LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas voters looking to better understand the four statewide issues appearing on the Nov. 3 general election ballot have a new resource available from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
The Public Policy Center has released its 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues Voter Guide, a 28-page publication designed to provide neutral, research-based information about the three proposed constitutional amendments and one bond issue voters will decide this fall. All four measures were referred to voters by the Arkansas Legislature.
The guide goes considerably further than the wording voters will see when they enter the voting booth. For each proposal, it explains what a “FOR” or “AGAINST” vote would mean, provides background information and answers common questions. It also includes arguments that have been made publicly by supporters and opponents of each proposal.
According to the Public Policy Center, its ballot-issue materials undergo a review process intended to ensure accuracy and neutrality, including review by legal and subject-matter experts as well as supporters and opponents of the issues. The center has published fact sheets on statewide Arkansas ballot measures since 2004.
Four statewide issues on the ballot
Issue 1 — Citizens Only Voting Amendment
Issue 1 would amend the Arkansas Constitution’s language concerning who may vote in Arkansas elections. The state constitution already lists U.S. citizenship among the qualifications to vote. The proposal would add language specifically stating that only a U.S. citizen meeting the qualifications of an elector may vote and that a person who does not meet those qualifications may not vote in a state or local election.
Issue 2 — Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment
Issue 2 would expand the Arkansas Constitution’s existing language protecting the right to keep and bear arms. The proposed amendment would specify that the right applies to common defense, lawful hunting, recreational use and other lawful purposes. It would also specifically include ammunition, firearm accessories and firearm components and describe the right as a natural, fundamental and individual right.
Issue 3 — Economic development programs and districts
Issue 3 is a broader proposal concerning economic development. It would authorize the General Assembly to establish economic development programs involving public loans and grants and allow legislation creating economic development districts within cities, counties or cooperative areas.
Among other provisions, those districts could be given authority over bonds, taxes, assessments and fees. Property within an economic development district would be exempt from property taxes levied by school districts, counties, cities and other taxing entities, while districts could impose their own taxes, assessments or charges on property within the district. The amendment itself would not create a particular economic development district or approve a specific project.
Issue 4 — Water, waste disposal and pollution abatement bonds
Issue 4 asks voters whether the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission should be authorized to issue up to $500 million in general obligation bonds for water, wastewater, pollution-control, drainage, irrigation, flood-control and related projects.
Without additional approval from the General Assembly, no more than $60 million could be issued during any two-year period, and no more than $165 million of the total could be used for irrigation facilities. The bonds would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Arkansas.
Guide includes more than ballot wording
The voter guide includes the actual popular names and ballot titles voters will encounter, along with explanations of the proposals and a worksheet where readers can make notes and keep track of how they intend to vote.
The Public Policy Center stresses that the guide is educational and does not advocate for or against any of the four issues.
Printed copies are available through Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 75 Arkansas counties. The complete guide can also be downloaded free online.
Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election begins Oct. 19. The deadline to register to vote in the election was Oct. 5. Arkansas voters can also use the Secretary of State’s VoterView system to check their registration, view a sample ballot and find voting information.
Read the University of Arkansas Extension’s statewide ballot information:
Arkansas State Ballot Issues page
Download the complete 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues Voter Guide:
2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues Voter Guide (PDF)
