WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ark. — New legislation from the 2025 Arkansas legislative session is set to alter the electoral landscape as local officials prepare for the upcoming 2026 primary elections. The Washington County Election Commission convened a special meeting to inform poll workers and supervisors about the implications of the new laws.
Jennifer Price, the director of elections for Washington County, emphasized the importance of training for election staff. “We are in the preparation stages for the 2026 primary,” she said, outlining how her team is working to familiarize supervisors with recent legislative changes related to voting procedures.
One significant new law, known as Act 593, mandates that individuals assisting voters with disabilities must present a photo ID featuring their name and face. Price noted that this is a notable adjustment for both poll workers and voters. “Rules will be established for those who do not possess an ID,” she explained, indicating a potential shift in how assistance will be rendered at polling locations.
Additionally, another law passed during the session, Act 372, enables registered voters in Arkansas to change their county registration status on Election Day. Price highlighted the previous challenges faced by voters who moved but did not update their registration records, often rendering them ineligible to participate. “This change is beneficial for our voters, although it will require extra steps for our poll workers to process on Election Day,” she said.
In a significant alteration to the primary voting process, Arkansas Republicans have introduced a rule requiring voters to be registered as Republicans to participate in GOP primary elections. Price explained that changes in party affiliation regulations mean that registered Democrats can only access Democratic or nonpartisan ballots unless they modify their affiliation.
As the state gears up for the primary elections, the Washington County Election Commission is advising voters to verify their registration details and party affiliation using the VoterView system. Primary Day in Arkansas is scheduled for March 3, 2026, and officials are encouraging voters to stay informed about these critical changes.
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