Bill > HB1037

This bill amends Arkansas voting laws to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote, with important restrictions. Specifically, the bill modifies the state constitution to permit individuals who are 16 or 17 years old to register to vote, but explicitly prohibits them from actually voting until they turn 18. When 16 and 17-year-olds register, they will be added to voter registration lists with a special designation indicating they are not yet eligible to vote. The voter registration application form will now ask if the applicant is 16 years of age or older, instead of the previous language about being 18 by election day. The bill also requires county registrars and the Secretary of State to track and report the number of pre-registered 16 and 17-year-old voters separately from fully eligible voters. Other existing voter registration requirements remain in place, such as being a U.S. citizen, not having been convicted of a felony (unless sentence is completed or pardoned), and not being adjudged mentally incompetent by a court.

Government Affairs

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1037&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R