My Benton County, Arkansas

Prepare to Vote in Benton County

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Once you are registered to vote, there are a few more steps you need to take before election day.

Make Sure You Have an ID

When you go to vote, you must bring an ID that:

  • Shows your name
  • Has your photo
  • Is issued by the US, Arkansas, or an Arkansas college
  • Is not expired (or expired less than 4 years ago)

IDs that work include:

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Concealed handgun license
  • US passport
  • College ID from an Arkansas school
  • Military ID
  • Public assistance ID with photo

If you live in a nursing home, you can bring a note from the administrator instead of an ID.

Check Your Registration

Don’t take chances with your right to vote!

Many voters show up on Election Day only to find their names missing from the rolls. Registration forms can be thrown out for many reasons:

  • Small mistakes on your form
  • Missing information
  • Signature problems
  • Address changes not reported
  • Voter roll “purges” that remove voters who haven’t voted recently
  • Some voters are removed as part of voter suppression efforts that target certain communities

Protect your vote by:

  • Checking your registration status at least 30 days before the election
  • Visit www.voterview.org or call the Benton County clerk: (479) 271-1013
  • Update your information if you’ve moved or changed your name
  • Re-register if you find any problems

Don’t wait until Election Day to discover a problem when it’s too late to fix it!

Find the Date and Times of the Next Election

Elections don’t just happen during presidential years. There are many important local elections that affect your daily life!

Easy ways to find your next election date:

Remember: Small local elections often have low turnout, which means YOUR vote has even more power!

Mark your calendar as soon as you find the date, and make a plan to vote early or on Election Day!

Find Out What’s on the Ballot

Voting is easier when you know what to expect! Here’s how to find out what will be on your ballot in Benton County, Arkansas:

Ways to See Your Ballot Before Election Day

  1. Visit VoteView.org
    • Go to www.voterview.org
    • Enter your name and birth date
    • Click “View Sample Ballot” to see exactly what your ballot will look like
  2. Check the Benton County Clerk’s Website
  3. Call the Benton County Clerk’s Office
    • Phone: (479) 271-1013
    • Ask for a sample ballot for your voting area
  4. Visit in Person
    • Benton County Clerk’s Office
    • 215 E. Central Ave., Bentonville, AR 72712
    • Ask for your sample ballot
  5. Local Newspaper
    • Check the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette or local papers
    • They often publish sample ballots before elections

Why Check Your Ballot Early?

  • Research candidates and issues before voting
  • Make decisions without feeling rushed
  • Write down your choices to bring with you
  • Avoid surprises on Election Day

Knowing what’s on your ballot helps you vote with confidence!

Plan to Vote Early if You Can

Early voting lets you cast your ballot before Election Day. In Arkansas, you can vote early without needing any special reason!

Why Vote Early?

  • Avoid long Election Day lines
  • Vote when it fits your schedule
  • No worries about emergencies on Election Day
  • More time to solve any problems with your registration
  • Less stress and rushing

How to Vote Early in Arkansas

For big elections (Primary and General Elections):

  • Early voting starts 15 days before Election Day
  • Vote Monday-Friday from 8am to 6pm
  • Vote Saturday from 10am to 4pm
  • Last day is Monday before Election Day (ends at 5pm)

For smaller elections (runoffs, school board, etc.):

  • Early voting starts 7 days before Election Day
  • Vote during normal business hours
  • Only at your county clerk’s office

Where to Go

  • The county clerk’s office always offers early voting: 215 East Central, Suite 217 in Bentonville
  • Sometimes there are other locations. Call the county clerk to find the closest location to you: (479) 271-1013

Early voting uses the same process as Election Day voting – just bring your ID and vote at your convenience!

Vote on Election Day

If you can’t make it to early voting, make sure you know what to expect on election day and have plan to make sure your vote gets counted.

Finding Your Polling Place

Your polling place is where you must go to vote on Election Day. To find yours:

  • Check your voter registration card
  • Visit www.voterview.org and enter your name and birth date
  • Call the county clerk’s office: (479) 271-1013
  • Look for a postcard in your mail before the election

Important: You must go to YOUR assigned polling place on Election Day. If you go to the wrong place, you might have to vote a provisional ballot or be sent elsewhere.

Making a Plan for Election Day

  • Polling places are open from 7:30am to 7:30pm
  • If you’re in line by 7:30pm, stay in line! You have the right to vote even if the polls close
  • Bring your photo ID
  • Expect to wait in line, especially during busy times (before work, lunch hour, after work)
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Bring water and a snack if needed
  • Charge your phone fully
  • Consider bringing a book or entertainment for waiting

What to Expect When You Vote

  1. Check in with poll workers
  2. Show your ID
  3. Sign the voter list
  4. Receive your ballot
  5. Fill out your ballot in private
  6. Submit your completed ballot

If you have trouble voting or are turned away, ask to speak to the head election judge or call your county clerk right away.

Make your voice count – don’t let a long line stop you from voting!