Arkansas Voter Information!

If you want to vote in the Nov. 5th Arkansas General Election, you must be an Arkansas resident and 18 on or before the election day and properly registered to vote! All Arkansans should triple check their registration HERE (this is also the website to use to view your sample ballot). Save this Arkansas ACLU website, and use it if you have any issues while voting.

Registration:

  • New voters, including those who will turn 18 on or before the election day, must register to vote by Oct. 7th (postmarked or turned into the clerk’s office). More information HERE

  • Voters who need to update the COUNTY they live in have until close of business, Friday, Nov. 1st to update their address

  • Voters who need to update their address in the SAME county as they are currently registered can update through election day – HOWEVER, if you wait until you go to vote, it can lengthen the amount of time it takes to vote by a lot - so instead, call your county clerk now and have them update your address over the phone!

Absentee Ballots:

If you are unable to vote in person early or on the day of the election, you may request an absentee ballot. Submit this request ASAP!!! When returning your ballot, TRIPLE CHECK that you have followed the instructions and you submit ALL required materials in time. More information HERE.

Voting in Person ID requirements:

In Arkansas, you must have an ID in order to vote. The name and photo on the ID must match your registration and the ID must be issued by either the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the State of Arkansas. Additionally, the ID cannot be more than 4 years past the ID expiration date.

Documents and identification cards that will be accepted as verification of voter registration include without limitation: A driver’s license; A photo identification card; A concealed handgun carry license; A United States passport; An employee badge or identification document issued by an accredited postsecondary education institution in the State of Arkansas; A United States military identification document; A public assistance identification card if the card shows a photograph of the person to whom the document or identification card was issued; A voter verification card as provided under Ark. Code § 7-5-324.

Early Voting:

This election, early voting will occur from Oct. 21st - Nov. 4th. To see your early voting locations and times in Benton County go HERE. As long as you are registered to vote in Benton County, you may go to any of the listed voting centers.

Election Day Voting:

Election day voting will occur on Tuesday, Nov. 5th from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. As long as you are in line before 7:30 p.m., you may vote. To see your election day voting location options in Benton County go to HERE. As long as you are registered to vote in Benton County, you may go to any of the listed voting centers.

Need more information about who/what will be on your ballot?

Go to the AR Votes website. My voter guide email, with indicators on who you may want to support in the most important races across Benton County, will hit your inbox shortly before early voting begins later this month!

Local Events

  • Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. - U of A Public Policy Center Online Ballot Issues Forum featuring Kristin Higgins; Join in on a discussion about the ballot issues you will see on your ballot this November. Register HERE.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 10th from noon - 1:30 p.m. - Housing Solutions Webinar: a conversation with Gregg Colburn, author of “Homelessness is a Housing Problem” hosted by Northwest Arkansas Council. Register to attend this online event HERE.

  • Monday, Oct. 14th at 6:30 p.m. - Democratic Party of Benton County (DPBC) Monthly Meeting at the Arvest Conference Room in downtown Bentonville (behind the Arvest building off of Legion Rd) - doors open at 6 p.m.; hear from some local municipal candidates and we’ll also run through all the items you’ll see on your ballot in Benton County this year

  • Tuesday, Oct. 15th at 5:30 p.m. - DPBC Monthly Social Hour at Levi’s Gastrolounge in Rogers (224 S 2nd St); join for a casual meet-up with local Democrats

  • Friday, Oct. 18th from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - True Colors Farm Tulip Planting Day 2024; PerspectAbility needs help planting 100,000 tulip bulbs at the True Colors Farm (13345 W Tycoon Rd, Bentonville) for next year’s tulip season. Everyone is welcome to come any time during the event, register HERE.

  • Wednesday, Oct. 23rd at 6 p.m. - Circles NWA hosted Make a Plan to Vote event at the Fayetteville Public Library; Circles NWA staff will help you find your sample ballot, learn about the roles and responsibilities of different elected positions like Justice of the Peace, City Council, or State Supreme Court Justice. The event will focus on both Washington and Benton County. Register to attend HERE.

Community Involvement Opportunities

Applications Open for the 2025 Leadership Benton County Class

The Leadership Benton County program provides leadership training specific to regional issues facing the county, and serves as the Chamber’s training ground for future leaders in Benton County. Goals of the 11-session program include identification and motivation of individuals with leadership potential; acquainting participants with community needs, challenges and opportunities; offering a forum for dealing with community issues; and challenging future leaders to become involved with local issues and the process of decision-making.

Class participants meet monthly from January to September. Sessions focus on local and county government, education, economy, human services, health care, quality of life, state government, regional issues, and leadership skills and theories.

