Candidate filing officially wrapped up this week, marking the start of the 2026 election season in Arkansas. Over the past week and a half, candidates from across the state entered races for state and federal offices. It’s an exciting milestone when election talk becomes reality and a good reminder that voters have important deadlines ahead.

According to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s 2026 election calendar, the Preferential Primary and Nonpartisan General Election will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. To vote in the primary, Arkansans must be registered by Monday, February 2, 2026. The registration deadline for the general election is Monday, October 5, 2026. Missing a filing or registration deadline means sitting out an election that could shape your community’s future.

Submitting a voter application at a state agency, registration drive, or through the U.S. Postal Service does not guarantee registration. You should confirm your voter status just as you would follow up on any other personal matter. Before considering yourself registered, you must receive acknowledgment from your county clerk.

Each Election Day, some first-time voters in Arkansas discover too late that their votes cannot be counted because their registration was never finalized. Many believe they registered months earlier but failed to follow up when they did not receive a voter ID card. The process is simple, but it requires responsibility from the registrant.

Now that the list of candidates is set, this is the ideal time to double-check your registration, update your address, or change party affiliation if needed. Registration can be verified, and applications found at sos.arkansas.gov. As campaigns begin and yard signs appear, make your own plan to participate. Mark your calendar for February 2 because democracy starts long before Election Day.