Why We Don’t Vote (And What We Can Do) + 2026 Arkansas Ballot Initiatives on “Arkansas Week”

18 Sep 2026 in
Programs

On Nov. 3, 2026, the United States will be hosting its general elections. In this cycle, 33 seats in the U.S. Senate and all members of the House of Representatives will be up for election, along with significant positions in state and local government.  

Arkansas TV is hosting this year’s debates, featuring candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate, Secretary of State, and U.S. Congressional Districts 1-4. Debates are scheduled for Oct. 12 – Oct. 15 and will be moderated by “Arkansas Week” host Steve Barnes. Find how to watch and more information at arkansastv.gov/elections.

With election season on the mind, Arkansans are preparing themselves and their communities for civic duty. In the last presidential election, about 53% of Arkansans voted. So why don’t more people vote?  

For this week's “Arkansas Week” episode, host Steve Barnes speaks with representatives from two voter education sources: the Public Policy Center of UA Agriculture Division and Arkansas Civic Action Network. The discussion will explore the state’s upcoming ballot issues, as well as how the organizations are helping Arkansans to become informed and engaged voters.

FEATURED PANELISTS

Dr. Stacey McCullough; Director, Public Policy Center, UA Agriculture Division

Kristin Netterstrom Higgins; Program Associate, Public Policy Center, UA Agriculture Division

Dr. Gail Choate; Co-Founder/ Executive Director, Arkansas Civic Action Network

“One of the things that we’ve discovered in our research is that oftentimes, the reason people don’t vote is not because of apathy. It’s because they’re lacking the confidence to actually go to the poll.” - Dr. Gail Choate, Co-Founder/ Executive of Arkansas Civic Action Network

UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE VOTING PROCESS

Voting procedures and government processes can be daunting. For an inexperienced voter, executing the logistics of voting can be difficult. They may wonder how they register to vote, or how to access the polls.

VOTER EDUCATION

Even if someone has clarity on the voting process, they may be deterred because they don’t feel qualified to vote. Many Americans may struggle to find clear, reliable information on the issues, while feeling weighted by the responsibility to vote intentionally. Many voters may feel that voting uninformed is worse than not voting at all.  

“We have a responsibility to tell people what they’re voting for, and to do it in a way that’s clear and concise and that people can understand.” - Dr Gail Choate

CYNICISM TOWARDS GOVERNMENT

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2024 (reported via the United Health Foundation), 42.5% of Black Arkansans voted in the presidential election, compared to 57% of white Arkansans. Hispanic Arkansans had a voter turnout of 36.6% and Asians had 27.6%. Dr. Choate observes that lower voter turnout is seen in communities “if they haven’t seen the government be supportive of them or see them or hear them on a daily basis.” She emphasizes that for some, what might be read as apathy is distrust, and that those who are told their civic engagement is not desired will eventually be discouraged from participating altogether.  

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

All high school students in Arkansas must pass the Arkansas Civics Exam to graduate. This exam is identical to the civics portion of a naturalization test but does not test knowledge of civic engagement. When young people aren’t prepared to participate in civic life, they are less likely to influence their communities and feel represented within them.

ARKANSAS 2026 BALLOT INITIATIVES

Guests from the Public Policy Center UA Agriculture Division break down all four issues that will be featured on the 2026 Arkansas ballot. This week's guests offer comprehensive, accessible information on this year's election and how to vote, which can be found below.

ARKANSAS 2026 BALLOT INITIATIVES

1. Defining Who is Eligible to Vote in Arkansas

Proposes changing the existing wording in Article 3 of the Arkansas Constitution (about who can vote in Arkansas elections).

>> Add specific language that people who don’t meet the criteria, specifically noncitizens, cannot vote in local and state elections

The Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment

Proposes changing Article 2 of the Arkansas Constitution (regarding the right of citizens to keep and bear arms).

>> Emphasize that keeping and bearing arms are fundamental rights

>> Specify that this right includes the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components

>> (In addition to existing language for common defense) Specify that the right to bear arms applies to hunting, recreational purposes, and any other lawful purpose

3.Allowing the Legislature to Create Programs, Loans and Grants Using Public Money and to Create Economic Development Districts

Proposes to change the Arkansas Constitution to authorize the General Assembly to

>> Create economic development programs  

>> Pass legislation permitting cities, counties, or cooperative areas to establish economic development districts

Asks voters to approve transferring taxing authority of certain properties

*The amendment itself would not create a district or approve any particular project. Legislators would be responsible for passing laws determining how the programs and districts would operate.  

4. Issuing up to $500 Million in Water, Waste Disposal and Pollution Abatement Bonds

Proposes that voters approve the state issuing up to $500 million in general obligation bonds to pay for: water, waste disposal, water pollution control, abatement and prevention, drainage, irrigation, flood control and wetlands and aquatic resources projects.  

Bonds could also be used to refinance previous bond issues.  

For all the above issues, voting FOR means you are in favor of enacting the proposed changes, and voting AGAINST means you are not in favor.

For further, comprehensive information on the 2026 Arkansas Ballot, visit the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.  

LEARN MORE

TUNE IN

  • Tune in to ”Arkansas Week” Fridays at 6, and watch again on ATV-1 Saturdays, at 5 p.m., Sundays, at 9:30 a.m., and Mondays, at 6 p.m. Watch anytime on demand at our YouTube channel.
  • Watch “Election 2026: Arkansas TV Debates” scheduled for Oct. 12-15 live or on demand.

 

Tags