How to register to vote in Arkansas

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Summary

You can register by mail to vote in Arkansas by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Arkansas you must:
  • be a citizen of the United States
  • live in Arkansas at the address on your voter registration application
  • turn 18 on or before the next election
  • not be a convicted felon (or have completely discharged your sentence or been pardoned)
  • not claim the right to vote in any other jurisdiction
  • not presently be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction

Can I register to vote online?

Arkansas does not offer online voter registration.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: Your completed voter registration form must contain your Arkansas driver's license number or nonoperating identification number. If you do not have a driver's license or nonoperating identification, you must include the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have a driver's license or a nonoperating identification or a Social Security number, please write "NONE" on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: Arkansas does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are submitting a voter registration application by mail, are registering for the first time in your jurisdiction, and you do not have a valid Arkansas driver’s license number or Social Security number, you must submit with the mailed registration form:
    • current and valid photo identification
    • or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
    • If you do not submit an approved form of identification with your application, you must provide one when you vote for the first time.
    • More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Arkansas does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Arkansas. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Arkansas's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Arkansas, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Arkansas. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.