Early Voting Begins for March Arkansas Primaries

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Early voting has opened in Arkansas for the March 3 Preferential Primary elections. Voters in Baxter, Marion, and Fulton counties will weigh in on a variety of local races, including selecting a new county sheriff, deciding contested county judge and justice of the peace seats, and voting on proposed community center taxes.

Why it matters

These primary elections will determine the candidates who will advance to the general election in November, making them an important first step in the democratic process at the local level. The outcomes will shape the leadership and policies of these Arkansas counties for the next several years.

The details

In Baxter County, voters will select a new county sheriff for the first time in 22 years, as well as decide a contested county judge race and five justice of the peace seats. In Marion County, voters will weigh in on two proposed taxes to fund a new community center. Fulton County voters will decide the future of the sheriff's office, several key county leadership positions, and a proposed land annexation in Mammoth Spring.

• Early voting begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
• The Preferential Primary election day is on March 3, 2026.

What’s next

On election night, KTLO will broadcast live from the Baxter County Courthouse as results come in from the area counties.