Arkansas Primary and Delegate Rules
Last reviewed: July 26, 2026. Arkansas primary election and presidential delegate rule information is summarized from the source links listed on this page. Confirm final rules, deadlines, and party procedures with the listed official sources.
Quick Answer
- Primary types: Democratic presidential: Open; Democratic state: Open; Republican presidential: Open; Republican state: Open.
- Consolidated presidential and state primaries: Yes.
- Democratic delegates: 37 total, 31 pledged, 6 unpledged, 3 alternates.
- Republican delegates: 40 total, 40 pledged, 0 unpledged, 37 alternates.
Arkansas Primary Election Types
| Party | Contest | Primary type |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Presidential | Open |
| Democratic | State | Open |
| Republican | Presidential | Open |
| Republican | State | Open |
Presidential and State Primaries Scheduling
Consolidated Primaries: Yes
Arkansas is one of the states that have consolidated their presidential and state primaries. On a Presidential Election year, presidential primaries and State primaries are scheduled to run on the same day
Arkansas is an Open Primary State. Both State and Presidential Primary elections follow a structured process, allowing citizens to participate in the selection of political candidates.
Voting In Primaries
- Eligible voters must register before the deadline to participate in the primary elections. Arkansas has specific voter registration requirements, and residents can register online, by mail, or in person. Arkansas has an open primary system, meaning that voters are not required to register with a specific party to participate in that party's primary. Voters can choose which party's primary they want to vote in on the day of the election. Political parties in Arkansas use the primary elections to select their candidates for various offices, including governor, state legislature, and other statewide positions.
Arkansas Presidential Delegate Allocation
Arkansas, like other states, allocates delegates to the Democratic and Republican National Conventions based on the results of the presidential primary. Delegates play a crucial role in nominating the party's candidate for the presidential election
| Party | Total delegate votes | Pledged | Unpledged | Alternates | Allocation method | Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 37 | 31 | 6 | 3 | Proportional | 15% minimum vote required |
| Republican Party | 40 | 40 | 0 | 37 | Winner-Take-Most | 15% minimum vote |
Democratic Party Primary Delegates Process
Democratic Party's Proprotional Delegates Allocation
The Democratic Party in Arizona uses a proportional representation system based on the results of the Presidential Preference Election (Primary) for apportioning delegates to the Democratic National Convention. In the PROPORTIONAL type of presidential preference primary, the district delegates are apportioned among the top vote-getters in each (usually congressional, but occasionally state legislative) district while the at-large delegates are apportioned among the top vote-getters statewide by the percentage of the vote received above a certain threshold. Typically, A Presidential Candidate must receive a 15% of vote of the total statewide vote in order to receive any delegates to the National Convention. In 2024, Arkansa's Democratic party will send a total of 37 Delegate Votes and 3 Alternate Delegates to the DNC national convention. Of the 37 delegate votes, 31 Pledged Delegate Votes (20 District-level delegates, 7 At-Large, and 4 PLEOs) and 6 Automatic Delegate Votes.
Delegates Breakdown
- District-level Delegates: 20
- At-large Delegates: 7
- Pledged PLEOs Delegates: 4
- Automatic Delegates - Unpledged PLEOs: 6
- Alternate Delegates: 3
Automatic Delegates (Unpledged PLEOs - Super Delegates) Breakdown
- DNC Members: 6
- Dem. Members of Congress: 0
- Dem. Governors: 0
- Distinguished Party Leaders: 0
Republican Party Primary Delegates Process
Republican Party Delegates Allocation
Arkansas' Republican Party use the Winner-Takes-Most system. Only those presidential candidates receiving a minimum of 15% of the total statewide votes cast in the GOP primary are entitled to receive delegates or alternates to the Republican National Convention. Arkansas' Republican party will send a total of 40 Delegate Votes and 37 Alternate Delegates to the 2024 RNC national convention. 40 Pledged Delegate Votes (12 District-level delegates, 25 At-Large, and 3 RNC delegates).
Delegates Breakdown
- District-level Delegates: 12
- At-large Delegates: 25
- RNC Delegates: 3
- Alternate Delegates: 37
About These Rules
This page contains primary election rules and presidential primary delegate allocation information for states and U.S. territories.
Primary voting rules and delegate allocation usually apply to statewide partisan primary elections. Check with your local election office for current guidance because rules, dates, and party procedures can change.Sources and Related Election Pages
The information provided on this page was validated using the following resources: