More than 600,000 Arkansas residents cast ballots before Election Day, setting a record for early voting in a midterm election, according to election officials. Voters continued going to polling places across the state Tuesday for the general election.
The early-voting total was reported as voters chose among congressional, legislative and local candidates and considered ballot measures. The statewide voting followed heavy participation before Election Day across Arkansas and northern Arkansas communities included in the regional coverage.
Polls close at 7:30 p.m.
Arkansas polling places are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. CT Tuesday. State law allows a registered voter who is in line when the polls close to cast a ballot.
- Arkansas polls close at 7:30 p.m. CT.
- More than 600,000 early ballots were cast before Election Day.
- Voters in line at closing time are permitted to vote.
Election Day turnout was reported as strong across the region after the record early-voting period. Some voters described short waits at polling places during the morning, while others said they considered voting a civic responsibility.
“I think it’s a civic duty thing ever since I turned 18. I think it’s the right thing to do to get out and vote for what you believe in. Inform yourself, because I truly do believe every vote counts.”
Holly Johnson, a Missouri voter, said she viewed voting as a civic duty. Casey May, another Missouri voter, said she completed the process in less than 10 minutes and encouraged people to make time to vote.
The early-ballot figure does not represent the final election turnout. Ballots cast on Election Day and eligible provisional ballots are part of the election process, while election officials continue the work required to determine official results.
