TIFS on Politics: Remembering to register is an important step in making your voice heard in upcoming elections

By Betsy Anderson - TIFS Political Writer

Voting is a vital part of civic engagement, and ensuring that you’re registered to vote is the first step in making your voice heard. For those in Arkansas and Oklahoma, the process is straightforward, but there are important steps and deadlines to keep in mind.

In Arkansas, registering to vote can be done in several ways. You can apply in person, by mail, or online through the state's voter registration portal. Registration applications are also available at the county clerk’s office, public libraries, and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. If you prefer to mail your application, it can be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website and sent to your local county clerk’s office.

The deadline to register in Arkansas is 30 days before any election. When registering by mail, make sure your application is postmarked by this deadline to ensure you're eligible to vote in the upcoming election.

Once registered, Arkansas voters are assigned to a specific polling location based on their home address. You’ll receive a voter registration card in the mail, which will include details about your polling location. It’s important to check that your registration details are correct before election day, especially if you’ve recently moved or changed your name.

Oklahoma Voter Registration

Oklahoma’s voter registration process is similar to Arkansas. You can apply to register by filling out a voter registration application form, which is available at your county election board office, post offices, and libraries. Oklahoma also allows registration by mail, and the form can be downloaded from the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website.

In Oklahoma, you must register to vote at least 25 days before an election. Applications sent by mail must be postmarked by this deadline. Once registered, you’ll receive a voter ID card with information about your polling place. You can also check your registration status and find your polling location online.

For both Arkansas and Oklahoma, once you're registered, it's important to keep your information up to date. Any changes to your name, address, or party affiliation require a new registration form.

Both states allow voters to update their registration details online or by submitting a new application.