When are voting rights restored in Arkansas?

Arkansas falls under the "Restored after supervision" category. Voting rights are restored upon completion of sentence, including probation, parole, and payment of all fines and restitution.

How do I re-register to vote in Arkansas?

Register at your county clerk's office, by mail, or online at sos.arkansas.gov.

Are there exceptions to voting rights restoration in Arkansas?

None — all felonies are treated the same.

Can I vote in Arkansas if I have a felony conviction?

Yes, but only after you have completed your entire sentence. This includes serving your full term of incarceration, completing probation and parole, and paying all fines, court costs, restitution, and supervision fees. Once everything is satisfied, you must provide proof to your county clerk and re-register to vote.

How do I prove that I have completed my sentence?

If you were released without parole, contact the Arkansas Department of Correction Central Records at (501) 320-1725 at 6814 Princeton Pike, Pine Bluff, AR 71602. If you were on probation or parole, contact your probation or parole office for proof of discharge and payment records. The circuit clerk can provide proof of discharge of fines and costs.

Where do I go to register to vote after completing my sentence?

Bring your proof of completion to the Voter Registration Department of the county clerk's office where you reside. Complete an Arkansas Voter Registration Application. You can also register online at sos.arkansas.gov or by mail, but you will need to submit proof of sentence completion with your application.

What is the voter registration deadline in Arkansas?

You must register at least 30 days before Election Day. Arkansas does not offer same-day voter registration. Plan ahead, especially if you need time to gather your proof-of-completion documents.

Do I need to pay all my fines before I can vote?

Yes. Under Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution, you must pay all applicable court costs, fines, and restitution before your voting rights are restored. This includes probation and parole fees. If you have questions about your financial obligations, contact the circuit clerk or your probation/parole office.

What kind of photo ID do I need to vote in Arkansas?

Arkansas requires a valid photo ID to vote in person. Acceptable forms include an Arkansas driver's license, Arkansas state ID, U.S. passport, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you can get a free voter ID card from your county clerk's office.

Can I vote during early voting in Arkansas?

Yes. Early voting typically begins 15 days before Election Day and is held at the county clerk's office and designated early voting sites. Hours and locations vary by county. Contact your county clerk for specific early voting details.

What if I was told I cannot vote but I have completed my sentence?

If you have completed all terms of your sentence — including incarceration, probation/parole, and all financial obligations — and have been denied the right to register, contact the ACLU of Arkansas at acluarkansas.org or the Arkansas Secretary of State's office at (501) 682-1010 for assistance.

Are misdemeanor convictions treated differently from felonies for voting purposes?

Yes. Misdemeanor convictions do not affect your voting rights in Arkansas. Only felony convictions result in the loss of voting rights. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor, you can register and vote without any additional requirements.

Can a Governor's pardon restore my voting rights?

Yes. A pardon from the Governor of Arkansas restores all civil rights, including the right to vote, regardless of whether you have completed your sentence or paid all financial obligations. However, pardons are rare and require a separate application process through the Governor's office.

Can Felons Vote in Arkansas?

Restored after supervision

It depends on your current status. You can vote in Arkansas with a felony conviction only after you have completed your entire sentence — including prison, probation or parole, and payment of all fines, court costs, and restitution. You must provide proof of completion to your county clerk and re-register to vote.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Arkansas restores voting rights to people with felony convictions upon completion of their entire sentence, including incarceration, probation, parole, and payment of all fines, court costs, and restitution. Under Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution, convicted felons must provide proof to their county clerk that they have satisfied all sentence requirements before re-registering to vote. Unlike states with automatic restoration upon release, Arkansas requires affirmative documentation and a visit to the county clerk's office. All felonies are treated the same — there is no distinction between violent and non-violent offenses for voting restoration purposes.

