Vote: Strong Public Schools 2020

With the COVID-19 related upheaval this year, there has been some confusion around voting this year.   

In Arkansas, we have local, state and national races on our ballot as well as some proposed changes to our state Constitution.  With so much on the line, we want to make sure you know the scoop on voting in Arkansas this year.  

Register to vote by October 5th

The first thing you should do is check your voter registration information.   

If you need to register to vote please print, complete and mail in this application by October 5thYou may also pick up a voter registration form at your county clerk’s office or your local public library. 

Absentee voting information

Governor Hutchinson and Secretary of State John Thurston have both declared that the COVID-19 emergency means that any voter can apply for an absentee ballot by giving the reason for the request as “illness.”  

  1. Review the absentee ballot application and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for voting absentee.  
  2. Fill out the application completely. 
  3. Submit the request to your local county clerk. You should request your ballot as far in advance of the election as possible. The deadline to request a ballot by mail is (received by) Tuesday, October 27, 2020. 
  4. When your ballot arrives, read it carefully and follow the instructions to complete it and return it.  After you complete your absentee ballot, you’ll need to sign it as well as submit a photocopy of your photo id.   

Critical deadlines 

  • Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. 
  • The deadline for registering by mail to vote is (postmarked by) Monday, October 5, 2020. 
  • The deadline to register in person to vote is Monday, October 5, 2020. 
  • The deadline to request a ballot by mail is (received by) Tuesday, October 27, 2020. 
  • The early voting period runs from Monday, October 19, 2020 to Monday, November 2, 2020, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live. 

 If you have any questions about voting, please contact Susana O’Daniel, AEA Director of Public Affairs: sodaniel@aeanea.org