2023 Arkansas Civic Health Index

A first-of-its-kind report was released December 4^th at the Clinton Presidential Center in partnership with the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, Central Arkansas Library System, and EngageAR.

A year in the making, Arkansas now has a benchmark that describes our civic health. The study shows mixed results. Some of the strengths are high rates of friendliness, neighborliness, group membership and charitable giving. Some of the weaknesses are the lowest levels of voter registration and voter turnout in the nation, and sizable structural challenges to revitalizing public engagement in the state.

The report’s findings and recommendations suggest a number of paths for addressing weakness and overcoming barriers to improve civic health for all of Arkansas.

The presentation and panel discussion can be viewed HERE. The 35-page report is available ONLINE, and recommends 10 specific action areas.

GOOD NEWS for LWV: the #1 recommendation is “Advocate for nonpartisan electoral reforms to make it easier to register to vote and to cast a ballot – especially among BIPOC Arkansans, students, elderly

and disabled Arkansans, immigrant Arkansans who speak English as a second language...or who lack adequate transportation.” This summary recommendation is followed by 10 specific voting process improvements that would make it easier to register and cast a ballot.

Keep informed about and volunteer for statewide civic action opportunities led by the Rockefeller Institute.

LWVPC Member Bio

Linda McAteer was born in Osaka, Japan, where her father was stationed in the Army. Her family returned to the U.S. when she was 6 weeks old, settling in southern Michigan. After high school and a brief time at college, Linda was a truck driver for a company providing lighting for rock concerts.

Following an apprenticeship program, Linda was head chef for 12 years at several ranches in Arizona, California, and Texas - where she and John, her husband of 30 years, first met.

Linda worked at Rutgers University in Adult Education and the Extension Service after relocating to New Jersey. Linda decided to continue her education, earning a Bachelor's in Communications, and a Masters in Elementary Education from St. Peter’s College.

Linda and John initially retired to Arizona, then to Hot Springs Village, then to Little Rock, to be closer to family. Linda has 4 stepchildren,10 grandchildren,10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She and John enjoy fly-fishing, walking along the Arkansas River, and participating in the surprising number of cultural activities available in Little Rock

Linda has been politically engaged for many years - volunteering for campaigns, serving as a poll worker, and registering voters. She joined the LWVPC in September and is already an integral part of the Communications Team. 

“Voter registration and education is very important to me, and working with the League gives me the tools to do both; I'm looking forward to helping the League reach more voters in 2024.”

News from League of Women Voters of the United States

LWVUS Calendar

Action Alerts

Interested in serving as a poll worker this year, or know someone who might be? LWV is partnering with Power the Polls to recruit thousands of needed poll workers. To learn more visit Power The Polls.