Arkansas voter rights advocates promote nonpartisan election portal; last day to register to vote is Oct. 7

By the Arkansas Black Vitality Staff

LITTLE ROCK – Sept. 24, 2024 – Ahead of the nationwide Nov. 5 general election, the League of Women Voters of Pulaski County is promoting the nonpartisan election resource VOTE411.org. This “one-stop shop” for election information provides Pulaski County and Arkansas voters with simple, accessible tools to navigate the voting process.

LWVPC officials said VOTE411 provides personalized candidate information, voter registration details, polling place locations, and other helpful election information for all voters nationwide.

“From local ballot initiatives to important state races, it is crucial voters in Pulaski County make their voices heard this election year,” said LWVPC President Devita Harden. “VOTE411 is the nation’s premier online election resource that provides voters with the resources they need to make an informed vote this fall. The League of Women Voters of Pulaski County has published our voter guide on VOTE411 as a resource for all voters.”

The deadline to vote by mail or in person in Arkansas is Oct. 7. Early voting in Arkansas begins Oct. 21 and ends Nov. 4. Online voter registration is currently unavailable in Arkansas. However, those seeking to register to vote can:

• Print the Arkansas Voter Registration Application to complete and sign. Send the completed form by mail to the clerk’s office in your county.
• Request the state mail a registration form to you using the Request for a Voter Registration Application on the Arkansas Secretary of State website.

According to the Associated Press, a federal appeals court decision earlier this month reinstated a rule banning electronic voter registration signatures. The state Board of Election Commissioners approved the rule in April, saying the state constitution allows only certain agencies, not elections officials, to accept electronic signatures. Under the rule, voters must register by signing their name with a pen.

It was adopted after the nonprofit group Get Loud Arkansas helped register voters using electronic signatures. The board said the rule was needed to create uniformity across the state.

The board’s director asked county clerks to identify any registration documents submitted using electronic signatures after the appeals court decision and make every effort to contact the voters as soon as possible to give them the chance to correct their application.

According to the LWVPC, the VOTE411 portal helps millions each year — many of them young people and first-time voters — learn more about what’s on their ballot, where candidates stand on the issues, how to find their polling place, and more.

“The League of Women Voters of Pulaski County is pleased to provide this important, nonpartisan resource to voters,” said Laura Smith-Olinde, LWVPC’s director of voter services. “We encourage voters to visit VOTE411.org to make a voting plan so they are prepared to cast their vote confidently on Election Day!”