DECISIONS, DECISIONS — In this 2024 file photo, a Clark County voter casts a ballot during the early voting period at the Arkadelphia Recreation Center, where polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays through Election Day on Nov. 3, when nine total Vote Centers will be open throughout the county. arkadelphian.com photo
By ANTOINETTE GRAJEDA | Arkansas Advocate
Early voting began Monday in Arkansas and continues for two weeks leading up to the general election on Nov. 3.
Arkansas voters can head to their local polling location to cast their ballots in the races for U.S. Senate, Arkansas governor and the state Legislature, among others. Editor’s note: Local races which voters will consider include county judge and a pair of justice of the peace contests. Voters living in Gurdon or Caddo Valley will also have a mayoral race on their ballot.
More than 1.85 million voters are registered to vote in Arkansas, according to the secretary of state’s office. Over 1.6 million are registered as “Party Optional,” meaning they have no party affiliation.
Roughly 155,000 Arkansans are registered Republicans and 85,000 are registered Democrats. The state also has more than 755 Libertarians and 125 Green Party members.
Here’s what to know about early voting in Arkansas:
How do I know if I’m eligible to vote?
To participate in the Nov. 3 election, you must have registered to vote in Arkansas by Oct. 5.
Your local county clerk will send you a personalized voter registration card once your application is processed, and it could take several weeks.
Arkansans should not assume they’re registered until they’ve received their voter registration card, according to the secretary of state’s office.
You can check your voter registration status by calling your local county clerk or visiting www.voterview.ar-nova.org.
What if I need to update my voter registration?
You can update your information at an early voting site if your name or address has changed, according to the secretary of state’s office.
When is early voting?
Early voting runs Oct. 19 through Nov. 2. Election Day is Nov. 3.
During early voting, polls are open from 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 prior to the election.
Where can I vote?
In most counties, early voting is conducted at the county clerk’s office, according to the secretary of state’s office. Local newspapers will publish designated sites in counties with polling locations other than the county clerk’s office.
A 2025 law requires an early voting location in cities with more than 15,000 residents. The legislation was proposed in response to a 2024 legal battle over early voting in Crittenden County.
You can find polling sites by calling your local county clerk or visiting www.voterview.ar-nova.org.
Do I need an ID to vote?
Yes. Arkansas voters are required to verify their voter registration with photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
If you don’t bring an ID with you to the polls, you can cast a provisional ballot.
In order for the provisional ballot to count, a voter must present a document or photo ID to verify their registration to the county board of election commissioners or the county clerk by noon on the Monday following the election.
How do I know what races I can vote in?
To view sample ballots, call your local county clerk or visit www.voterview.ar-nova.org.
Information about candidates running for federal and statewide office, as well as the Arkansas House and Senate, is available on the Advocate’s 2026 Voter Guide.
Arkansas Advocate is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
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