Early Voters Flock to Northwest Arkansas Polls Ahead of Primary

Turnout exceeds previous primary elections as residents cast ballots before March 3 election day.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Voters in Northwest Arkansas have been heading to the polls in large numbers to cast their ballots early ahead of the March 3 primary election. Election officials in Benton and Washington counties have reported strong early voter turnout, with numbers exceeding the 2022 and 2020 primary elections.

Why it matters

High early voter turnout suggests strong civic engagement and interest in the upcoming primary, which will determine the candidates for key state and federal offices. The results could have significant implications for the political landscape in Arkansas.

The details

Early voting continues until the Monday before election day on March 3. Voters are able to cast their ballots at their county election commission offices. Jennifer Price, the director of elections in Washington County, expects the longest lines to be on the final day of early voting on Monday. Pamela Taylor, a Benton County voter, emphasized the importance of making one's voice heard through the electoral process.

  • Early voting began in late February and continues until March 2, the day before election day.
  • The primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 3.

The players

Pamela Taylor

A Benton County early voter who cast her ballot at the Benton County Election Commission Office.

Jennifer Price

The director of elections in Washington County.

George Faucette

A Fayetteville resident who has consistently voted in elections.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Congress and the president are not going to understand what we want if we don't make our wishes known. If we don't have the right to select the people, we want to represent us. I'm a very firm believer in our election process.”

— Pamela Taylor (4029tv.com)

“Compared to other elections, our early voter turnout has been wonderful. Our numbers have exceeded both 2022 and 2020 which was a presidential year for a primary.”

— Jennifer Price, Director of Elections, Washington County (4029tv.com)

“Well, I always vote. I've not missed out, I don't think, since I've been able to vote. At the grassroots level, these are the most important. So, I always feel like we need to vote on those, regardless of whether it's a general election or a primary.”

— George Faucette (4029tv.com)

What’s next

Election day is Tuesday, March 3, and polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters will cast their ballots in the county where they live.

The takeaway

The strong early voter turnout in Northwest Arkansas suggests a high level of civic engagement and interest in the upcoming primary election. The results could have significant implications for the state's political landscape, underscoring the importance of making one's voice heard through the electoral process.