AR HB1766

Creates "The Nonpartisan Blanket Primary Act" establishing a nonpartisan blanket primary election system in Arkansas for federal congressional offices, state offices, and judicial offices.

Candidates may indicate party affiliation on the ballot or file as independent candidates; all eligible candidates appear on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation, and voters may vote for any candidate without party restrictions.

Independent candidates must gather petition signatures equal to the lesser of 3% of qualified state electors or 10,000 signatures, circulated within 90 days before the filing deadline in early March.

Top two vote-getters from the open primary advance to general election; if tied for second place, both advance; runoff elections determine winners in cases of multi-candidate ties for top positions.

Judicial candidates (Supreme Court justices, Court of Appeals judges, circuit judges, district judges, and prosecuting attorneys) cannot indicate party affiliation on ballots under this system.