Election: Nov. 3, 2026 (General)
Outcome: Pending
Categories:
ElectionsCurrently, section 1 of Article 3 of the Arkansas Constitution says, "any person may vote in an election in this state" who is a citizen, is at least 18 years old, and is a resident of the state. The amendment would state that "Only a citizen of the United States meeting the qualifications of an elector" may vote in the state and that "A person who does not meet the qualifications of an elector under this section shall not be permitted to vote in any state or local election held in this state."
§ 1. Qualifications of electors.
(a)(1) Only a citizen of the United States meeting the qualifications of an elector under this section may vote in an election in this state.
(2) A person who does not meet the qualifications of an elector under this section shall not be permitted to vote in any state or local election held in this state.
(a)(b) Except as otherwise provided by this Constitution, any person may vote in an election in this state who to vote in an election in this state a person shall be:
(1) A citizen of the United States;
(2) A resident of the State of Arkansas;
(3) At least eighteen (18) years of age; and
(4) Lawfully registered to vote in the election.
(b)(1)(c)(1) In addition to the qualifications under subsection (a)(b) of this section, the General Assembly shall provide by law that a voter shall:
(A) Present valid photographic identification before receiving a ballot to vote in person; and
(B) Enclose a copy of valid photographic identification with his or her ballot when voting by absentee ballot.
(2) The General Assembly shall establish by law the types of photographic identification that a person may present to comply with subdivision (b)(1)(c)(1) of this section.
(c)(d) The State of Arkansas shall issue photographic identification at no charge to an eligible voter who does not have a form of photographic identification meeting the requirements of the law enacted by the General Assembly under this section.
(d)(1)(A)(e)(1)(A) A voter unable to present valid photographic identification when voting in person shall be permitted to vote a provisional ballot.
(B) An absentee ballot that is not accompanied by a copy of valid photographic identification shall be considered a provisional ballot.
(2) A provisional ballot under subdivision (d)(1)(e)(1) of this section shall be counted only if the voter subsequently certifies the provisional ballot in a manner provided by law.
(e)(1)(f)(1) The General Assembly shall implement the provisions of this amendment by law.
(2) The General Assembly may provide by law for exceptions to the requirement that a voter:
(A) Present valid photographic identification before receiving a ballot to vote in person; and
(B) Enclose a copy of valid photographic identification with his or her ballot when voting by absentee ballot.
(f)(g) A voter meeting the requirements of this section also shall comply with all additional laws regulating elections necessary for his or her vote to be counted.