AR HB1510

Amends Arkansas Code § 7-11-205 to establish that special elections on measures and questions shall be held on the second Tuesday of March, May, August, or November in presidential election years, and February, May, August, or November in other years.

Moves special elections to the third Tuesday if the second Tuesday falls on a legal holiday, and requires special elections to be held on the same date as preferential primary or general elections when scheduled in concurrent months.

Allows emergency special elections on dates outside the standard schedule when two-thirds of governing entity members determine an emergency exists, including court interpretation changes, natural disasters, or imminent public health and safety threats.

Permits qualified electors to challenge emergency special elections in circuit court within 30 days of filing, with authority for courts to void approved measures if emergency circumstances do not exist.

Requires a minimum 70-day waiting period between filing of election documents and the special election date, and establishes ballot requirements for special elections held concurrently with primary elections.

Effective January 1, 2024.