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Should I Vote by Mail or In Person?

It is possible for every Arkansas voter to receive an absentee ballot in 2020 due to COVID-19, making it a more accessible option than in other years. If it is too late to reliably request and submit an absentee/VBM ballot to make sure it is delivered on time, there is also ample early voting available.

To avoid possible postal delays impacting your vote, we recommend mailing your completed ballot back by Tuesday, October 13th. Plan to drop it off by hand after that.

If you are concerned about your absentee ballot returning on time through the mail, visit our other page to learn how to drop your ballot off in person.

Arkansas Elections Website

Important Deadlines

Deadlines do not take into account the time it takes to send application requests to the state, then mail absentee ballots to the voter, and then returning completed absentee ballots to the state. Please be proactive in submitting applications and ballots three weeks prior to all posted deadlines to avoid being impacted by postal delays.

Voter Registration

Registering In Person: October 5, 2020

Registering By Mail: Postmarked October 5, 2020

Registering Online: N/A

See if you can register here

To Request Absentee/Mail-in Ballots

Request In Person: November 2, 2020

Request By Mail: Received by October 27, 2020

Request Online: N/A

Request an Absentee Ballot here

When Absentee/Mail-in Ballots are Due

If mailed: To your county clerk's office by 7:30pm local time on November 3, 2020

If hand-delivered: To your county clerk's office by close of business (5pm local time) the day before the election, November 2, 2020

We strongly recommend mailing your ballot much earlier (by October 13th) and, if that's not possible, dropping it off in person. Learn how below or on our other page.

Absentee/Vote by Mail Information

Note: Always read all of the instructions on or with your absentee/VBM ballot. This is a guide, but go by what the instructions say and follow them thoroughly. Your ballot may not be counted if you don't.

How Can I Request An Absentee/VBM Ballot?

Find the absentee ballot request form here

Do I Need an Excuse to Vote Absentee?

Yes. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arkansas will allow voters to request an absentee ballot under the "unavoidably absent from your polling site on election day" or "unable to attend your polling site on election day due to illness or physical disability" excuses. Simply put: Any Arkansas voter can get an absentee ballot for the November 2020 election using the above justifications.

You may also request an absentee ballot if you meet one of the following criteria:

You are a member of the Uniformed Services, merchant marines or the spouse or a dependent family member and are away from your polling location due to the member’s active duty status, OR
A U.S. citizen whose residence is in Arkansas but is temporarily living outside the territorial limits of the United States.

Do I Need to Provide a Copy of my ID When I Send in my Absentee Ballot?

Yes; a copy of valid voter identification must be included with an absentee ballot.

How Can I Track My Absentee/VBM Ballot?

Go to this link

Do I Need a Notary or Witnesses to Sign my Ballot?

No.

Where Can I Return My Ballot In Person If I Choose?

Yes, at the county clerk's office by 7:30pm on Election Day.

Find county clerks here.

Can Someone Else Return My Ballot on My Behalf?

A designated bearer or authorized agent may obtain an absentee ballot on behalf of another voter and return it directly to the county clerk. The designated bearer must show a photo ID to the county clerk and sign an oath both when obtaining and returning an absentee ballot.

A designated bearer may obtain absentee ballots for no more than two voters per election and shall not have more than two absentee ballots in his or her possession at any time.

Early Voting (In Person) Information

First & Last Days of Early Voting

October 19, 2020 to November 2, 2020.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, ending at 5 p.m. on the Monday before the election.

Off-site early voting hours may vary by county; watch your local newspaper or contact your county clerk for information.

Early Voting Locations

In most counties, early voting is conducted at the county clerk’s office.

In counties with off-site early voting (a location other than the county clerk’s office), local newspapers will publish the designated sites.

Find county clerks here

Will I Need a Photo ID or Non-Photo ID to Vote?

Photo ID requested.

If ID is not presented, a voter may cast a provisional ballot accompanied by a sworn statement that the voter is registered. The provisional ballot will be counted if the voter returns with valid identification or the board of election commissions does not determine that the ballot is invalid.

To vote, you will need to present an ID that provides your name and photograph; that is issued by the U.S. government, State of Arkansas, an accredited postsecondary educational institution in Arkansas, or the administrator of a long-term care or residential care facility licensed by the state; and that has not been expired for more than 4 years before the date of the election in which you seek to vote.

Election Day Voting Information

Can I Register to Vote on Election Day In Person?

No.

Find My Polling Place

Find your polling place at this link

Polling Hours (all times local)

7:30am - 7:30pm

If you are in line when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Don't leave!

Will I Need a Photo or Non-Photo ID to Vote?

Photo ID requested.

If ID is not presented, a voter may cast a provisional ballot accompanied by a sworn statement that the voter is registered. The provisional ballot will be counted if the voter returns with valid identification or the board of election commissions does not determine that the ballot is invalid.

To vote, you will need to present an ID that provides your name and photograph; that is issued by the U.S. government, State of Arkansas, an accredited postsecondary educational institution in Arkansas, or the administrator of a long-term care or residential care facility licensed by the state; and that has not been expired for more than 4 years before the date of the election in which you seek to vote.

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