Arkansas primary during nonpresidential election years shifts to March under new law

Gov. Sarah Sanders has signed a new law which will move Arkansas' primary election from May to March in nonpresidential election years. The fiscal legislative session will also be moved to April.

By: Nayely Palafox
5 News

During nonpresidential election years, Arkansas's primary elections will be moved from May to March and the fiscal legislative session will be moved to April, according to a new law signed this week.

Senate Bill 353, introduced by Sen. Bart Hester and Rep. Jeremy Woolridge, was signed into law on March 25, 2025. The new law also changes the dates for elections, primary elections, school elections and certain elections.

According to the legislation, the primary election in Arkansas will now be "the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March" on even-numbered years. Previously, the primary elections on nonpresidential years were held in May.

School elections will also now be held on "the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March" on odd-numbered years instead of the second Tuesday in May, the new law states.

Read more here.