Early Voting Starts Monday in Sebastian and Crawford Counties — Here's Where to Go
October 16, 2026 · Fort Smith Community Hub
Official early-voting information graphic from the City of Fort Smith.
Hey Fort Smith! Election Day is coming up, but here's something worth knowing before Monday rolls around: you don't have to wait until November 3 to vote.
Early voting officially begins Monday, October 19, across Arkansas, including Sebastian and Crawford counties. Whether you're in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, or somewhere nearby, there are several opportunities to get your ballot in ahead of Election Day.
And with some pretty important local decisions on the ballot this year, it's worth taking a few minutes to figure out where you're going and what's being decided.
Where to Vote Early in Fort Smith
The City of Fort Smith has confirmed five early-voting locations for eligible Fort Smith voters.
1. Sebastian County Courthouse — Room G8
35 South 6th Street, Fort Smith
2. Elm Grove Community Center at MLK Park
1901 North Greenwood Avenue, Fort Smith
3. Creekmore Community Center
3301 South M Street, Fort Smith
4. Ben Geren Park Tornado Shelter
7200 Zero Street, Fort Smith
5. Rye Hill Baptist Church
11512 Old Highway 71, Fort Smith
All five locations will be open Monday through Friday, October 19–23 and October 26–30, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday voting is available too, but not at every location on both Saturdays.
On Saturday, October 24, the courthouse, Creekmore Community Center, and Rye Hill Baptist Church will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Saturday, October 31, the courthouse, Elm Grove Community Center, and Ben Geren Park Tornado Shelter will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All five locations will also be open on the final early-voting day, Monday, November 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What About Van Buren and Alma?
Crawford County residents have two early-voting locations, according to the October 16 regional election guide published by Talk Business & Politics.
Alma Community Center
Alma, Arkansas
Crawford County Emergency Operations Center
Van Buren, Arkansas
Both locations are scheduled to be open October 19–23 and October 26–30, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
They'll also be open on October 24 and October 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and November 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Before leaving, Crawford County voters should verify the exact street address and their eligibility to vote at the location through county election officials or the Arkansas voter lookup system.
Why This Election Is Getting Attention in Fort Smith
There are the usual state and federal races, but Fort Smith voters also have some decisions closer to home.
Seven candidates are running for mayor, and two at-large positions on the Fort Smith Board of Directors are contested.
There's also a proposed change to how Fort Smith's city government operates.
Voters will decide whether the city should move away from its current city-administrator form of government and adopt a mayor-council structure.
That isn't just a change in job titles. The two systems assign executive and administrative responsibilities differently, which can affect how city leadership makes decisions and how residents hold officials accountable.
Residents who want to compare the two forms of government can visit VoteFortSmith.com for information about the proposal.
Whatever your opinion on the change, it's worth understanding the question before walking into the voting booth.
A Few Things to Do Before You Go
First, make sure your voter registration information is correct. You can check your registration and look up your voting information through the state's online system.
Second, take a look at your sample ballot. Knowing what's on it ahead of time can make the process quicker, especially with several races and statewide ballot questions this year.
And don't forget your identification. Arkansas requires qualifying photo identification for in-person voting. If you don't have the required identification, election officials have a provisional-ballot process, but additional steps and deadlines apply.
You can check your information at Arkansas Voter View.
What Happens After Early Voting?
Early voting ends Monday, November 2.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls scheduled to be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
If you're voting on Election Day rather than early, check your assigned polling location before heading out. Don't assume it's the same building where you voted early or in a previous election.
One Last Thing, River Valley
We all have busy schedules. Between work, school, family, and everything else going on, it's easy to keep putting voting off until the last minute.
That's what makes early voting convenient. You've got multiple days, several locations, and even some Saturday options to work around your schedule.
So whether you've already made up your mind or you're still reading up on the candidates and ballot questions, take a little time this weekend to get familiar with what's coming.
Know your ballot, find your location, and make a plan that works for you.
And if you've got family or neighbors who aren't sure where to go, send them this guide. Sometimes a little local information saves somebody a whole lot of running around.
City of Fort Smith — Official Early Voting Announcement
Talk Business & Politics — Regional Early Voting Guide
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