Early Voting Begins in Baxter and Marion Counties

Voters cast ballots in the Preferential Primary election across the Twin Lakes Area

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The first day of early voting for the Preferential Primary election has concluded, with 486 votes cast in Baxter County and 181 votes cast in Marion County. Early voting will continue through March 2, ahead of Election Day on March 3.

Why it matters

Voter turnout in early voting is an important indicator of overall participation in the Preferential Primary election, which will determine the candidates that advance to the general election later in the year.

The details

In Baxter County, 486 votes were cast on the opening day of early voting, representing about 1% of the county's 30,972 registered voters. Marion County also reported early turnout, with 181 ballots cast at the Marion County Fairgrounds voting site. Early voting will continue through March 2, with hours from 8am to 6pm on weekdays, 10am to 4pm on Saturdays, and 8am to 5pm on the final day. Election Day for the Preferential Primary is Tuesday, March 3, when all polling locations will be open from 7:30am to 7:30pm.

  • Early voting began on February 18, 2026.
  • Early voting will continue through March 2, 2026.
  • Election Day for the Preferential Primary is March 3, 2026.

The players

Baxter County

A county in Arkansas where 486 votes were cast on the first day of early voting, representing about 1% of the county's 30,972 registered voters.

Marion County

A county in Arkansas where 181 ballots were cast at the Marion County Fairgrounds voting site on the first day of early voting.

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The takeaway

The early voter turnout in Baxter and Marion counties suggests strong interest in the Preferential Primary election, which will be an important step in determining the candidates that advance to the general election later in the year.