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Senate moves primaries to March in both presidential and non-presidential cycles
Summary
The Senate approved Senate Bill 3 53 to standardize primary-election timing—moving primaries into March in presidential and non-presidential years—after floor debate; the bill passed by a simple majority and will be sent to the House.
On March 17 the Arkansas Senate approved Senate Bill 3 53, carried by Sen. Hester, to align primary election dates so primaries fall in March in both presidential and non-presidential years.
Sen. Hester said consistency matters and argued moving primaries to March gives Arkansas a stronger voice in presidential cycles because the earlier date attracts candidates and attention. Sen. Mark Johnson questioned the effect on judicial and nonpartisan races and said the longer campaign window could place financial and time burdens on some candidates; he noted historical timing when primaries were later in the year.
Senate counsel confirmed a simple majority (18 votes) sufficed for passage. The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 32 yeas, 0 nays, with two present votes recorded; the measure will be transmitted to the House.
Senate action: SB3 53 passed; the floor debate focused on consistency of election timing and potential impacts on judicial candidates and campaign length.
