Voter Rights Facts: Arkansas

Download a printer-friendly PDF

Here's what you need to know if you're voting in Arkansas in 2012:

Do I need ID to vote?

Yes. The election official will ask you to provide identification. The following documents are acceptable identification:

• A current and valid photo ID;
• A copy of a current utility bill;
• A bank statement;
• A government check;
• A paycheck; or
• Another government document that shows the name and address of the voter.

If you're unable to provide ID, the election official will note it on the Precinct Voter Registration List, and you may vote a regular ballot.

If you registered by mail after Jan. 1, 2003, and did not submit the required ID with your voter registration application, you may be required to show ID to vote a regular ballot. If you don't present ID, the election official will instruct you on voting a provisional ballot.

Where do I vote?

Your precinct is determined by where you live and the polling site is assigned by your county election commission. Most local newspapers publish a list of polling sites within a few days of an election. If you received a voter ID card from your county clerk, it may show your precinct. You also can find your location online at www.voterview.org.

When are the polls open?

Polls are open on Election Day from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

REGISTRATION

How do I register?

You can download voter registration forms at www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/Documents/Voter_Reg_Ap_6-11.pdf or you can contact the Arkansas Office of the
Secretary of State, Elections Division, Voter Services at 1-800-482-1127.

Where can I find out if I'm registered?

Check your voter registration status online by visiting www.voterview.org.

Do I need ID to register by mail?

Yes. 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 #9 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 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;
• 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.

What is the deadline to register to vote?
You must submit your application to an official voter registration agency or mail it no later than 30 days prior to an election in which you wish to vote. The postmark on a mail-in application will be considered the submission date.

• If you completed your application at a voter registration drive, the organizers must submit it to the county clerk or secretary of state's office within 21 days of the date on the application or no later than 30 days prior to the next election.
• If you submit your application close to an election registration deadline, you are strongly advised to follow up on your registration status with your county clerk before Election Day.
• If an election deadline is looming, there is one method of application that will ensure your eligibility: Apply in person with your county clerk.
• If you have not received verification from your county clerk, be sure to confirm your registration before Election Day.

EARLY VOTING

• Depending on the type of election being conducted, you may early vote during the seven 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. and 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.

ABSENTEE VOTING

• You may vote absentee under the following conditions:
• You will be unavoidably absent from your polling site on Election Day;
• You will be unable to attend your polling site on Election Day due to illness or physical disability;
• You are a member of the U.S. armed forces, Merchant Marine or the spouse or a dependent family member; or
• You are a U.S. citizen whose temporary residence is in Arkansas but is temporarily living outside the territorial limits of the United States.

To receive an absentee ballot, ask to have an absentee ballot application mailed to you. Contact your county clerk in the county where you are registered to vote.

What is the deadline to submit an application?

• In person: By close of business the day before the  election.
• By designated bearer: By close of business the day before the election (a designated bearer is anyone you choose to pick up or deliver your application or ballot).
• By mail or by electronic means: By seven 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 from the administrative head of a hospital or nursing home located in this state verifying 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.

What is the deadline for ballot pick-up?

• By designated bearers: No earlier than 15 days before a preferential or general election and no earlier than seven 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).

What is the deadline for delivering my ballot to the 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 the clerk's office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

You may NOT fax a ballot. Uniformed and overseas citizens must vote their ballot by Election Day, and it must be received by their county clerk by 10 days after the election.

• By authorized agent: By 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information on voting, call the Arkansas Secretary of State Elections Division, Voter Services, at 1-800-482-1127 or go to www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/Pages/default.aspx.