Election Year Reminders: Register to Vote and Review Political Activity, Free Speech Policies

With Election Day less than three months away, it’s a good time for the campus community to consider how it can participate in the political process. 

REGISTER TO VOTE

If you wish to vote in Arkansas this November, you must be registered at least 30 days in advance of election day. 

In Arkansas, you can register in person or by mail (but NOT online).  

• The in-person registration deadline for this year is Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. 
• If you’re registering by mail, the paperwork must be postmarked by Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.

But why wait until the last minute? Register as soon as you can.  

You can register in person at county clerk’s offices, state revenue offices, public libraries, voter registration drives, military recruitment offices and at the Arkansas National Guard. Here’s an overview of registration requirements and details.

Visit the Arkansas Secretary of State’s site for more information about registering to vote in Arkansas and/or to confirm your voter registration status. 

For students, if you wish to register to vote outside of Arkansas, more information regarding voter registration in each state can be found here.

ENGAGING IN POLITICAL ACTIVITY

The U of A respects the right of all employees to engage in political activity. However, employees may not involve the institution’s name, symbols, property or supplies in political activities. 

For example, U of A employees cannot use their titles, emails, letterhead, logos or any university-related communications to participate in political activity. It is also not permissible to engage in political activities during work hours or with U of A-issued equipment, technology and devices at any time. This includes not just candidate campaigns but circulation of initiative/referendum petitions and signature gathering.

Employees may not display political banners, posters or literature in university offices or place political bumper stickers or decals on university vehicles. Also, employees may not request or collect political contributions during working hours.

It is also advised that U of A employees refrain from wearing attire that would identify them as employed by the university when attending political events and should not represent their opinions as being those of the U of A.

Applicable policies can be found at:

• Board Policy 465.1 Political Activity
• Board Policy 100.7 Use of University Name and Trademarks
• UASP 465.1 Relations with Legislators and Members of Congress
• Human Resources Employee Handbook – 9.6 Political Activities
• Faculty Handbook – 3.10 Political Activity
• Faculty Handbook – 3.11 Relations With Legislators and Members of Congress

See also Ark. Code 7-1-103. 

The Fayetteville Policies and Procedures online resource includes all campus and academic policies as well as links to U of A System policies and Board of Trustees policies.

ENGAGING IN EXPRESSIVE SPEECH ON CAMPUS 

The university respects the right of members of the campus community to engage in peaceful expressive activity on campus, such as giving speeches, holding signs and circulating petitions, consistent with applicable university policies such as the policy regarding the Use of University Facilities and Outdoor Space. 

For information regarding the university’s long-term commitment to principles of free speech, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, please visit freespeech.uark.edu.