Get in the know re: voter registration, rights, and protection
Voter Registration
Tuesday, October 11th is the last day to register to vote for the November 8th midterm election.
- Obtain a registration form at your County Clerk’s office or print one here (Spanish version).
- Not sure if you’re already registered? Check your status.
- Submit your form (in person or postmarked) by October 11th if you want to vote on November 8th.
Your Rights
Arkansas has some new voter laws; be sure to check out this great pdf you can print and take with you to the polls.
- Polls are open Election Day from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Early voting hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
- Take a valid ID with you.
- You have the right to vote if you are in line when polls close.
- You have the right to an accessible polling place, an accessible voting machine, and appropriate accommodations. You can request a paper ballot at any time.
You have to show ID before voting.
- This includes: driver’s license (MUST be Arkansas DL), concealed carry handgun permit, U.S. Passport, student ID or employee badge from an accredited postsecondary institution, military ID, voter verification card, or public assistance ID that shows a photo of the cardholder.
What happens if…
- You’re not on the vote list: Verify you are registered at that precinct; if verification cannot be found, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot
- Your name differs from your name on the voter list: Complete a voter registration form to update; then you have the right to vote.
- Someone challenges your right to vote: Assert your right! If poll workers deny your vote, you can cast a provisional ballot
- You don’t have valid ID: You have the right to cast a provisional ballot.
- You cast a provisional ballot for any reason: You must take your ID to your county board of election commissioners or your county clerk by noon the Monday after the election in order for your provisional vote to be counted.
Voter Protection
The good folks over at Get Loud Arkansas have put out a call for poll watcher signups. From their email:
As a Get Loud Arkansas (GLA) poll watcher, you will be assigned to a voting center and will observe the election process. GLA will provide volunteers with all necessary training and a free t-shirt! We ask that you commit to being a poll watcher for a minimum of 10 hours over the course of early voting and Election Day. Click here to sign up today.
Ballot Issues
A lot is on the ballot in November, including 4 statewide issues: 3 the legislature referred and 1 citizens proposed. Be sure to check out this in depth explainer via the U of A’s Public Policy Center.
- Issue 1 would allow legislators to call themselves into session at any time. Right now only the governor can do this. This issue would give more power to the legislature and take away power from the governor. We recommend voting AGAINST Issue 1.
- Issue 2 would increase the percentage of votes required to pass ballot initiatives from 50% to 60%, allowing a minority of voters to block what a majority of voters want. We recommend voting AGAINST Issue 2.
- Issue 3 would provide a legal claim in a court or other governmental proceeding for a person to seek relief against the government for imposing on their religious freedom. We recommend voting AGAINST Issue 3.
- Issue 4 allows for recreational marijuana. For AR People has a neutral position on this issue.
Still reading? Way to be an informed voter. Now go make your vote plan.
