The Importance of Younger Votes in Arkansas Elections

By Emalee Powell

Arkansas is ranked 50th (out of 50 states) for voter turnout in the United States. On average, only 48.4% of Arkansans vote; that is, under half of the state’s population votes for its state representatives.

66% of those 65 and older actively vote while only 38% of those 18-25 vote. Arkansas’s voting population is significantly skewed toward older demographics. As Arkansas’ population continues to grow older, the representation grows further and further from the current generation.

An anonymous Yik Yak poll at the University of Arkansas further confirmed this worrying trend. 29% of students said they did not think that they would vote.

Dr. Karen D. Sebold, a professor of political science at the U of A, said that this issue has always been a problem.

“The youth vote has historically been low, and this age group is typically the one with the lowest turnout.”

Why is the youth vote so low, both historically and geographically?

Sebold suggested that registering to vote is difficult and is only becoming more so with added rules for absentee and mail-in voting.

Not only is this age group new to the process, facing intimidating procedures and responsibilities, but most are located outside of their hometown due to university or employment. This distance creates barriers to registration and scheduling, making it hard for the younger generation to vote.

Voters must both request and meet the standards for an absentee ballot application from their county of registration. If the application is approved, it must be filled out and returned to the same county clerk’s office. Then, the approved applicant may vote and submit their ballot by election day. Arkansas allows ballots to be delivered in person, through mail, by a designated barrier or by an authorized agent.

Arkansas forbids online voter registration and does not offer any online services for the official submission of a voting ballot.

For college students, the various requirements to simply cast their vote block them from ever doing so. Their voice never reaches the officials that govern them.

Organizations, professionals and volunteers are fighting to make voting easier for the younger generations. The U of A is officially recognized as a Voter Friendly Campus, meaning that the university encourages its students to vote. Before election season, students have access to various registration aids. Additionally, websites such as Ballotpedia offer an up-to-date example ballot with resources to investigate the different candidates.

Siena Olive is the director of volunteer engagement for Voter Outreach, Involvement, Civic Education, a non-partisan civic engagement organization. She encourages everyone to use the available resources. Anyone with questions can email her at voiceve@uark.edu or stop by the Center for Community Engagement office in the Arkansas Union.

“I encourage all students on campus to make a plan to vote and to learn about the issues and candidates on their ballot.” Olive Said. “If you have questions about the voting process, VOICE is here to help.”

Olive highlighted the resources that can and should be used, as well as the numerous events VOICE hosts throughout the election season to help students find their voice.

“VOICE is also hosting Party at the Polls, where students can meet at the fountain in the Union Mall and walk to the Alumni House together to vote.”

The events will take place Oct. 21 from 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m., Oct. 22 from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., and Oct. 23 from 12:45–2:15 p.m.

The help that students need to vote is there; it just needs to be used.

But why should students use them?

Arkansas ranks near the bottom of the national happiness rankings, beating only Louisiana and West Virginia. Low scores in the categories of emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment earned Arkansas 48th place.

Sebold shared that the vote has historically become a voice for the youth to cause change when their current state does not represent their beliefs.

“At times, [the youth vote percentage] has spiked, usually during periods of major strife for young voters, such as the Vietnam War,” Sebold said. “In fact, Vietnam spurred the call to lower the voting age from 21 to 18.”

Yet the same small group of people continues making most of the decisions for Arkansas. If the youth want change, they need to vote.

“It is cliché to say ‘it is important to vote’ or ‘your vote is your voice,’ but these statements are absolutely correct,” Sebold said. “Voting is one of the most important acts a citizen can take in a democracy. Young voters have to recognize this to find the motivation and time to register and vote.”

Muskan Taori is a student at the U of A and another member of VOICE who encourages U of A students to vote.

“Elections, especially local ones, influence so much of your daily life as well as the lives of those around you, shaping major policies and decisions.”

It is essential that the youth, whose voter turnout is currently the lowest nationwide, make their voices heard.

“Voting, if you are eligible, is one of the simplest and most direct ways that you can get involved in democracy and make your voice heard!” Taori said.

Taori encouraged every student to cast a ballot this fall. She emphasized the importance of November’s election, which includes five of Arkansas’ members of Congress, the Governor, state representatives and senators, and various municipal positions.

“Voter turnout in non-presidential years is already suppressed, so casting a ballot this fall will have an even larger impact!” Taori said.

Sebold offered one final token of wisdom for the students at U of A as an expert in the field of political science.

“Regardless of the election, from local governance to the president, voting matters,” she said. “The majority vote decides what type of government and public policies we will have.” To make a change, to add their voice, to represent the youth, younger voters need to step up.

“We have a direct hand in making this determination,” Sebold said.