Employment, finances, the cost of education, health care, voting rights, war and peace ¡ª the decisions your leaders make on such fundamental issues will shape your future.

¡°Voting is one of our most basic rights as Americans,¡± Secretary of State Charlie Daniels says, ¡°but turnout among young voters has declined overall. We must instill an appreciation for the privilege of voting and how important it is for young Arkansans to use their voices on Election Day, when it truly matters.¡±

Your right to vote gives you an important voice in issues that could directly affect you today and for years to come. Confused about how to vote? Our guide will show you how easy voting can be so that you can let your voice be heard in the next election. To register to vote, you must first meet several requirements:

¡ñ You must be a U.S. citizen and an Arkansas resident.
¡ñ You must be age 18 before the next election.
¡ñ You must not presently be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction.
¡ñ You must not have been convicted of a felony without your sentence having been discharged or pardoned.
¡ñ You must not claim the right to vote in another county or state.

If you match these requirements, the steps to register are easy. Just fill in the card we have provided and send it in. Be ready to include your driver¡¯s license number or Social Security number if registering by mail. You can also find the necessary forms and information on the Secretary of State¡¯s Web site at www.sosweb.state.ar.us/ or you can pick up a form from your county clerk. It should only take two weeks for you to receive a confirmation from the county clerk¡¯s office. If you haven¡¯t heard anything in two weeks, contact the clerk to confirm that you are registered to vote.

Before the election, research the candidates and know whom you want to support. Refer to your local newspaper for poll locations, early voting dates, hours of operation and, often, sample ballots. You will vote at a poll determined by where you live.

When you show up to vote, avoid simple voting mistakes. Come with identification that proves your name and address, such as a driver¡¯s license, paycheck or utility bill. Also, remember to check your answers again before you turn in your vote. If you mark more than one choice for a single question, your vote will not be counted. The whole process should only take as long as going to pick up dinner at your favorite fast-food place.

If you cannot go to your polling site or if you are sick, disabled or away at school, then you may vote absentee. Contact your county clerk for details.

Your vote counts, so speak up about issues that are important to you. Help make important changes in this country and exercise your right to make a difference.

Election Dates

You must be registered to vote 30 days before the election. So check these dates and make sure that you are ready when the time comes.

Gubernatorial Election

Held the first Tuesday in November, every four years.

Presidential Election

Held the first Tuesday in November, every four years.

Primary Election

Political parties elect their nominees to run in the General Election in November. Held the third Tuesday in May, even-numbered years.

General Election

State officials are elected, and every four years this is also the date of the presidential election. Held the first Tuesday in November, even-numbered years.