On Air Now Country With Carsen
Listen Live

Sanders sets earlier special elections ‘under duress’ after court orders

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Sunday she will follow court orders to move up two special elections for vacant legislative seats – but only “under duress,” calling the rulings “unlawful” even as she complies.

The Arkansas Supreme Court last week refused Sanders’ request to pause Pulaski County court orders requiring earlier elections in Senate District 26 and House District 70. Sanders had originally scheduled both for June 9, 2026, but judges ruled that date violated state law and the constitutional rights of voters who would miss representation during the April fiscal session.

Under the new schedule, special primaries will be held Jan. 6, 2026, and the special general election will take place March 3.

Sanders said the court’s ruling forces a timeline that could limit ballot access for overseas military voters, a violation she argues could “invalidate the entire election.” While objecting, she said she will obey the order while continuing her appeal.

The full article is available at ktlo.com.

(Story by KTLO Staff, ktlo.com)

More from Local News