Spring 2026 School Board Election: What Potential Candidates Need to Know
The 2026 school board election in Arkansas will take place on March 3, 2026, bringing several changes under Act 503 of 2025. Individuals considering running for school board, as well as current board members up for reelection, should be aware of updated timelines and new legal requirements.
Key Changes Under Act 503
Act 503 mandates that all school board elections now occur only in even-numbered years and will be held in conjunction with the preferential primary election (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March).
School board terms must now be either four or six years, and districts are required to stagger elections to ensure an approximately equal number of positions are on the ballot in each cycle.
You may read additional guidance on Act 503 here.
Important Dates for the 2026 Election
August 14, 2025: Candidate petition circulation opens
November 3, 2025 (noon): Candidate filing period opens
November 12, 2025 (noon): Candidate filing period closes
Tuesday, November 11 is Veterans Day, so the deadline falls to the next business day, per
A.C.A. § 7-1-108.
December 22, 2025: District deadline to submit millage information to county clerk
January 1, 2026: District deadline to publish proposed budget
February 2, 2026: Deadline to register to vote
February 17, 2026: Early voting begins
Tuesday, February 16 is Presidents Day, so the deadline falls to the next business day, per
A.C.A. § 7-1-108.
March 3, 2026: Election Day
November 3, 2026: Run-off Election (if needed)
Resources for Candidates
ASBA provides guidance to help potential candidates understand the filing process, eligibility, and the effects of Act 503. The following resources are available:
The Secretary of State’s website provides candidate information and filing dates. -
In accordance with Act 305 of 2023, write-in candidacy is no longer an option for individuals who are interested in running for school board.
For additional information and updates, visit the ASBA Board Candidates page.