Voter registration reminder from Secretary of State

Secretary of State Mark Martin reminded voters today to verify their voter registration before heading to the polls for the special election on highway bonds.

“Early voting began yesterday, Nov. 1, for the Nov. 8 special election,” Martin said. “It’s important that first-time voters check their registration status to make sure their applications were properly processed in time for them to vote.”

Voters can log on to the Secretary of State’s voter registration search site, www.voterview.org, to check their registration status, or can contact their local county clerk. VoterView, which is also available as a mobile site, lists voters’ status, address, political party and polling site.

“When people take the time to register to vote and then go to the polls, I don’t want a paperwork error to prevent them from voting,” Martin said. “That’s why I encourage all voters, especially new registrants and military registrants, to check their status before going to the polls or submitting an absentee ballot.”

This is especially important for people who completed registration at sites other than their county courthouse, Martin said. “Applicants who filled out a voter registration form at a public agency, such as their local revenue office, library or health department office, certainly should check their registration status,” he said. “We have emphasized assistance and training for these agencies, and they do a great job. However, they do so much work and handle so many papers that we want to make sure a registration isn’t lost in the shuffle. We appreciate their cooperation in giving Arkansans every opportunity to register to vote.”

The statewide special election Nov. 8 allows voters to decide whether the state should renew its current highway bond program. Early voting begins Tuesday, Nov. 1, and ends Monday, Nov. 7. Voters can contact their local county clerk to inquire about early voting locations. On Nov. 8, polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.