Arkansas AG rejects proposed ballot measure to amend state’s direct democracy process

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Arkansas’ attorney general on Tuesday rejected a proposed ballot measure that aims to amend the state’s initiative and referendum process.

Attorney General Tim Griffin cited ambiguities as his reason for rejecting the proposed ballot title and language, which Little Rock attorney David Couch submitted on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Arkansas on March 11.

State law requires the attorney general to approve or reject a proposed ballot measure along with its ballot title and popular name within 10 business days of receiving the original draft. Tuesday was the deadline for Griffin to do so.

Arkansas AG rejects proposed ballot measure to amend state’s direct democracy process

Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate

Petitioners gather signatures for a ballot initiative to expand abortion access in Arkansas during the Voices and Votes rally on Jan. 28, 2024 in Fayetteville.

League of Women Voters seek to ‘reform’ ballot initiative process

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The League of Women Voters of Arkansas (LWV) has submitted a proposed constitutional amendment it says is designed to counter recent legislative efforts that “weaken and dismantle” the ability of citizens to place amendments on the ballot.

According to a LWV press release issued Tuesday (March 11), the amendment and ballot title presented to Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin “aims to reform the state’s ballot initiative process and address concerns over transparency and accessibility.”

The LWV action follows attempts by the Arkansas Legislature to add more requirements to citizen initiatives. One of those was SB 211, filed by Rep. Kendon Underwood, R-Cave Springs, which requires a signature canvasser to file an affidavit with the Arkansas Secretary or State “certifying that the canvasser has complied with the Arkansas Constitution and all Arkansas law regarding canvassing, perjury, forgery, and fraudulent practices in the procurement of petition signatures during the current election cycle.”

League of Women Voters seek to ‘reform’ ballot initiative process

Four Arkansas laws regulating voting will stay in place

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

The Supreme Court of Arkansas on Thursday overturned a lower court ruling in a lawsuit challenging four new voting laws.

The League of Women Voters of Arkansas and Arkansas United brought a lawsuit against the four laws passed in 2021. Among many things, the laws make it slightly harder to vote absentee or without a state photo ID.

On March 24, 2022, a lower court granted a permanent injunction against the laws, meaning they were halted from being enforced. On Thursday, the Arkansas Supreme Court reversed that decision.

The majority opinion was written by Associate Justice Cody Hiland, a former federal prosecutor who was recently appointed to the high court by Gov. Sarah Sanders after leading the Republican Party of Arkansas.

Four Arkansas laws regulating voting will stay in place

Courts.Arkansas.Gov

Writing for the majority, Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Cody Hiland said four voting laws do not violate the state Constitution.

League of Women Voters Files Suit Against New Election Laws

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

The League of Women Voters and the immigrant advocacy group Arkansas United have filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Pulaski County challenging new voting laws passed by the Arkansas Legislature that the plaintiffs say will make it harder to vote, particularly for minorities.

The press release refers to new laws it says will require election officials to match absentee voters’ signatures to their original voter registration application; remove the option for voters without an identification to instead present a sworn statement in order to have their ballots counted; move up the deadline to drop off absentee ballots to the Friday before Election Day while still allowing absentee ballots to arrive by mail on Election Day; and prohibit anyone except voters from entering and remaining within 100 feet of a polling place.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/05/league-of-women-voters-files-suit-against-new-election-laws/

League Of Women Voters Files Lawsuit Over Arkansas Absentee Ballot Process

A lawsuit was filed Tuesday by the League of Women Voters of Arkansas to alter the process for accounting for absentee ballots this fall. The lawsuit claims the state's requirements for accepting absentee ballots is unconstitutional, and seeks a court-ordered change before the Nov. 3 general election.

The lawsuit – League of Women Voter of Arkansas v. Thurston – was filed in federal court against Secretary of State John Thurston and several members of the State Board of Election Commissioners.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/league-women-voters-files-lawsuit-over-arkansas-absentee-ballot-process

League Of Women Voters Files Lawsuit Over Arkansas Absentee Ballot Process

A lawsuit was filed Tuesday by the League of Women Voters of Arkansas to alter the process for accounting for absentee ballots this fall. The lawsuit claims the state's requirements for accepting absentee ballots is unconstitutional, and seeks a court-ordered change before the Nov. 3 general election.