issue 1Citizens-only voting
Read the full text of the measure: official text
In plain words
Arkansas already requires voters to be U.S. citizens. This amendment restates that rule in stronger words and says it applies to state and local elections, so a city could not let non-citizens vote. (uaex.uada.edu )
Before and after
| Who may vote | U.S. citizens who meet the qualifications in Article 3 | Only U.S. citizens who meet the qualifications; written as a limit |
|---|---|---|
| Local elections | Constitution does not say in plain words that cities cannot let non-citizens vote | Non-citizens may not vote in any state or local election |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (uaex.uada.edu )
Biggest change
- Adds to Article 3, sec. 1 that only a U.S. citizen who meets the voter qualifications may vote in Arkansas. source: arkleg.state.ar.us
- Says a person who does not meet the voter qualifications may not vote in any state or local election in Arkansas. source: arkleg.state.ar.us
- The four current voter qualifications stay the same. source: uaex.uada.edu
- Takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. source: arkleg.state.ar.us
Who it affects most: People who are not U.S. citizens and cities or towns; the guide notes no Arkansas community is reported to be planning non-citizen voting.
Cost to the state: No state cost estimate was found in the official text or the UA Extension guide.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
A YES (FOR) vote adds citizens-only voting language to Article 3 of the Arkansas Constitution, starting Jan. 1, 2027.
A NO (AGAINST) vote keeps the current wording of Article 3, which already lists U.S. citizenship as a voter qualification.
Our one-line summary. Arkansas does not publish an official "what your vote means" statement; the ballot title above is the official description.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with A majority of the votes cast on the issue..
- Arkansas General Assembly (HJR 1018, 2025 regular session). Sponsors: Rep. David Ray and Sen. John Payton. source: arkleg.state.ar.us
- Passed by the legislature in April 2025 as HJR 1018. source: uaex.uada.edu
- About 117,000 of Arkansas's 3.1 million residents are not U.S. citizens (2024 American Community Survey, as cited by UA Extension). source: uaex.uada.edu
- A Talk Business & Politics/Hendrix College poll in August 2026 found 60% for, 27% against, 13% undecided. source: kuaf.com
Why supporters want it
No public statement found.
Why opponents object
No public statement found.
Who backs each side
- For: Rep. David Ray and Sen. John Payton (Legislative sponsors) source: uaex.uada.edu
- Against: No public statement found.
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the Arkansas General Assembly .
AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION TO CREATE "THE CITIZENS ONLY VOTING AMENDMENT"; TO PROVIDE THAT ONLY A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES MEETING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AN ELECTOR UNDER THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION MAY VOTE IN AN ELECTION IN THIS STATE; AND PROVIDING THAT A PERSON WHO DOES NOT MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AN ELECTOR UNDER THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO VOTE IN ANY STATE OR LOCAL ELECTION HELD IN THIS STATE.
FOR
AGAINST
Copied word for word from the Secretary of State's notice "Constitutional Amendment (or Other Measure) Referred to the People by the General Assembly" for Issue No. 1, page 1 (ar_Issue_No_1_HJR_1018_of_2026.pdf). The notice prints the Ballot Title; it says voters vote for or against, so FOR and AGAINST are shown as the choices.
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
No articles collected yet for this measure.
Full text of the measure
Read it in the official text , or on the Legislature's page for Issue 1 (HJR 1018 of 2025) , which also shows the votes in each chamber.
Read more
- Arkansas Secretary of State: Initiatives and referenda (official notices for Issues 1 to 4, PDF)
- Official text (HJR 1018, Arkansas Legislature)
- UA Extension 2026 Ballot Issues Voter Guide
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.