Participation in Leadership Benton County is open to persons 21 years of age or older, living and/or working in Benton County. The selection committee seeks representation from a cross-section of the county, reflecting the diversity of the area. Participants should have a strong interest and commitment to serving the Northwest Arkansas region.

Applicants should also have the full support of their family and employer, as the program requires a significant time and money commitment. Tuition covers all sessions, materials, speaker and instructor fees, field trips, overnight lodging, meals, refreshments, and tours.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, and are a valuable method for reaching an audience of emerging leaders in the Northwest Arkansas region.

Read more and complete an application HERE. Applications are due by Oct. 25th.

Support Canopy Northwest Arkansas’ Welcome Kit Fall 2024 Donation Drive

This Fall, Canopy NWA is preparing to welcome more refugees to our community, and we’re inviting you to play a meaningful role in their journey.

One of the most impactful ways to help refugees rebuild their lives here in Northwest Arkansas is by creating and donating Welcome Kits. These kits offer essential items and a warm welcome, showing our newest neighbors that they’re supported as they start a new chapter.

A Welcome Kit provides everything needed to turn an empty space into a true home. When refugee families arrive in Arkansas, they often come with little more than the clothes on their backs. Your support can be a source of hope, helping them rebuild their lives and find a sense of belonging in Northwest Arkansas.

By purchasing items from our thoughtfully curated Welcome Kit lists, you’ll be giving these families the essentials they need to start their new lives with dignity and comfort.

Whether you’re an individual, a family, a class, a civic group, or a faith community, everyone can come together to make a lasting difference.

Watch this short video for the 3 steps to complete a Welcome Kit. Then choose a list from this document.

For any questions about Welcome Kits, or if you are planning to drop off more than one welcome kit, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Annette Quinn at 479-388-0890 or email at [email protected].

Candidate Events/Volunteer Opportunities

There are 35 days until the Nov. 5th general election. As Michelle Obama encouraged at the DNC Convention last month, you too can DO SOMETHING! Here are some great options to help locally:

  • Kaylee Wedgeworth (candidate for Senate district 34 - Bella Vista, north Bentonville and north Centerton)

    • Email Kaylee to express interest in ongoing phone banking or specific door knocking events in October

  • Kate Schaffer (candidate for House District 10 - Bentonville/Bella Vista)

    • Yard Sign Request Form HERE

    • Sign up to volunteer for phone banking or canvassing HERE

    • Also, Kate’s team is looking to hire paid canvassers to help her campaign for up to 10 hours a week - email Kate for more information

  • Stephanie Funk (candidate for House District 15 - Center Rogers)

    • Yard Sign Request Form HERE

    • Canvass with Stephanie’s campaign in Rogers on Sundays from 2 - 3:30 p.m.; meet up at 2 p.m. to get instructions and materials at the Iron Horse Coffee Company (220 S 1st St., Rogers)

  • Steven Baker (candidate for Justice of the Peace district 5 - center Bentonville and NW Rogers)

    • Sign up to volunteer for phone banking or canvassing HERE

  • Carol Vella (candidate for Justice of the Peace district 8 - downtown Bentonville)

    • Sign up to volunteer for phone banking or canvassing HERE

  • Shea Newport (candidate for Bella Vista City Council Ward 2)

    • Meet & Greet at the Bella Vista Farmers Market Sundays from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  • Jocelyn Lampkin (candidate for Bentonville City Council Ward 4)

    • Yard sign request form HERE

  • Jessica Edmond (candidate for Rogers City Council Ward 3)

    • Ice Cream Social meet the candidate event at 201 S 1st St on Oct. 5th from 3 - 5 p.m.

  • Cyndall Hill (candidate for Rogers City Council Ward 4)

    • Meet & Greet event Sat., Oct. 5th from 8 -11 a.m. at 216 S 1st St, Rogers

Municipal Government Awareness

Bella Vista

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct 1 at 6 p.m. (2483 Forest Hills Blvd) - SPECIAL MEETING

  • Items of Note:

    • During tonight’s special meeting, Council will vote on the issuance of a $5.4 million dollar bond for the city to address costs for facility improvements for fire department station no. 1 and city administration and any furnishings, equipment and parking, lighting, road and utility improvements

    • Bella Vista City Council candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Benton County will be held Monday, Oct. 7th at 6:30 p.m. at 3 Riordan Drive

Bentonville

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. (305 SW A St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • Read Heather McComb’s reporting in the Bentonville Bulletin from last week’s city council meeting, including council’s vote to reject the appeal from a developer looking to build townhomes in downtown Bentonville, HERE

    • The City is looking for residents interested in serving on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (3-year term). To learn more and submit an application online by the deadline - Friday, October 18, visit HERE.

