LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — While many Arkansans are taking advantage of early voting, for others, November 5 is more convenient.
This election is the first presidential contest since 2020, where violence erupted at the U.S. Capitol, the following year, once the results of the election had been certified.
We’ve heard from some Arkansans concerned about their safety at the polls, because of the historic and frightening time in our nation’s history. But are there laws that protect voters from harassment at the polls?
The short answer is yes, there are laws on the books meant to keep voters from feeling intimidated as they go to cast a ballot. But the Arkansas election code is much more specific.
For example, it uses the term "electioneering" to describe a host of behaviors, all of them prohibited, by any election official, such as speaking to a voter to try to persuade them to support or reject a ballot measure or candidate.
Electioneering can also mean handing out literature or showing a ballot measure's number, title, or logo. It's even against Arkansas law to hand out collectibles like buttons, shirts, or stickers, to a voter approaching the polls.
Another reassuring law, according to The Board of Election Commissioners, is that voters be given a 100-foot zone of space, free from any interference.
Chris Powell, with the Secretary of State's office, said voters can rest assured that violators of these laws can face serious felony charges.
"No voter should face intimidation or harassment of any kind at the polls. If something like that occurs, please notify the nearest poll worker or election official," he said.
So we can verify that, yes, Arkansas election officials have laws and other protections in place, to make Election Day a peaceful one for voters wishing to make their voices heard.
Another safety net for voters is through the Attorney General's Voter Hotline, where you can report any type of harassment, intimidation, or intrusion. The hotline number is (833) 995-8683.