Incarceration and Voting
HOW TO VOTE WITH A FELONY CONVICTION
If you have served your time, completed probation, and paid all fines (off paper),
YES,
you can re-register to vote in Arkansas.
All you need to do is bring your release form to your county clerk’s office, and their staff will help you regain your right to vote.
No matter where you live in Arkansas, the process is the same to restore your voting rights.
Go here for detailed instructions.
To re-register, you’ll need to complete a Voter Registration Form.
Voter Registration Form
Check “No” on Section 10D of the registration form.
If you are mistaken about your status, or your discharge has been recent, you’ll receive a letter from the County Clerk’s asking you to bring proof to their office so your voter registration can be processed.
To check your discharge status call the County Clerk’s office. They can tell you where you stand and what you need to do.
The ACLU also has helpful info on your voting rights after a criminal conviction in Arkansas.
It’s always a good idea to:
Keep your paperwork to be able to refer to it if needed
Confirm your voter registration every year, to make sure your registration is up-to-date and on the records.
YOU *CAN* VOTE WHILE INCARCERATED
If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, you can still vote.
If you have been charged with a crime, you can still vote.
Your right to vote is only affected if you’re currently incarcerated for a felony conviction, or still on parole for a felony conviction.
Go here for info from the ACLU on restoring your rights.
While incarcerated you’ll need to vote absentee.
To request an absentee ballot be sent to you contact your county clerk to receive an application for an absentee ballot. If you have a printer available you may print the application yourself.
On the application, you will declare how you wish you to receive your ballot. You can receive it by mail, or name someone to pick it up for you.
If you need help on voting while incarcerated, please contact:
Email the Arkansas Poor People’s Campaign at arkansas@poorpeoplescampaign.org
Email decARcerate Arkansas at contact@decarceratear.org