More than 56,000 Arkansans cast early votes on first day

Secretary of State Cole Jester reported tens of thousands of voters cast ballots Monday in Arkansas. Officials tracked high participation across the state on the opening day of polling. The initial figure includes tallies from all except four counties.

The total count across those reporting counties for Monday, Oct. 19, reached 56,950 voters. Officials explained some county reports arrive later. Those numbers update after daily reporting.

Pulaski County recorded 10,301 ballots on the first day. Benton County recorded 9,448 voters during the same opening period. Saline County also saw high numbers.

Secretary of State spokesperson Samantha Boyd said 500,000 people are expected to participate before Election Day. Early polling sites run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend hours run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Early voting ends at 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. Election Day follows on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Election Day polls open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. People in line by closing time can vote.

Arkansas election offices manage polling locations and distribute official sample ballots to the public. State staff record voter check-ins and compile tally sheets from local county clerk operations.

Voting locations and sample ballots remain available through the state Voter View website. Polling sites continue regular operating schedules throughout Pulaski County and surrounding areas.