Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – More people in Craighead County are casting their ballots as early voting for the 2026 general election continues.
According to elections coordinator Angela Horner, on Thursday, Oct. 22, a total of 1,109 voters cast ballots in Jonesboro at the Election Annex, and 187 voters cast ballots in Lake City at the Eastern Annex. This brought the county’s fourth-day total to 1,296.
As of Oct. 22, 5,786 people in Craighead County have voted this election. In Jonesboro, 5,103 cast their vote, while 683 cast their vote in Lake City.
Data given by Horner shows early voting so far shows a significant increase in turnout across the first four days when compared to the 2022 midterm election:
- First Day: 2026 saw 1,707 votes cast compared to 1,246 in 2022, marking an increase of 461 votes (37.0%).
- Second Day: Turnout remained higher in 2026 with 1,469 votes versus 1,089 in 2022, an increase of 380 votes (34.9%).
- Third Day: 2026 maintained the lead with 1,314 votes compared to 1,160 in 2022, an increase of 154 votes (13.3%).
- Fourth Day: The 2026 total of 1,296 votes represents an increase of 136 votes (11.7%) compared to the 1,160 votes in 2022.
The total number of early votes cast over the first four days of 2026 is 5,786. This represents a 24.3% increase—or 1,131 more votes—over the 4,655 total votes cast during the identical four-day window in the 2022 midterms.
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Early voting for the 2026 general election officially kicked off on Oct. 19, and will run through Monday, Nov. 2. Election Day follows on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
If you are planning to head to the polls during the early voting period, voters can cast their ballot during the following hours:
- Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 2: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (early closure)
The following locations will be open for early voting:
- Craighead County Election Annex: 315 W. Jefferson Ave., Jonesboro
- Lake City Courthouse/Eastern Annex: 113 Cobean Blvd., Lake City
| ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: JRN’s Guide to the 2026 Craighead County Ballot
Arkansas law requires voters to present valid photo identification when casting a ballot. To review the accepted forms of government-issued ID and read the state’s official voter education materials, you can visit the Arkansas Secretary of State Elections Division.
If you need direct assistance with absentee ballots or registration issues, you can contact the Craighead County Clerk’s office directly at 870-933-4520.
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