    • There are 3 forums/debates featuring Bentonville mayoral candidates - Steve Galen and incumbent Stephanie Orman. 1) Oct 6th, 10:30 am - Downtown Bentoinville will air a 30-minute debate on the local CBS affiliate (channel 5). It will re-air at the same time on Oct 20th; 2) Oct 7th, 5-7pm - The Chamber of Commerce will host a debate at the Meteor Guitar Gallery, and 3) Oct 16, 7pm - KUAF will host a debate at Thaden School

Cave Springs

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. (134 N. Main St.) - work session

Centerton

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. (210 Municipal Dr.)

  • Items of Note:

    • The Fall Tree Giveaway will be on Thursday, Oct. 10th, from 8am to 5pm and Friday, Oct. 11th, from 8 am until they run out. This is restricted to residents of Centerton only and there is a limit of 1 tree per household.

Gravette

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m. (202 Main St. NE) - committee of the whole

Lowell

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. (216 N. Lincoln St.) - SPECIAL MEETING

  • Items of Note:

    • Tonight’s special meeting is to consider an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2024, for the purpose of financing sewer improvements within the City of Lowell.

Pea Ridge

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m. (911 Weston St.) - committee of the whole

  • Items of Note:

    • The new community center, The Garage, is open from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3 - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday this week as their soft opening. A ribbon cutting event is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wed., Oct. 9th.

    • Residents are welcome to stop by the October Round Table with Mayor See this Friday, Oct. 4th from 8 - 9:30 a.m. at City Hall

    • Pea Ridge Planning Public Input Survey is up and running! The purpose of this survey is to gather comments and receive feedback for the Pea Ridge Master Plan updates.

Rogers

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. (301 W. Chestnut)

  • Items of Note:

    • The City of Rogers invites the community to celebrate the holiday season with the Rogers Christmas Parade and the return of the Rogers Christmas Village. The parade, organized by the Rotary Clubs of Rogers and sponsored by First National Bank NWA, will take place on Friday, December 6th at 6:30 p.m., following its traditional route in downtown Rogers. Parade entries will compete for awards in four fun categories. More information can be found on the website.

    • At the last city council meeting, “The City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously for a resolution recognizing insurance reimbursements totaling more than $15 million for building damage from the May 26 storm.” Read more HERE from the NWA Dem Gazz.

Siloam Springs

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. (400 N. Broadway)

  • Items of Note:

    • Residents are welcome to attend Annexation Open House event this Thursday, October 3rd, from 4 to 6 PM at the Siloam Springs Public Library (205 E. Jefferson Street) to learn more about the upcoming annexation proposal that will be on the November 5th ballot! This is a great opportunity to engage directly with city staff and ask any questions you may have. Representatives from various city departments will be present to provide information and address your concerns.

Springdale

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. (201 Spring St.)

County Government Awareness

Bentonville School District

Congratulations to Bentonville School District Superintendent Debbie Jones for being named the Arkansas Superintendent of the Year from the Arkansas Association of School Administrators! Read more about the award from Jamie Smith at the Bentonville Bulletin HERE.

Benton County Government

Countywide reminder! The deadline to pay your personal and real estate property taxes is Tuesday, October 15th. You can pay your property taxes now with our online portal! Use the link below to pay.

Pay your taxes: https://bentoncountyar.gov/collector/pay-taxes/

Upcoming County Government meetings at the Admin Building in downtown Bentonville:

  • Planning Board Meeting - Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.

  • Budget Committee Meeting - Oct. 7 at 6 p.m.

  • Finance-Budget Committee Meeting - Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.

  • Development Review Committee - Oct. 9 at 10 a.m.

  • Election Commission Meeting - Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. (at the Election Commission office in Rogers)

  • Committee of the Whole - Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.

State Government Awareness

94th General Legislative Assembly:

Election Information

Issue 3 (Medical Marijuana Expansion) votes will NOT be counted for this November’s ballot - read reporting from Antoinette Grajeda in the Arkansas Advocate about the Secretary of State’s decision HERE

Political Training Opportunities

Research Project Looking for Arkansans to Participate

For Arkansas Classroom Teachers:

For Arkansas Adults:

In the Ear

Shout out to Mike Rusch for his Bentonville based podcast, the Underview. This past month, Mike has been posting thorough and thoughtful interviews with candidates running for office in Bentonville. To date, he's published interviews with the two Bentonville Mayoral candidates, the two Bentonville Ward 4 candidates (there will be three names on the ballot, but one has essentially dropped out), and the two State Representative Candidates for district 10 (north Bentonville and South/Central Bella Vista).

You can access the episodes on your favorite podcast application HERE.

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