How to vote in Arkansas

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Summary

Arkansas offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Arkansas offers early voting.

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

How do I vote in person?

Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can look up where to vote on Arkansas's site.

Can I vote early?

  • Yes, Arkansas does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to show ID to vote in Arkansas.

Acceptable forms of ID include:
  • Arkansas driver’s license
  • Arkansas photo identification card
  • concealed handgun carry license
  • United States passport
  • employee badge or identification document issued by an accredited postsecondary education institution in the State of Arkansas
  • United States military identification document
  • public assistance identification card if the card shows a photograph of the person to whom the document or identification card was issued
  • voter verification card

If you're voting for the first-time in Arkansas, registered to vote by mail, and didn't submit a copy of your ID when you registered, you will need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
  • driver's license or non-driver's license ID
  • current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document with your name and address

Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. In order for your provisional ballot to be counted, you must return to your county board of election commissioners or county clerk by 12:00 noon on the Monday following the election and present a document or identification card meeting the requirements described above.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Arkansas’s site.

Can I vote early?

Yes, Arkansas does offer early voting.
  • You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

      What do I need to bring?

      You will need to show ID to vote in Arkansas.

      Acceptable forms of ID include:
      • Arkansas driver’s license
      • Arkansas photo identification card
      • concealed handgun carry license
      • United States passport
      • employee badge or identification document issued by an accredited postsecondary education institution in the State of Arkansas
      • United States military identification document
      • public assistance identification card if the card shows a photograph of the person to whom the document or identification card was issued
      • voter verification card

      If you're voting for the first-time in Arkansas, registered to vote by mail, and didn't submit a copy of your ID when you registered, you will need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
      • driver's license or non-driver's license ID
      • current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document with your name and address

      Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. In order for your provisional ballot to be counted, you must return to your county board of election commissioners or county clerk by 12:00 noon on the Monday following the election and present a document or identification card meeting the requirements described above.

      How do I vote by mail?

      Arkansas allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on Arkansas's site.

      How do I get my ballot?

      Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application.

      What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?

      If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.

      How do I return my ballot?

      What do I need to do if I’ve moved?

      What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.

      How can I check the status of my ballot?

      You can check the status of your ballot on Arkansas’s site.

      Can I register to vote on Election Day?

      Arkansas does not offer registration on Election Day.

      How do I see what's on my ballot?

      View your sample ballot on the Arkansas Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

      How do I get help registering to vote?

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

      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.