The Baxter County Election Coordinator, Lindsey Roberts, is offering clarification to voters on the new Semi-Closed Primary rules for the upcoming 2026 Primary Election and who will be effected at the polls.
In a release on Wednesday Roberts stated, “The Republican Party of Arkansas passed a new rule at their 2025 State Convention stating that a ‘Registered Democrat’ may no longer vote a Republican ballot during the Primary Election. This wasn’t a decision made by the State of Arkansas or Baxter County. There are roughly 700 registered voters in Baxter County that have declared a party affiliation of Democrat. Registering to vote in Arkansas, a voter is not required to declare a party affiliation.”
The election coordinator went on to state that if a registered Democrat wishes not to change their party affiliation, they will still have the option to vote a Democratic ballot or a Non-Partisan ballot, which won’t have the partisan County Judge race, partisan County Sheriff race and other local Republican races on it.
On the question of changing party affiliation she stated, “During the election, if a voter is registered as a Democrat, they have the option to change their party affiliation to Optional or Republican. Optional and Republican status gives a voter the option to vote for either party’s ballot they want.”
Voters can view each sample ballot by visiting www.voterview.ar-nova.org. The voter will be asked to enter their first and last name as well as date of birth. The profile that results will show the voter’s party affiliation, address, a sample of each parties primary ballot and the vote centers that will be open on election day.
Further questions can be directed to the election coordinator by calling 870-580-5602 or sending an email to elections@baxtercountyar.gov.
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