Quick Answer

Can vote

✓Completed full sentence including incarceration, probation, and parole
✓Paid all applicable fines, court costs, and restitution
✓Paid all probation or parole fees
✓Record has been sealed or expunged
✓Received a pardon from the Governor
✓Convicted of a misdemeanor only (voting rights are not affected by misdemeanors)
✓In county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention — not yet convicted)

Cannot vote

✗Currently incarcerated in state or federal prison for a felony
✗Currently on probation for a felony conviction
✗Currently on parole for a felony conviction
✗Outstanding unpaid fines, court costs, or restitution from a felony conviction
✗Outstanding unpaid probation or parole fees
✗Found mentally incompetent to vote by a court

Step-by-Step Process

Complete your entire sentence

You must complete all terms of your sentence, including incarceration, probation, and parole. You must also pay all fines, court costs, restitution, and probation or parole fees. Your voting rights are not restored until every component is satisfied.

Obtain proof of completion

Gather documentation proving you have completed all requirements. If released without parole, contact the Arkansas Department of Correction Central Records at (501) 320-1725. If released through probation or parole, contact your probation or parole office for proof of discharge and payment records. Contact the circuit clerk for proof of discharge of fines and costs.

Submit proof to your county clerk

Bring your proof of completion to the Voter Registration Department of the county clerk's office where you currently reside. The county clerk will verify that all requirements under Amendment 51 have been met. You may also submit evidence that your record has been sealed as an alternative.

Complete a voter registration application

Fill out an Arkansas Voter Registration Application at the county clerk's office. You can also download the form from the Arkansas Secretary of State's website at sos.arkansas.gov and submit it in person or by mail. Online registration is available at sos.arkansas.gov.

Meet the registration deadline

Your voter registration must be received by the county clerk at least 30 days before Election Day. Arkansas does not offer same-day voter registration, so plan ahead. Contact your county clerk if you are unsure about deadlines.

Vote on Election Day or by absentee ballot

Vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day. Early voting is available at your county clerk's office during the early voting period (typically beginning 15 days before Election Day). You may also request an absentee ballot if you qualify under Arkansas absentee voting rules. Bring a valid photo ID when voting in person.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
Arkansas Constitution — Amendment 51, Section 11	1964 (amended)	Provides the constitutional framework for felon disenfranchisement and restoration in Arkansas. States that convicted felons may have their voting rights restored upon completion of their sentence, including discharge from probation or parole and payment of all fines, court costs, and restitution. Requires proof of completion to be submitted to the county clerk.
Arkansas Code Ann. 5-36-101 — Criminal Penalties and Voting Rights	Various amendments	Defines felony classifications in Arkansas and establishes that conviction of a felony results in loss of the right to vote. Works in conjunction with Amendment 51 to define the conditions under which voting rights may be restored.
Act 2009 — Voter Registration Procedures for Felons	2009	Established procedures for county clerks to verify and process voter registration applications from people with felony convictions who have completed their sentences. Clarified the documentation requirements and the role of the county clerk in the restoration process.
Arkansas Voter ID Law (Act 633 of 2017)	2017	Requires voters to present a valid photo ID when voting in person. While not specific to felon voting rights, this applies to all voters including those who have had their rights restored. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or other government-issued photo ID.

Edge Cases

Can I vote if I am still on probation or parole in Arkansas?

No. Arkansas requires completion of your entire sentence, including probation and parole, before your voting rights are restored. You must be fully discharged from supervision before you can register to vote.

Can I vote if I have unpaid fines or restitution?

No. Under Amendment 51, you must pay all applicable court costs, fines, and restitution before your voting rights are restored. If you cannot afford to pay, contact the court about payment plans or possible alternatives. Outstanding financial obligations will prevent you from registering.

What if my record has been sealed or expunged?

If your record has been sealed under Arkansas law, you can provide evidence of the sealing to the county clerk in lieu of discharge papers. A sealed record satisfies the requirements for voting rights restoration.

Can I vote if I was convicted of a felony in another state but now live in Arkansas?

It depends. Arkansas looks at whether you have completed your entire sentence, including any supervision and financial obligations, regardless of which state imposed the sentence. If you have fully completed your out-of-state sentence, you can provide proof of completion to the Arkansas county clerk and register to vote.

What if I have a federal felony conviction?

The same rules apply. If you have completed your entire federal sentence — including incarceration, supervised release, and payment of all fines and restitution — you can provide proof of completion to your county clerk and register to vote in Arkansas.

