Arkansas Ballot Issues
Arkansans have a role in shaping state policy through proposing and voting on constitutional amendments, state laws, and veto referendums. These policy choices are often called ballot issues, ballot measures, or citizen initiatives. They create new laws, revoke laws or change the state constitution.
Since 2004, the Public Policy Center has published fact sheets on statewide ballot measures so voters have a better understanding of what is being asked of them on Election Day. The fact sheets go through a vetting process that includes reviews by issue supporters and opponents.
When is the Next Election for Arkansas Ballot Issues?
Early voting starts Oct. 1, 2026 for the Nov. 3 general election. If you aren't already registered to vote, Oct. 5 is the deadline to complete your registration to be able to vote in the November election.
Check your voter registration status
What Will Be on the Arkansas Ballot?
Arkansas legislators have referred three proposed constitutional amendments and a $500 million bond issue to voters on the November 2026 ballot. Read more about each ballot measure by clicking on our websites below.
- Issue 1 - Defining who is eligible to vote in Arkansas
- Issue 2 - The Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment
- Issue 3 - Allowing the Legislature to Create Programs, Loans and Grants Using Public Money and
to Create Economic Development Districts
- Issue 4 - Issuing up to $500 Million in Water, Waste Disposal and Pollution Abatement Bonds
Download 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues Handout
What will I find in Extension's ballot issue voter guide?
The Public Policy Center's 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issue Voter Guide will be available online in mid September and in print by the first week of October.
In the guide, you will find:
- How the popular name and ballot title will appear on your ballot
- Answers to basic questions about each ballot issue
- Reasons why people may support or oppose the proposals
- A worksheet to record your voting plans
Did You Know?
Arkansas is one of 15 states where citizens can propose constitutional amendments,
state laws and veto referendums on the ballot for voters to decide. Legislators also
have the right to refer up to three constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot.
We provide voters with neutral, research-based information on all statewide ballot proposals. Ultimately our goal is to build Arkansans confidence in their decisions and to increase voter participation in policy making.
Volunteer Canvasser Guide Now Available
We recently partnered with the Arkansas Civic Action Network to publish a helpful guide for people who want to volunteer to collect voter signatures for Arkansas ballot question committees.
The 2025 guide includes information about what is a petition, requirements for being a canvasser, and information about who can sign a petition.
Download the Arkansas Volunteer Canvassing Guide
About Our Materials
In 2024, we distributed more than 48,000 ballot issue voter guides across Arkansas' 75 counties. Our ballot issue education web pages attracted 371,867 views between Sept. 1-Nov. 11, 2024. Find past voter guides in our archive.
Want Year-Round Arkansas Ballot Issue Education?
Find important Arkansas election dates, a general handout about elections (in English and Spanish), and frequently asked voter questions on our Voter Education Resources page.
- Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter.
- Check out our newsletter archive
- Read our blog posts about ballot issues and other election news on the Community, Professional and Economic Development unit blog.
Request a presentation to your organization or group. Ballot issue education programs can be requested by contacting your local county extension agent or by contacting the Public Policy Center at 501-671-2160. You can also email us at publicpolicycenter@uada.edu
Send your Arkansas ballot issue questions to publicpolicycenter@uada.edu
Ballot Issue Education Resources
You can pick up a paper voter registration application in several different locations in your community.
- County Clerk Offices
- State Revenue Offices
- Public libraries
- Public assistance agencies
- Disability agencies
- Military recruitment offices
If you don't see the forms on displayed on a table at the location, ask an employee for help.
You can also print off a paper application from the Secretary of State's website.
You can also ask the Secretary of State to mail you a voter registration application.
Turn in your completed form to your county clerk's office.
PPC Analysis: Citizen-Initiative Ballot Access Requirements by State (2023)
State agencies involved with Arkansas ballot issues
- Ballot issue campaign finance - Arkansas Ethics Commission
- Ballot Initiative Information - Attorney General's Office
- Initiative process - Arkansas Secretary of State's Office
- PPC Analysis: Citizen-Initiative Ballot Access Requirements by State (2023)
- Initiative & Referendum Institute (University of Southern California)
- Ballotpedia
What Other Elections Are Happening?
Arkansas cities and counties often hold special elections related to property or sales tax or other important local matters. We provide fact sheets on some local issues by request from our county agents.
Find out what some of those past issues are here or contact your local County Clerk for more information about what's on your ballot.