Arkansas ballot issues explained

The Public Policy Center at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture has released its 2026 Arkansas Ballot Issues guide. Below is a snapshot of the ballot issues before voters in the General Election based on their research. For more information, go to www.uaex.uada.edu/ballot.

Issue 1
“The Citizens Only Voting Amendment”

Issue 1 proposes changing the existing wording in Article 3 of the Arkansas Constitution about who can vote in Arkansas elections and adding specific language stating that noncitizens cannot vote in local and state elections.

Supporters
Supporters say the current wording is insufficient as it leaves room for other people to be added to the list of eligible voters. Changing the wording to mean that only citizens can vote closes the door to later additions.

Opponents
Opponents believe the Arkansas Constitution already restricts the right to vote to Arkansas citizens. The change in language could be the first step toward restrictive proof-of-citizenship legislation. It sends an anti-immigrant message and is a waste of time and taxpayer dollars.

A vote FOR means you are in favor of changing the Arkansas Constitution as specified.

A vote AGAINST means you are not in favor of changing the wording of Article 3.

Issue 2
A constitutional amendment to the Arkansas Constitution, Article 2, 5, to protect the right to keep and bear arms.

Issue 2 proposes changing Article 2 of the Arkansas Constitution. The proposed amendment specifies that this right includes the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components. The proposal extends the language of common defense to include the right to bear arms for hunting, recreational purposes and any other lawful purpose.

Supporters
Because the U.S. Constitution discusses the right to keep and bear arms, it does not include specific terminology for ammunition, components and accessories. This proposal clarifies, within the Arkansas Constitution, the right of these components to be retained. The specific language will remove ambiguity as renewed calls to disarm law-abiding citizens crop up.

Opponents
The state constitution already offers this protection and this language adds nothing of significance. Declaring the right “without limitation” could open the door to legal challenges that actually undermine responsible ownership. The proposal does nothing to help protect children and may make the job of first responders harder.

A vote FOR means you are in favor of changing the state constitution to specify that the meaning of “right to keep and bear arms” includes possessing ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components.

A vote AGAINST means you are not in favor of changing the language of the state constitution regarding the right to keep and bear arms.

Issue 3
A constitutional amendment concerning economic development in the state of Arkansas; and authorizing the General Assembly to provide for the creation of economic development districts within cities, counties, or cooperative areas to promote economic development within the economic development district.

Issue 3 proposes amending the Arkansas Constitution to authorize the General Assembly to create economic development programs and to enact legislation permitting cities, counties, or cooperative areas to establish economic development districts. It also asks voters to approve the transfer of taxing authority for certain properties. The amendment itself would not create a district or approve any particular project. Legislators would be responsible for passing laws that determine how the programs and districts operate.

Supporters
Depending on implementation, it could be used to encourage housing, retail, restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, childcare, business incubators, and other development desired by a community. It could also support public infrastructure. It would encourage healthy competition among neighboring cities and counties. Arkansas is the only state in our region not using similar tools, leaving it outcompeted. Gives local governments more control and tools to shape economic outcomes.

Opponents
The state should focus on businesses already in the state. Cities already have TIF, bonds, and the ability to fund private projects. The gap is not authority; it is political will. This puts the decision out of voters' reach and into the hands of unelected, appointed boards. This is asking voters to change the constitution before the rules are written. It would expand Arkansas’s welfare state by creating “corporate welfare districts.”

A vote FOR means you are in favor of changing the Arkansas Constitution regarding economic development, including allowing the legislature to create programs, loans or grants of public money and establish economic development districts to levy taxes, assessments and fees; allowing counties, municipalities, economic development districts, and other political subdivisions to issue bonds to finance economic development projects if approved by voters in that jurisdiction.
A vote AGAINST means you are not in favor of the above permissions.

Issue 4
Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities Financing Act of 2025

Issue 4 asks voters to approve the state issuing up to $500 million in general obligation bonds to pay for water, waste disposal, water pollution control, abatement and prevention, drainage, irrigation, flood control, and wetlands and aquatic resources projects. Bonds could also be used to refinance previous bond issues.

Supporters
This money is essential. Over the last four years, every single county has received at least one of these loans. It would be devastating if $500 million in water and sewer projects couldn’t be funded. The state can attract a better interest rate than communities can.

Opponents
Counties are already struggling to pay the bills. This will make it worse. The language is too broad and raises questions about who could benefit from taxpayer-backed bonds. Arkansas can not borrow its way into prosperity. The state has accumulated billions of dollars in reserves. Use that.

A vote FOR means you are in favor of allowing the state to issue bonds to finance the development of water, waste disposal and pollution abatement facilities in an amount not to exceed $500 million.

A vote AGAINST means you are not in favor of allowing the state to issue new water, waste disposal and pollution abatement bonds.