Registering to Vote After a Conviction

Voting after a Felony Conviction

In Arkansas, if you have been convicted of a felony, you can restore your right to vote if you have completed your sentence, parole, and/or probation and paid all probation or parole fees, court costs, fines, or restitution completely. 

To restore your right to vote, provide your county clerk with proof of your discharge and proof that you have paid all fees listed above.  Once the county receives this information, you are immediately eligible to register to vote. You may do so at the county clerk's office or by filling out the Arkansas voter registration form and submitting it in person or by mail. 

To obtain proof of discharge, contact the Arkansas Department of Corrections Office of Centralized Records - Discharge Files at (870) 267-6586. If you were released through probation, contact the records unit of the correctional facility where you completed your sentence.

To obtain proof of fees paid, contact the entity responsible for collection. If you participated in a DCC program and paid supervision fees, contact your parole or probation officer. For restitution payments, contact the entity who collected payments. For fines and costs, contact the circuit clerk. 

Voting after a Misdemeanor Conviction

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, you are eligible to vote in Arkansas regardless of your incarceration status. To register, fill out the Arkansas voter registration form using black ink. 

If you are currently incarcerated, you will need to vote by absentee ballot. Fill out the absentee ballot application and send it to your county clerk. 

Deadlines to request an absentee ballot are:

  • By Designated Bearer or Administrator: by close of business the day BEFORE the election
    (Designated Bearer is anyone you choose to pick up or deliver your application or ballot)
  • By Mail or by Electronic Means: by 7 days before the election

Deadlines to submit an absentee ballot are: 

  • In Person: by close of business the day BEFORE the election
  • By Designated Bearer: by 7:30 p.m. ON election day
  • By Mail: received at clerks office by 7:30 p.m. ON election day. You may NOT fax or email a ballot.