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Arkansas House Approves Changes To Local Elections

The Arkansas House has approved a proposal to restrict when cities and counties can hold special  elections.  

Lawmakers approved the measure by a 68-22 vote on Tuesday - a day after the proposal fell two votes short of a majority in the chamber. 

The bill would require municipalities to hold special elections at the same time as state primary or general elections. 

During non-election years, cities and counties would have to hold elections on the Tuesday after the first Monday in either May or November.

School board elections wouldn't be subject to that rule. The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Allen Kerr of Little Rock, told lawmakers on Tuesday he would alleviate some of their concerns by amending the measure to also exclude elections to raise taxes to fund schools.