The Arkansas Times uncovered evidence that documents may have been correctly submitted to the Secretary of State's office contrary to statements made by the office. Arkansans For Limited Government has been working since February to put an amendment on the ballot legalizing abortion in Arkansas up to the 18th week of pregnancy. The collected over 101 thousand signatures collected by a pro-choice group were thrown out. Arkansas For Limited Government attempted They submitted their boxes of signatures to the Secretary of State's office on July 5th.

Secretary of State John Thurston, threw out their signatures because he said the group “failed to comply” with Arkansas law. In a letter sent to one of the sponsors, Secretary Thurston said they violated A.C.A. 7-9-111 (f)(2). This law mandates two pieces of paperwork be turned in with signatures: a list of paid canvassers, and a signed statement by the sponsor proving the paid canvassers read the handbook.

New reporting shows pro-choice group may have submitted the correct paperwork

*Josie Lenora/Little Rock Public Radio*
Supporters of an effort to legalize abortion in Arkansas cheer as signatures are submitted at the Arkansas State Capitol on Friday, July 5, 2024.

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Supporters of an amendment that would legalize abortion in Arkansas submitted signatures to qualify for the November ballot on Friday afternoon (July 5), the last day to do so.

However, efforts to change the state’s education system, enshrine the Freedom of Information Act into the Constitution, and remove the sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products, also known as the “pink tax,” fell short of the required number of signatures.

Earlier in the day, signatures were submitted by groups supporting proposed constitutional amendments that would expand medical marijuana access in Arkansas and would revoke the Pope County casino license while allowing for local option voting for casinos.

Abortion amendment delivers signatures; FOIA, education, ‘pink’ tax fail