Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Art

Advisor/Mentor

Chioffi, David Charles

Committee Member

Slone, Ryan

Second Committee Member

Hammig, Bart

Third Committee Member

Brown, Mitch

Abstract

Voter education materials should serve as a bridge to civic participation, but can fall short due to complex language, inadequate access, or clarity issues. These issues have the potential to disproportionately discourage already impacted groups, such as rural voters, first-time voters, non-native English speakers, and voters with disabilities. Though voter suppression is commonly discussed in terms of restrictive law, there is a gap in research regarding how the lack of available and accessible voter information can contribute to disenfranchisement.

Arkansas, in particular, struggles with voter participation. Despite barriers like strict Photo ID laws, lack of translated materials, and tight absentee ballot requirements, there is a significant lack of official government information to guide these communities through the voting process and to help them navigate these obstacles.

This research applies user-centered design to improve voter education materials in Arkansas by directly addressing information barriers that discourage participation.

Keywords

User-center Design; Voting Education; Election Materials Design; Arkansas Voting Participation; Voting Barriers; Disenfranchisement; Informational Barriers

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