With less than two weeks left to register to vote in the primaries, the University of Arkansas Staff Senate encourages everyone to check their voter registration status. Don't miss the opportunity to have your voice heard in the Preferential Primary Election, Nonpartisan General Election, and school district elections. The registration deadline is Feb. 5. How to sign up and other details like early voting and dates to remember can be found on Staff Senate's "Primer on Primaries and the General Election" webpage.

To help employees vote, the university permits flexible scheduling for those facing challenges such as long travel distances. Employees may report to work late or leave early to vote, receiving pay without any reduction in their sick leave, annual leave, or other benefits, according to Human Resources' Staff Handbook. Supervisors should be notified before Election Day if employees plan to use this privilege.

The Primer on Primaries webpage also has links to websites that list your polling place, sample ballot, and the names and district numbers of the various representatives who correspond to your home address. Staff Senate encourages everyone to participate in the democratic process by taking advantage of these resources. By providing nonpartisan voter information and support, the university community can work together to make informed decisions and engage with the political landscape.

The following are the critical dates for the Arkansas elections this winter and spring:

• Feb. 5 — Deadline to apply to register to vote in spring elections
• Feb. 20 to March 4 — Early voting for the Preferential Primary Election, Nonpartisan General Election and any March school elections. (Bring photo ID)
• March 5 — Preferential Primary Election, Nonpartisan General Election and any March school elections (Bring photo ID to your polling place)
• April 2 — Runoff primary elections, as needed

About Staff Senate: Created in 1976 by Board of Trustees Policy 810.1, Staff Senate and its elected senators have the responsibility of making recommendations to university leadership on any matter of staff concern, including quality of work life, the efficiency of operations, and staff service to the campus community. Staff Senate advocates in the areas of compensation, working conditions, health and wellness, fringe benefits, safety, parking, and other workplace issues. In addition, Senate works to celebrate, recognize, and give back to staff through programs such as Employees of the Quarter & Year, awards for Staff Team and Part-Time Employee of the Year, Staff Appreciation Week, the annual Staff Appreciation Picnic, Staff Senate Scholarships, and RazorGifts.

Monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month from 3-4:30 p.m. and are open to the public both in-person and virtually.  Meeting details, lists of sitting Senators, and additional information can be found at Staff Senate website.