to register to vote (or update registration) |
| February 23, 2026 | Early voting begins |
| March 2, 2026 | Last day of early voting |
| March 3, 2026 | Primary Election Day (polls open 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM) |
| March 31, 2026 | Primary Runoff Election (if needed) |
| November 3, 2026 | General Election |
Note: Verify exact dates at the Arkansas Secretary of State website, as dates may be subject to change.
Voter Registration
To vote in Arkansas, you must:
- Be a United States citizen
- Be an Arkansas resident
- Be at least 18 years old on or before the election
- Not be a convicted felon (or have completed your sentence)
- Not be judged mentally incompetent by a court
Find Your Polling Place
Your polling place is based on your residential address. Use the Arkansas Secretary of State's voter information portal to find:
- Your polling location
- Your voter registration status
- Your sample ballot
- Your elected officials
- Your voting districts
What to Bring
Arkansas requires photo ID to vote. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Arkansas driver's license
- Arkansas photo ID card
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military ID
- Concealed carry license
- Other government-issued photo ID
The ID does not need to have your current address, and it can be expired.
Early Voting
Early voting is available at designated locations in Pulaski County. You can vote at any early voting site in your county during the early voting period, regardless of your assigned Election Day polling place.
Early voting typically runs for about a week before Election Day. Check with the Pulaski County Clerk's office for specific locations and hours.
Absentee Voting
You may vote by absentee ballot if you:
- Will be unavoidably absent from your polling site on Election Day
- Will be unable to attend due to illness or physical disability
- Are a member of the uniformed services or a dependent
- Are a U.S. citizen residing outside the United States
To request an absentee ballot, contact your County Clerk's office.
Helpful Resources
About This Guide
This voter guide was created to help North Little Rock residents understand their options in the March 2026 primary election. It is:
- Nonpartisan: We don't endorse candidates or parties
- Informational: Information is gathered from public sources
- Unofficial: Always verify information with official sources
For corrections or updates, please verify information at the Arkansas Secretary of State website.