Voter Education Series – Introduction

Over the next several months, we’ll be rolling out a new voter education series designed to help Arkansans clearly understand the issues, proposals, and ballot measures shaping the 2026 election cycle. Our goal isn’t to tell you what to think — it’s to give you the tools, context, and clarity you need to make informed decisions when you step into the voting booth.

We’ll break down statewide initiatives, constitutional amendments, and other key topics in a simple, accessible way. No noise. No spin. Just straightforward explanations that help you see what each measure does, why it matters, and how it could affect everyday life here in Arkansas.

Details on the full schedule and format are coming soon, but the mission is already set: empower voters with reliable information so they can make confident choices.

More updates are on the way. Stay tuned — your vote deserves clarity.

Statewide Initiatives

Right now there are 4 statewide Arkansas measures actually on the 2026 ballot.
Several more citizen initiatives are in play but not yet qualified.

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Measures already certified for the November 3, 2026 statewide ballot

These four are locked in unless the legislature or courts change something later. (Ballotpedia)

1. Citizenship Requirement for Voting Amendment
   • Type: Legislatively Referred Constitutional Amendment (LRCA)
   • Core idea: Adds language so that only U.S. citizens may vote in state or local elections.
2. Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment
   • Type: LRCA
   • Core idea: Rewrites the state constitutional section on firearms to say the right to keep and bear arms is a “natural, fundamental, and individual right that shall not be infringed.”
3. Creation of Economic Development Districts Amendment
   • Type: LRCA
   • Core idea: Lets the legislature create Economic Development Districts and other programs, and make loans or grants of public money to promote economic development across the state.
4. Arkansas Natural Resources Commission Bond Measure
   • Type: Legislatively Referred State Statute (bond issue)
   • Core idea: Authorizes up to $500 million in general-obligation bonds for water-related infrastructure: drinking water systems, wastewater and stormwater, drainage, irrigation, flood control, wetlands and aquatic resources, etc.

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Citizen initiatives that are currently “potential” 2026 measures (not yet on the ballot)

These have been filed and listed by trackers like Ballotpedia, but they still have to gather enough valid signatures by July 3, 2026 to actually appear on the ballot. (Ballotpedia)

• Initiative and Referendum Process Amendment
  Would lock the statewide initiative and referendum process into the constitution, bar the legislature from altering voter-approved amendments, and require challenges to be handled within a defined period.
• Right to Government Transparency Initiative
  Would create a constitutional right to government transparency and require voter approval for laws that affect that transparency.
• Establish Educational Standards for Schools Receiving Public Funding Initiative
  Would require any school receiving public funds (public or private) to meet the same accreditation and assessment standards.
• Create a Fundamental Right to Initiative and Referendum Amendment
  Another direct-democracy measure revising Article 5, Section 1 of the Arkansas Constitution and strengthening citizens’ power to initiate and repeal laws.
• Environmental Preservation Amendment
  Would establish a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment and empower the legislature to pass laws to preserve it.
• Exempt Feminine Hygiene Products and Diapers from Sales Tax Initiative
  Would exempt menstrual products and diapers (children and adults) from state sales and use tax.

Again: none of these are guaranteed to be on the 2026 ballot yet. They must clear signature and legal hurdles first.

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Where to track updates

Because we’re still a ways out from November 2026, this list can change. For the most current status, these are your two best “one-stop” trackers:

• Ballotpedia – “Arkansas 2026 ballot measures” (shows certified + potential citizen initiatives). (Ballotpedia)
• UAEX Public Policy Center – “Arkansas State Ballot Issues” (nonpartisan state Extension overview, with links to the official citizen-proposal list from the AG and the full text of legislative amendments and the bond issue). (Arkansas Extension Service)