Voting laws in Arkansas
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Each state has its own series of election laws. The separation of powers clause in the constitution has largely placed the responsibility for conducting on state governments. Each state has its own election law enforcement agencies, oftentimes part of the executive branch, sometimes a part of the state judiciary. The following are basic guidelines for voting in Arkansas. Note: Before taking any action, or if you have any questions, contact your state election agency.
Polling Place Hours
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Voter Registration Information
You must provide either your driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on your Arkansas Voter Registration Application, or check the box in #7 on the application to indicate that you do not possess either a driver's license or Social Security number.
If you check the box indicating that you do not possess either a driver's license or Social Security number, you may be required to vote a Provisional Ballot when you vote for the first time unless you submit a photocopy of one of the following with your mail-in application or at the time of voting:
- Current and valid photo identification, or
- A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck that shows your name and address, or
- Another government document that shows your name and address.
How to Check Registration
Contact the Arkansas Secretary of State at their website
Voting Information
Identification Required to Vote
The following documents are acceptable:
- a current and valid photo ID or a copy of a current utility bill,
- bank statement,
- government check,
- paycheck, or
- other government document that shows the name and address of the voter.
How to Find Your Polling Place
Contact the Arkansas Secretary of State at their website
Absentee Voting
To be qualified to vote an absentee ballot, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You will be unavoidably absent from your polling site on election day, OR
- You will be unable to attend your polling site on election day due to illness or physical disability, OR
- You are a member of the U.S. armed forces, merchant marines or the spouse or a dependant family member, OR
- A U.S. citizen domiciled in Arkansas but temporarily living outside the territorial limits of the United States.
To request an Application for Absentee Ballot, please contact the County Clerk in your county of residence (i.e., the county in which you are registered to vote).
Rules and Deadlines:
Deadline for Submitting an Absentee Ballot Applicaton:
- In Person: by close of business the day BEFORE the election
- By Designated Bearer: by close of business the day BEFORE the election (Designated Bearer is anyone you choose to pick up or deliver your application or ballot)
- By Mail or Fax: by 7 days before the election
- By Authorized Agent: by 1:30 p.m. ON election day. The authorized agent must file with the County Clerk an affidavit of the administrative head of a hospital or nursing home located in this state that the applicant is a patient of the hospital or nursing home and is thereby unable to vote on the Election Day at his or her regular polling site.
Deadline for Absentee Ballot Pickup
- By Designated Bearers: no earlier than 15 days before a preferential or general election and no earlier than 7 days before a runoff
- By Anyone Else: no deadline specified in Arkansas law. You should base your ballot pick up on the ability to return it to the County Clerk on time.
Note: On your application you may designate how you wish to receive your ballot: by picking it up in person, by mail, or bearer (a relative, authorized agent or designated bearer).
Deadline for Delivery of Voted Absentee Ballot to County Clerk
- In Person: by close of business the day BEFORE the election
- By Designated Bearer: by 7:30 p.m. ON election day
- By Mail: received at clerks office by 7:30 p.m. ON election day You may NOT fax a ballot.
- By Authorized Agent: by 7:30 p.m. ON election day
- From Voters outside the United States: by 5:00 p.m. 10 days after the election
Early Voting
Depending on the type of election being conducted, you may early vote during the 7 or 15 days prior to Election Day.
In most counties, early voting is conducted at the county clerk's office.
In counties with off-site early voting (a location other than the county clerk's office), local newspapers will publish the designated sites.
During a preferential primary or a general election, early voting is available between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, ending at 5 p.m. on the Monday before the election. Off-site early voting hours may vary by county; watch your local newspaper or contact your county clerk for information.
During all other elections, early voting is available during your county clerk's regular office hours.
If your name or address has changed, you may update your information at the early voting site.
Information For People who have Moved or Changed Addresses
If you move to a new address within your current precinct, you have the right to vote in that precinct after filling out a change-of-address form.
If you move to a new address in your county but outside the precinct where you're registered, you have the right to vote at your new precinct and fill out a change-of-address form there.
Information for People with Felony Convictions
A convicted felon may regain the right to vote after obtaining a pardon from the governor or after discharging a sentence. Documentation must be provided to the county clerk. (Ark. Const. Amend. 51 as amended by Act 560 of 2001).
See also
- Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002
- State by State Provisional Ballot Laws
- State by State Voter ID Laws
- Recount laws in Arkansas
- Felon vote fraud
- Arkansas election agencies
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