Know before you go

There has been a lot of buzz about the upcoming Presidential Primary Election, but there’s a lot more on your ballot than the presidential race. In the 2019 Legislative Session, Arkansas lawmakers voted to move the dates of the 2020 Preferential Primary and Judicial General Election from May to March. This year’s Primary Election will be March 3rd with early voting taking place February 18-March 2. Because so many candidates in Arkansas only have a Primary election challenger, many will be decided in the Primary. Many key elections are determined by a very small number of votes so it is critical that AEA members get to the polls.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Check Voter Registration Make sure you are registered to vote and that your address is current by visiting this website: https://www.voterview. ar-nova.org/VoterView/ Ballot Selection When you go to vote, a poll worker will ask you if you want a Republican, Democratic or Nonpartisan Ballot. If you request a Republican ballot, your ballot will give you the opportunity to vote on any races that have a Republican primary as well as the nonpartisan elections including judicial elections. If you request a Democratic ballot, your ballot will give you the opportunity to vote on any races that have a Democratic primary as any nonpartisan elections including judicial elections. Voter ID Requirements & Eligibility Arkansas requires that all voters present a photo ID at the polling site. See a full run down of voter eligibility criteria here: https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/electionsvoterinformation/voter-registration-information

PRIMARY ELECTION DATES • February 4 is the last day to register to vote in the primary election. • February 18 marks the start of early voting. • February 25 is the last day to request an absentee ballot. • March 2 is the last day to submit an absentee ballot. • March 3 is the primary election.

WHAT WILL BE ON YOUR BALLOT? Arkansas is what’s called an open primary state. This means any voter may request a ballot of any party regardless of party affiliation. Meaning, if you are registered to vote as a Democrat, you may request a Republican ballot and vice versa. All county clerks’ offices have a sample ballot they can provide to you so you can see exactly what will be on your specific ballot. Call your county clerk’s office before you go vote so you’ll be prepared. Presidential Primary The National Education Association has developed an interactive website where educators can learn more about the presidential candidates, compare their position on the issues and get involved in your preferred candidate’s campaign. https://educationvotes.nea.org/presidential-2020/

Judicial General In Arkansas, the general election for members of the judiciary are on the ballot during the primary election. These elections are often overlooked but are extraordinarily important. In addition to dozens of local judicial elections around the state, all voters in Arkansas will get to vote on an open state supreme court race. Judicial elections are non partisan. The candidates for Arkansas Supreme Court are Morgan “Chip” Welch and Barbara Webb. Read more about this race here: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/dec/18/ funds-reported-in-high-court-race-20191/

State House and Senate Seats Sixteen State House of Representatives and five Arkansas State Senate Races will appear on Primary Ballots across the state. Some school board elections are also planned to be held during the Primary Election. Again, it’s important to check with your county clerk’s office in advance of voting to ensure that you know everything that will be on your specific ballot.