AR HB1827

New political parties established by petition must nominate candidates by convention for their first general election after certification, rather than through primary elections.

Petitions to form a new political party must contain signatures of at least 10,000 registered voters in the state, with all signatures dated within 90 days before petition submission.

A new political party seeking to nominate candidates must file a sufficient petition no later than 45 days before the preferential primary election.

Convention-nominated candidates must file a political practices pledge with the Secretary of State or county clerk by noon of the preferential primary election date.

If a new party obtains at least 3% of the total vote cast for Governor or presidential electors at the first general election after certification, it must nominate candidates through the party primary process for subsequent elections.