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The state motto of Arkansas perfectly captures the spirit of democracy. “Regnat Populus,” Latin for “the people rule,” reminds Arkansans that the true power of a democracy lies with its people.
On this Democracy Day, the Advocate is celebrating the launch of a nonpartisan voter guide to provide readers with the tools they need to participate in November’s election. Our voter guide and special Election 2024 page are full of election-related stories, as well as information about candidates and answers to frequently asked questions about the voting process.
We’ll be adding more stories as our election coverage progresses in the coming weeks, but the first step in being able to participate in the democratic process is making sure you’re registered to vote.
The deadline to register this year is Oct. 7. You can obtain a voter registration application from your local county clerk, state revenue office, DMV office, public library, disability agency, military recruitment office or the Arkansas Secretary of State Elections Division. You can also request a form through the mail or print a form here.
Have more questions about the voting process? Read on to learn more.
How do I know if I’m eligible to vote?
To register to vote in Arkansas, you must: be a U.S. citizen, an Arkansas resident and 18 years old on or before the election. You cannot be a convicted felon whose sentence has not been discharged or pardoned. You also cannot be presently adjudged as mentally incompetent as to your ability to vote by a court of competent jurisdiction.
How do I check my voter registration status?
Once your local county clerk has processed your application, they will send you a personalized voter registration card. It could take up to several weeks. You can check your voter registration status by calling your county clerk or visiting www.voterview.org.
When can I vote?
Early voting begins on Oct. 21, 2024, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Early voting ends at 5 p.m. on the Monday before the election, Nov. 4, 2024. On Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. As long as you are in line by 7:30 p.m. you will be allowed to vote.
How do I vote in person?
Bring a form of ID to your polling location where a poll worker will ask you to verify your name and address. You can find your local polling stations by contacting your local county clerk or at www.voterview.org.
Who can I vote for?
Representatives for your area depend on where you live. Check out these interactive maps to see who your representatives are. You can also locate your elected officials with this district finder tool or at www.voterview.org.
How do I request an absentee ballot?
Request to have an absentee ballot application sent to you by contacting your county clerk in the county where you’re registered to vote. You can also download and complete an absentee ballot application here. Then return this application to the county clerk where you’re registered to vote.
When must I return my absentee ballot?
A voted ballot must be returned in person or by a designated bearer or administrator to the county clerk by the close of business the Friday before the election (Nov. 1, 2024). If the ballot is delivered by mail or an authorized agent, it must be received at the clerk’s office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day (Nov. 5, 2024).
What if I have more questions?
Check out the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website or contact your local county clerk.
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