AR SB8

Moves the general primary election from the second Tuesday in June to the fourth Tuesday in March before the general election.

Changes the party filing period from early March (ending March 1st) to early November (beginning first Monday in November and ending seven days later), occurring one week before the preferential primary election.

Increases the certification deadline for ballot placement from 75 days to 92 days before the preferential primary election and moves the ballot ordering meeting from 72 days to 89 days before the election.

Requires candidates to file an additional statement of financial interest by January 31 if the party filing period ends before January 1 of the election year.

Makes the act retroactive to August 1, 2015 to ensure independent candidates have the maximum 90 days allowed by law to circulate petitions for candidacy, with an expiration date of December 31, 2016.