ktlo.com · September 8, 2026
Arkansas voters to decide Issue 1 citizenship voting requirement on Nov. 3 | KTLO
# Arkansas voters to decide Issue 1 citizenship voting requirement on Nov. 3
Arkansas voters will decide in November whether to amend the state constitution to specifically state that only U.S. citizens who meet the existing qualifications to vote may cast ballots in state and local elections.
Issue 1, known as “The Citizens Only Voting Amendment,” is one of three proposed constitutional amendments along with a water proposal referred to voters by the Arkansas General Assembly for the November 3 general election.
The proposal would amend the Arkansas Constitution to state that only a citizen of the United States who meets the qualifications of an elector under the state constitution may vote in an Arkansas election. It would also specifically state that anyone who does not meet those qualifications may not vote in a state or local election.
The existing qualifications for an Arkansas elector include U.S. citizenship. Issue 1 would not change those existing qualifications, but would add language to the constitution specifically prohibiting anyone who does not meet them from voting in state or local elections.
The proposal is sponsored by Rep. David Ray of Maumelle and Sen. John Payton of Wilburn.
The Arkansas Constitution allows the legislature to refer up to three constitutional amendments to voters during a general election. The Arkansas House and Senate voted in April 2025 to place Issue 1 on the November 2026 ballot.
A FOR vote supports changing the Arkansas Constitution to specifically state that only U.S. citizens who satisfy the existing qualifications of an elector may vote in Arkansas elections and that anyone who does not meet those requirements may not vote in state or local elections.
An AGAINST vote opposes changing Article 3 of the Arkansas Constitution concerning who may vote in Arkansas elections.
Issue 1 must receive approval from a majority of voters casting ballots on the measure to amend the state constitution.
The deadline to apply to register to vote in the general election will be October 5. Early voting begins October 19, with Election Day set for November 3.
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