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. 29, 1,176 voters cast ballots in Jonesboro and 176 in Lake City. That made the day’s total 1,352.
Over the first ten days of early voting, 11,461 people have voted in Jonesboro and 1,563 have voted in Lake City, with the county’s data sheet recording the overall total at 13,024 votes.
| ADD US ON GOOGLE NEWS: Click here to see more local news from Jonesboro Right Now
The county currently has 59,515 registered voters for the 2026 cycle, an increase from the 57,954 registered voters during the 2022 midterms and the 57,965 in the 2024 presidential election.
Data provided by Horner indicates early voting turnout has maintained a consistent lead over the 2022 midterm election across the first ten days, with Thursday’s numbers nearly matching the 2022 turnout identically by one vote:
| Day | 2022 Votes | 2026 Votes | Difference (Votes / %) |
| First | 1,246 | 1,707 | +461 (+37.0%) |
| Second | 1,089 | 1,469 | +380 (+34.9%) |
| Third | 1,160 | 1,314 | +154 (+13.3%) |
| Fourth | 1,160 | 1,296 | +136 (+11.7%) |
| Fifth | 1,268 | 1,373 | +105 (+8.3%) |
| Sixth | 464 | 625 | +161 (+34.7%) |
| Seventh | 1,197 | 1,257 | +60 (+5.0%) |
| Eighth | 1,303 | 1,266 | -37 (-2.8%) |
| Ninth | 1,305 | 1,365 | +60 (+4.6%) |
| Tenth | 1,351 | 1,352 | +1 (+0.1%) |
| Total | 11,543 | 13,024 | +1,481 (+12.8%) |
While the 2026 turnout is significantly outpacing the last midterm election, it trails the most recent presidential election cycle, as is typical for midterm years. Over the identical ten-day window in 2024, 20,436 early votes were cast in Craighead County, meaning the current 13,024 total represents a 36.3% decrease—or 7,412 fewer votes—compared to the presidential turnout.
| ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: JRN’s Guide to the 2026 Craighead County Ballot
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
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.
| DAILY BRIEF: Sign up for the Jonesboro Right Now Daily Brief Newsletter
