The 2020 election cycle picks up momentum across Arkansas beginning Monday when the filing period opens for political party, nonpartisan and school board candidates.The filing period opens earlier than in years past.
During the regular legislative session, Act 545 was passed leading to Arkansas joining 13 other states holding primaries in March in the years in which the office of President of the United States is on the ballot and a May preferential primary election in the years in which the office of governor is voted on.
Only four other states will hold their caucus or primary before March 3.
At noon Monday, political party candidates, including justices of the peace, constables, state representatives and some state senators, may begin filing for office.
This is the first election cycle for those serving in countywide positions not to be running for office. Those serving in countywide positions will be half way through their first four-year terms approved by voters in the 2018 general election.
Monday afternoon beginning at 3, the nonpartisan filing period for prosecutors and judicial candidates opens.
In addition, school board candidates may submit their completed petitions to their respective county clerks’ offices.
In 2017, the Arkansas legislature passed Act 910 moving the annual September school election to either coincide with the May preferential primary or the November general election beginning in 2018.
Most area schools opted to attach their board elections to the primary election. In 2018, the primary was held in May.
But, with the primary election moving to March in 2020, so will most school board elections.
The filing periods close Nov. 12.
Early voting will begin on Feb. 17, 2020. The deadline to register for the primary is Feb. 3.
Questions about the election calendar may be directed to the respective county clerk’s office. In Baxter County, the phone number is 870-425-3475.
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