Guide for volunteer canvassers earns national recognition
July 13, 2026
By the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Arkansas is one of 24 states permitting citizen-led ballot initiatives
- Guide is part of voter education efforts from UADA
(530 words)
DOWNLOAD photos of Netterstrom Higgins, guide cover
LITTLE ROCK — Every petition signature can determine whether an item makes it to the statewide ballot, and a guide from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Public Policy Center that helps canvassers safeguard the success of their efforts has earned national recognition.
The National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals, or NACDEP, recognized Kristin Netterstrom Higgins and the Arkansas Volunteer Canvassing Guide as its 2026 National Winner for Educational Materials at an awards ceremony in Wichita, Kansas.
Netterstrom Higgins said the guide was inspired by new laws regulating what Arkansans had to say and do when collecting signatures on petitions for statewide ballot measures. She teamed up with Gail Choate, founder of the Arkansas Civic Action Network, to create the Arkansas Volunteer Canvasser Guide and a series of training sessions.
“Our shared goal is to give volunteers clear, consistent and legally accurate information so they can work confidently and safely,” Netterstrom Higgins said. “The guide offers a broad overview that applies to all volunteers to support consistent statewide practices.
“By working together, the Public Policy Center and Arkansas Civic Action Network aim to protect volunteers from legal trouble, build confidence in the petition process, minimize signature disqualifications and promote consistent training across Arkansas,” she said.
Choate said, “This national recognition is meaningful because it highlights the importance of investing in civic education. We’re grateful to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office for collaborating with us to create a practical guide. Clear information promotes consistency and helps the process work as intended.”
The honor is the latest in a series of award-winning voter education tools developed by the Public Policy Center.
“This award recognizes the Public Policy Center’s commitment to ensuring Arkansans have the knowledge they need to effectively engage in the public policy process,” said Stacey McCullough, assistant vice president and head of the community, professional and economic development department for the Cooperative Extension Service. “Collaborations such as this are essential to developing high-quality, research-based resources to achieve this goal.”
The Cooperative Extension Service is the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Citizen initiatives
There are 24 states that permit citizen-led ballot initiatives, and Arkansas is one of 15 states where citizens can propose constitutional amendments, state laws and referendums through the petition process, and the only state in the South with all three options available to them.
The signature collection process is where most ballot issue groups see their campaign efforts fail, said Netterstrom Higgins, who also publishes a neutral statewide ballot issue voter guide each election cycle.
Although multiple groups asked for attorney general certification of their ballot titles this year, in the end, only three collected petition signatures for the November ballot.
By the state’s July 3 deadline, one citizen initiative campaign — Protect AR Rights — had submitted signatures. The secretary of state's office is currently vetting and counting petition signatures. Protect AR Rights is comprised of Arkansas advocacy organizations seeking to limit legislative changes to the citizen initiative process.
The Public Policy Center exists to provide Arkansans with research-based information and education about pressing and emerging issues that involve multiple points of view and have widespread consequences.
Learn more about the Arkansas Public Policy Center online.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land-grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Nick Kordsmeier
Nkordsme@uada.edu