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How to vote in Arkansas

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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Registration 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.

Voting 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.

Do I have to register with a party to vote in a partisan primary election?

You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Arkansas partisan primary elections. However, you must state the party primary you intend to vote in. If you don’t want to cast a party ballot, you may choose to vote in the nonpartisan races only.

How do I register with a party?

You will be able to select a party affiliation when you register to vote.

Registration Top Actions

Voting Top Actions

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Can I register to vote online?

Arkansas does not offer online voter registration.

How can I check the status of my mail ballot?

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

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 indicate "NONE" on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Arkansas partisan primary elections. However, you must state the party primary you intend to vote in. If you don’t want to cast a party ballot, you may choose to vote in the nonpartisan races only.
  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.

If you plan to return your application through the mail, be sure to mail your voter registration application at least one week before the registration deadline to ensure it's timely postmarked. Keep in mind that USPS might not postmark your mail on the day it's dropped off. You can also request a manual postmark at the counter of a USPS office. Find a USPS location near you.
Watch this video about by mail registration from the Arkansas Secretary of State.

How do election officials keep voting secure?

Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.

Contact the Arkansas Secretary of State to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

Watch this video about in person registration from the Arkansas Secretary of State.

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.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Arkansas you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • 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

Watch this video about who can register to vote from the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Arkansas does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in Arkansas before you turn 18 if you:
  • are 18 on or before Arkansas's next election, which is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026
  • are a United States citizen
  • are an Arkansas resident
  • have not been convicted of a felony, or have been convicted of a felony sentence and have been discharged or pardoned
  • are not presently adjudged as mentally incompetent as to your ability to vote by a court of competent jurisdiction

You must be at least 18 years old to vote.
If you have an earlier next election listed for your address here, you may only be eligible to register to vote now if you will turn 18 by that date. Contact your state election official to confirm.

Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?

No. You cannot register online before you turn 18 in Arkansas.

Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.

When submitting a registration application by mail in Arkansas, you are required to provide your Arkansas driver’s license number. If you have not been issued an Arkansas driver’s license number, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, check the box that indicates you do not have an ID number.

If you are registering to vote for the first time and you do not include an ID number on your mail-in application, you must submit with your form a copy of ONE of the following forms of ID:
  • current and valid photo identification
  • current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address

If you do not include a copy of your ID, you will be required to provide additional identification when voting for the first time.

Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?

Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Arkansas Secretary of State website.

You can obtain a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Arkansas:
  • local county clerk
  • revenue or DMV office
  • public library

You can find a list of locations that provide voter registration applications on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.

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 offers 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.
Watch this video about voting in person from the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Can I vote early?

Yes, Arkansas offers 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?

      See if you’re eligible and download your absentee ballot form. We recommend you request your absentee ballot at least two weeks before the deadline to make sure you have time to receive and cast your ballot before the election.

      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 do I see what's on my ballot?

      View official ballot information on the Arkansas Secretary of State website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

      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 your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, 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
      Watch this video about military and overseas voting from the Arkansas Secretary of State.

      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.

      How do I contact my state election office?