Can Democrats vote in the Republican primary? What local voters need to know

A change in the rules for voting in the Republican primaries means Democrats will need to change their party affiliation to participate in March’s Republican primaries for local and state elections.

The language in the 2025 rules issued by the Republican Party of Arkansas states, “people who are registered as Democrats are barred from receiving a Republican primary ballot.” Historically, Arkansas used an open primary system and voter registration allowed “no party affiliation” and voters could choose either major party ballot on primary day.

Registered Democrats in Baxter County would not be permitted to vote on March 3 in local primary races between registered Republicans for Baxter County Sheriff, County Judge and some Quorum Court races. Those registered as Republican or Independent would be eligible to participate.

Baxter County Election Coordinator, Lindsey Roberts, spoke with KTLO, Classic Hits and the Boot News about how voters can navigate these changes.

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The coordinator says making the changes needed to participate is a simple process.

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Early voting in Baxter County begins February 17 at First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home. The office of the Baxter County Election Commission is located at #1 East 7th Street, Suite 103 in Mountain Home and can be reached by phone at 870-580-5602.

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