SB453 Summary

• Creates new Arkansas Code § 7-11-304 establishing uniform dates for special elections: the third Tuesday in May or Tuesday after the first Monday in November, with exceptions when special elections are called during years with preferential primary or general elections.

• Requires proclamations, ordinances, resolutions, or other authorized documents calling for special elections to be filed at least 75 days before the election date.

• Allows emergency special elections on dates other than those specified, requiring a two-thirds (2/3) vote to approve candidates or measures and limited to situations involving substantial legal changes, natural disasters, or imminent public health and safety dangers.

• Amends 30+ existing Arkansas Code sections to reference the new § 7-11-304 uniform special election dates, replacing various individual time requirements and date specifications across election laws for schools, communities colleges, municipalities, counties, and districts.

• Excludes from the new uniform date requirements special elections to fill vacancies in office, special runoff elections, local option elections, and elections otherwise provided for by the Arkansas Constitution.