Arkansas voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to amend the state constitution to prohibit noncitizens from voting in state and local elections. Issue 1, titled the Citizens Only Voting Amendment, is one of four measures on this year’s general-election ballot.
The proposal was referred to voters through a 2025 resolution approved by the Arkansas General Assembly. The resolution was sponsored by state Rep. David Ray and state Sen. John Payton, Republicans who say the amendment would establish a clear constitutional restriction before any Arkansas local government could authorize noncitizens to vote in local contests.
Supporters describe measure as preventive
Ray and other supporters presented their case at a news conference at the state Capitol last month. They pointed to jurisdictions that allow noncitizens to vote in some local elections, including Washington, D.C. Federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, while the proposed amendment would address state and local elections in Arkansas.
“Americans should decide the future of America.” — Rep. David Ray
Ray said Arkansas’ existing constitutional language establishes a minimum standard rather than preventing local governments from expanding eligibility. He said the measure is intended primarily to ensure that cities and other local governments cannot create voting eligibility for noncitizens.
“Arkansas’ constitution protects the rights of all U.S. citizens to vote, but it doesn’t preclude a city or another local government from granting eligibility to noncitizens. That is primarily what Issue 1 aims to address.” — Rep. David Ray
Opponents cite current eligibility rules
The League of Women Voters of Arkansas opposes Issue 1. Executive Director Kristin Foster said the state constitution already requires voters to be U.S. citizens, Arkansas residents and at least 18 years old, with legal registration before they may cast a ballot in a state election.
“This is adding in unnecessary language to the constitution where protections already exist.” — Kristin Foster
The current constitutional provision says a person who is a U.S. citizen, an Arkansas resident, at least 18 and legally registered is eligible to vote in an Arkansas election. Supporters and opponents differ over whether that language also prevents local governments from allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections.
- Issue 1: The Citizens Only Voting Amendment.
- Proposed change: Prohibit noncitizens from voting in state or local elections held in Arkansas.
- Voter decision: The amendment will appear on the Nov. 3 general-election ballot.
Research cited in the debate indicates that noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare. The measure’s supporters describe it as a preventative constitutional change, while the League of Women Voters of Arkansas says the existing citizenship requirement makes the amendment unnecessary.
