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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.

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.

When is the Next Time Arkansas Voters Will Consider Ballot Issues?

Election Day 2024 is over. The next cycle is now. Arkansas legislators have until Feb. 15, 2025 to submit proposals for the Nov. 3, 2026 statewide ballot. 

Citizens can file titles of proposed ballot issues with the Arkansas Attorney General's Office for certification at any time. Once a ballot issue group has their popular name and ballot title certified by the Attorney General, they can start collecting signatures from Arkansas voters. 

To qualify a constitutional amendment for the statewide ballot, a ballot issue group must collect at least 90,704 signatures from voters in at least 50 counties.

To qualify a state law (also known as an initiated act), a ballot issue group must collect at least 72,563 signatures from voters in at least 50 counties.

To propose a statewide referendum on a law passed in the 2025 General Assembly, a ballot issue group must collect at least 54,422 signatures from voters in at least 50 counties. 

Read more about the initiative process

About Our Materials

Since 2004, the Public Policy Center has published unbiased 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.

In 2022, we distributed 40,000 ballot issue voter guides across Arkansas' 75 counties. Our ballot issue education web pages attracted 346,972 unique visitors who recorded 432,615 page views between Sept. 1-Nov. 11, 2022. Find past voter guides in our archive.

What will I find in Extension's ballot issue voter guide?

The 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issue Voter Guide will be available in fall 2026.

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

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. 

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 (2021)

State agencies involved with Arkansas ballot issues

 

What Other Elections Are Happening?

Arkansas cities and counties often hold elections throughout the year 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.

 

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