Can I vote from county jail in Arkansas?

Only if you are in county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) and have not been convicted. If you are in county jail serving a felony sentence or on a probation or parole violation, you cannot vote. Pretrial detainees who are registered to vote can request an absentee ballot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vote in Arkansas if I have a felony conviction?: Yes, but only after you have completed your entire sentence. This includes serving your full term of incarceration, completing probation and parole, and paying all fines, court costs, restitution, and supervision fees. Once everything is satisfied, you must provide proof to your county clerk and re-register to vote.
How do I prove that I have completed my sentence?: If you were released without parole, contact the Arkansas Department of Correction Central Records at (501) 320-1725 at 6814 Princeton Pike, Pine Bluff, AR 71602. If you were on probation or parole, contact your probation or parole office for proof of discharge and payment records. The circuit clerk can provide proof of discharge of fines and costs.
Where do I go to register to vote after completing my sentence?: Bring your proof of completion to the Voter Registration Department of the county clerk's office where you reside. Complete an Arkansas Voter Registration Application. You can also register online at sos.arkansas.gov or by mail, but you will need to submit proof of sentence completion with your application.
What is the voter registration deadline in Arkansas?: You must register at least 30 days before Election Day. Arkansas does not offer same-day voter registration. Plan ahead, especially if you need time to gather your proof-of-completion documents.
Do I need to pay all my fines before I can vote?: Yes. Under Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution, you must pay all applicable court costs, fines, and restitution before your voting rights are restored. This includes probation and parole fees. If you have questions about your financial obligations, contact the circuit clerk or your probation/parole office.
What kind of photo ID do I need to vote in Arkansas?: Arkansas requires a valid photo ID to vote in person. Acceptable forms include an Arkansas driver's license, Arkansas state ID, U.S. passport, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you can get a free voter ID card from your county clerk's office.
Can I vote during early voting in Arkansas?: Yes. Early voting typically begins 15 days before Election Day and is held at the county clerk's office and designated early voting sites. Hours and locations vary by county. Contact your county clerk for specific early voting details.
What if I was told I cannot vote but I have completed my sentence?: If you have completed all terms of your sentence — including incarceration, probation/parole, and all financial obligations — and have been denied the right to register, contact the ACLU of Arkansas at acluarkansas.org or the Arkansas Secretary of State's office at (501) 682-1010 for assistance.
Are misdemeanor convictions treated differently from felonies for voting purposes?: Yes. Misdemeanor convictions do not affect your voting rights in Arkansas. Only felony convictions result in the loss of voting rights. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor, you can register and vote without any additional requirements.
Can a Governor's pardon restore my voting rights?: Yes. A pardon from the Governor of Arkansas restores all civil rights, including the right to vote, regardless of whether you have completed your sentence or paid all financial obligations. However, pardons are rare and require a separate application process through the Governor's office.

Take Action — Direct Links

Arkansas Secretary of State — Voter Information
Official state page for voter registration, polling locations, and election information. Register to vote online or download a registration application.
ACLU of Arkansas — Voting After a Criminal Conviction
Know-your-rights guide from the ACLU of Arkansas explaining voting rights restoration for people with felony convictions, including step-by-step instructions.
Pulaski County — Restoration of Voting Rights for Convicted Felons (PDF)
Printable brochure from Pulaski County explaining the restoration process, required documentation, and contact information for obtaining discharge papers.
Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Arkansas)
Interactive tool from the Campaign Legal Center that walks you through Arkansas's specific rules and helps determine if you are eligible to register to vote.
Arkansas Department of Correction — Central Records
Contact the ADC Central Records unit at (501) 320-1725 to obtain proof of completion of your sentence if you were released without parole.
Arkansas Voter Registration Application (PDF)
Printable flyer with information about the voting rights restoration process and voter registration for people with felony convictions in Arkansas.

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Sources

Disclaimer: Source: National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Cross-reference: Campaign Legal Center. This is informational only, not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Verify current rules with your state election office or consult a qualified attorney in Arkansas.

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Full dataset: NCSL Felon Voting Rights