Arkansas
1 Check ID Rules
Voting in Person
Arkansas requires photo ID to vote in person.
Accepted IDs
You can use a photo ID issued by:
Can be expired up to 4 years or show no expiration date
- Arkansas state government
- US government
- Higher education institution accredited in Arkansas
- Long-term or residential care facility in Arkansas
Common examples include:
- Arkansas driver’s license
- Arkansas state ID card
- US passport or passport card
- Public assistance card
- Arkansas Voter Verification card
- Student ID from college or university in Arkansas
- Military ID
- Arkansas concealed carry license
Voting by Mail
Absentee ballots in Arkansas are only for some voters.
Reasons you can vote by absentee ballot include:
- Being “unavoidably” away from your polling site on Election Day
- Physical disability or illness
Check the FAQ “Who can vote absentee in Arkansas?” below for the full list of reasons accepted by the state.
Requesting an Absentee Ballot
You can request an absentee ballot from the county clerk where you are registered to vote. Complete an absentee ballot application form and return it by email, mail, or in-person delivery, or fax.
You do not need to include any ID with your absentee ballot application.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
You must provide a copy of photo ID with your completed ballot. You can use any of the photo IDs that are accepted to vote in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a free ID in Arkansas?
You can request your voter verification card through your county clerk’s office. You will need to sign a document confirming that you don’t have a photo ID that is accepted for voting. You will also be asked to provide documents that:
- Show your full legal name and date of birth.
- Show your name and current residential address.
Contact your county clerk to check the specific documents you need to provide.
What if I don’t have the right ID to vote in Arkansas?
If you are a registered Arkansas voter but do not present an accepted photo ID when voting in person, you have to cast a provisional ballot.
Provisional ballots make sure eligible voters are not rejected at the polls. You need to take extra steps for your vote to count!
How to Make a Provisional Ballot Count:
You must present an accepted photo ID at your county board of election commissioners or county clerk’s office by Noon on the Monday after Election Day. Find your local Election Commissioners
If you do not have an accepted photo ID, you can get a free Arkansas voter verification card. Check the FAQ above “How can I get a free ID to vote in Arkansas?” for more info.
Learn more here! (link to “Vote” section)
Can I use a digital or mobile ID to vote in Arkansas?
Do I need a “REAL ID” to vote in Arkansas?
You do not need a “REAL ID” to vote in Arkansas.
REAL ID is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver’s licenses and state ID cards. Your ID will show a star if it meets REAL ID standards.
Applying for a REAL ID requires you to appear in person with a variety of documents to prove your identity.
Visit the Arkansas DFA website to find out exactly what is required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card.
2 Register
Who can vote in Arkansas?
You need to register before you can vote in Arkansas.
You can vote in Arkansas if you meet these requirements:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are a resident of Arkansas.
- You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.
You cannot register to vote in Arkansas if:
- You have been convicted of a felony and your civil rights have not been restored.
- You are under a court order that takes away your right to vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register to vote in Arkansas if I have been convicted of a crime?
Each state has its own laws about whether citizens with previous criminal convictions can vote.
To check your eligibility to register in Arkansas, visit Restore Your Vote.
Can I register to vote in Arkansas if I attend college in Arkansas?
College students are allowed to vote using their Arkansas school residence address.
You can decide whether to register in your home state or where you attend school.
You may only be registered and vote in one location.
How to Register
Required ID Information
You have to verify your identity when you register to vote!
If you have a driver’s license or state ID card:
- Give your license or ID number on the registration form.
If you do not have either ID:
- Give the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Don’t have a Social Security number? Leave this part of the form blank.
If you do not provide an ID number when you register, be ready to show an accepted ID the first time you vote.
You cannot register to vote online in Arkansas.
Registration options:
- Complete a registration form and send via mail.
- Visit your local election office or a voter registration agency to register in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register and vote on the same day in Arkansas?
No, Arkansas does not allow you to register and vote on the same day.
Check Arkansas’s registration deadlines here!.
If the registration deadline for an upcoming election has passed, you can still apply to register. Your registration will be processed, and you will be registered to vote in future elections.
How do I fix or update my voter registration information?
If you cannot find your registration information or if any details are incorrect:
- Update your name, address, or political party affiliation by submitting a new registration.
- Contact your local election office if you have questions or need to make other changes.
Register to Vote in Arkansas
Don’t have a state-issued ID? VoteRiders is here to help!
3 Vote
Voting in Person
Arkansas requires photo ID to vote in person.
Voting by Mail
Absentee ballots in Arkansas are only for some voters.
Reasons you can vote by absentee ballot include:
- Being “unavoidably” away from your polling site on Election Day
- Physical disability or illness
Check the FAQ “Who can vote absentee in Arkansas?” below for the full list of reasons accepted by the state.
Requesting an Absentee Ballot
You can request an absentee ballot from the county clerk where you are registered to vote. Complete an absentee ballot application form and return it by email, mail, or in-person delivery, or fax.
You do not need to include any ID with your absentee ballot application.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
You must provide a copy of photo ID with your completed ballot. You can use any of the photo IDs that are accepted to vote in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I track my Arkansas mail ballot?
In Arkansas, you have to give a specific reason for voting by absentee ballot. The following reasons are accepted:
- You can’t avoid being away from your polling site on Election Day.
- You’re sick or physically unable to go to your polling site.
- You’re on active duty or service for the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marines (or you’re the spouse or dependent of someone who is).
- You live in a long-term care or state-licensed residential facility.
- You’re a US citizen from Arkansas temporarily living outside the country.
