Washington County Elections Director Jennifer Price reminds residents that absentee ballot applications must be filed each election cycle. The next round of absentee ballots will be mailed on September 18, exactly 45 days before the Nov. 3 general election.
Absentee Ballot Application Deadline
“You must fill out an application every year. If you received an absentee ballot in 2024, that application is not good in 2026,” Price said. Voters who wish to vote by mail should complete the new application promptly and return it according to the instructions provided by the county clerk.
Voter‑Registration Cut‑off
The final day to register to vote in Arkansas is October 5. Registration forms are available online through the county clerk’s website or the Arkansas Secretary of State’s portal. After completing the form, voters may mail it to the county clerk’s office, the Secretary of State’s office, or drop it off at any county clerk office statewide.
For first‑time registrants, National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, Sep. 15 offers a convenient opportunity to sign up. Sebastain County Election Coordinator Manda Cravey explained that volunteers will be present at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS) campus to assist students and community members with the process.
Poll‑Worker Training and Staffing
Cravey also announced the next poll‑worker training session for Sep. 19. The training will be held at the elections office at 40 South 4th Street in Fort Smith, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Participants must bring a photo ID and will receive certification to serve at polling sites.
The county is still seeking additional poll workers to ensure smooth operations on Election Day. Interested residents are encouraged to attend the training or contact the elections office for more information.
Early Voting Begins
Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election opens on Oct. 19. Voters can cast their ballots at designated early‑voting locations throughout the state before heading to the polls on Election Day.
These deadlines and resources are part of Arkansas’s effort to make voting accessible and secure for all eligible citizens. By staying informed and meeting the outlined dates, voters can exercise their constitutional right to participate in the democratic process.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
