Arkansas Public Policy Center

@uaexppc.bsky.social

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Housed at the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in Little Rock, the Public Policy Center is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. We provide Arkansans with research-based information about public policy issues.

Several men unload voter petitions for an Arkansas ballot issue off a truck and into the Capitol on Friday. In the forefront, a squatting man is holding two boxes he just took from the hands of another man.
White woman in blue shirt holding an award. Last year, legislators passed several new laws regulating what Arkansans had to say and do when collecting voter signatures for statewide ballot measures. Seeing a need for training and educational materials for volunteer canvassers, Kristin Higgins with the Public Policy Center joined with Dr. Gail Choate of Arkansas Civic Action Network to put together the Arkansas Volunteer Canvasser Guide and a series of training sessions. The National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) recognized Kristin and the Arkansas Volunteer Canvassing Guide and Training as its 2026 National Winner for Educational Materials at an awards dinner in Wichita last week. Download the guide at https://uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/voter-education/docs/Arkansas-Volunteer-Canvassing-Guide-2026.pdf
Packages of homemade bread sit on a table at a farmer's market.
The question "Who represents you at the capitol?" is displayed in a red box framed by a green outline. The question overlays the steps inside the Arkansas Capitol. A skylight appears at the top.
Arkansas capitol stairways with a green and red box graphic saying "fiscal session starts Wednesday April 8."
March 31 Election Day. Runoff Elections. Arkansas voters still have a Secretary of State election to decide and many local races ended without a winner. Early voting starts March 24 for the March 31 runoff election. Check out our voter resources uaex.uada.edu/ballot. UA Public Policy Center logo.
Woman in a jean shirt and green vest with a vote sticker on it. Polls open til 7:30 p.m. Pubic Policy Center logo and website, uaex.uada.edu/ballot
An older white man and woman are unpacking moving boxes. A green box says "Moved? You can update your voter registration on Election Day" University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture logo and Public Policy Center logo. Check out our voter resources at https://uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/voter-education/resources.aspx
Primary Election FYI - Voting in the Republican Primary? New this year: Only voters who are registered as Republican or are marked Optional (the default status in Arkansas) can ask for a Republican Party ballot in the March 3 Primary Election. Check out our voter resources at uaex.uada.edu/ballot. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture logo and Public Policy Center logo.
Woman looks down at an "I voted" sticker in her hand
Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester's notice of appeal in CIVIL ACTION NO. 5:25-CV-5087. Plaintiffs are League of Women Voters of Arkansas and intervenors are Protect AR Rights, et al. Cole Jester, in his official capacity as Secretary of State of Arkansas, appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit from the Memorandum Opinion and Order entered on November 19, 2025, ECF No. 50. See 28 U.S.C. 1292(a)(1) (providing that courts of appeals shall have jurisdiction of appeals from interlocutory orders of district courts granting injunctions).
Arkansas cities with special elections on May 13 include Berryville, Booneville, Bryant, Cherry Valley, Dardanelle, El Dorado, Fort Smith, Hamburg, Horseshoe Bend, Manila, Marion, Parkin and Russellville.
The word "official" is stamped above five lines of text describing that SJR15 will be on Arkansas' 2026 statewide ballot. SJR15 would authorize the General Assembly to provide for the creation of Economic Development Districts within cities, counties, or cooperative areas.
The word "official" is stamped above three lines of text that say 2026 Ballot, HJR1018, The Citizens Only Voting Amendment
A sewer manhole with "Special Elections" "May 13, 2025 Arkansas" written on top of it.
Hundreds of 4-H members dressed in green shirts crowd into the Arkansas Capitol rotunda for a special program with elected officials.
Flyer advertising March 4 civic education event in Little Rock. Session 5 in Arkansans in Action: The Legislature - Direct Democracy - Micro Effects for Maximum Impact. Tuesday night at the UALR Downtown classroom, 333 President Clinton Ave. from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Dr. Gail Choate will be facilitating, Kristin Higgins from the Public Policy Center will cover the facts of Direct Democracy after which we will hear from a panel of direct democracy leaders.
Arkansas senators sit at tables in a committee meeting
A handout with tips for Civic Arkansas activities for February. A cup of coffee appears at the top followed by these Civic Spaces tips: - Grab a meal or a cup of coffee at a local restaurant. These are often used as meeting spaces for businesses, colleagues, club gatherings, students, and friends. - Attend a local sports event. Observe who you see, what you overhear, where the crowds are gravitating to, etc. - Take a walk in a local park or along a commercial street. Walking allows you to notice details you might miss while driving and gives you the chance to slow down. It’s an excellent way to observe the people enjoying the park or business district and to explore the amenities and services the area offers. - Take a ride on your local public transit to gain awareness of the people and activities often overlooked by those who primarily rely on cars. Use this opportunity to observe your surroundings and engage in conversations with individuals you might not otherwise encounter or take the time to talk to.
LeadAR Class 19 members standing next to a city sign in Porto, Portugal
Flier advertising Arkansas internship opportunity for college juniors and seniors interested in water and soil conservation, food safety, nutrition & health, and community and economic development.
Photo of a LeadAR alumni and a quote: "I am a scientist. I never envisioned learning about the intricacies of policy making. LeadAR has definitely given me a new perspective that I can impact local policy."
Flyer for first session to learn about the Arkansas legislature. Event is in Little Rock on Jan. 7. Reserve your spot at https://forms.gle/tYU6ELLU1yRdMrgh7
Greetings from Arkansas postage stamp as decoration for a graphic inviting people to apply for LeadAR Class 21.
Collage of photos taken at the Arkansas Capitol showing 2024 citizen initiative sponsors carrying boxes of petitions, holding sings, and signing paperwork.