Arkansas election officials are reinforcing a long‑standing rule that any electioneering activity must remain at least 100 feet away from the entrance of a polling location. The regulation, overseen by the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office, is intended to safeguard voter privacy and ensure that citizens can cast their ballots without undue pressure or visual cues from campaign materials.

What the rule covers

The 100‑foot buffer applies to all forms of campaign outreach conducted on or near polling‑site property. This includes handing out flyers, wearing campaign‑themed apparel such as shirts, hats or stickers, and any verbal solicitation of votes. While candidates and their supporters are permitted to be present in the general vicinity of a polling place, they must stay outside the designated perimeter.

Official explanation

“Candidates are wanting to get your vote,” said Jennifer Price, the Washington County Election Commission’s election director. “And so candidates are allowed to be at a polling location but there is a 100‑foot barrier of where a candidate can be. So they must remain outside that 100‑foot barrier.” Price added that the rule is “about giving voters privacy and a right to vote without outside influences.”

Voter perspective

Local voter Victoria Fields told 40/29 News that she appreciates the signage and distance requirements. “If anything I think it’s kind of smart for them to be around the courthouse for people that are just kind of walking in,” Fields said. “You know, people remember the things that they see them most. So the more visibility the better.”

Why the rule matters

Election integrity has become a central concern for Arkansas families who value the sanctity of the ballot. By keeping campaign activity away from the polling entrance, the state aims to reduce the chance that voters feel pressured or confused by partisan messaging at the moment they make their private choice.

The rule also aligns with broader efforts across the nation to protect the constitutional right to a secret ballot. While the rule does not prohibit lawful political expression, it draws a clear line between free speech and the protected privacy of the voting process.

Enforcement

County election officials are tasked with monitoring compliance on Election Day. Any violations of the 100‑foot rule may result in a warning or, in repeated cases, a citation. The Arkansas Secretary of State’s office encourages voters and campaign volunteers alike to familiarize themselves with the exact boundaries of their local polling sites, which are posted on official county websites and at the polling locations themselves.

What voters should do

Voters are urged to focus on the voting process itself and to report any observed breaches of the buffer zone to their county election office. By staying informed and vigilant, Arkansans can help preserve the integrity of their elections and ensure that every citizen’s vote remains private and free from undue influence.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.