Arkansas coalition submits proposed ballot initiative to overturn legislative changes to referendum law
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A coalition of Arkansas community organizations announced Monday from the state capitol an effort to halt changes to the state's referendum process.
A spokesperson said the group was submitting a ballot initiative to overturn legislation passed in the most recent session to increase restrictions on the referendum process. The spokesperson continued that if the initiative passes, it will make direct democracy an amendment to the state constitution.
Arkansas League of Women Voters files federal suit, calls changes to voter referendum process 'Unconstitutional'
The spokesperson said the law passed during the 95th General Assembly makes it nearly impossible for 'regular people' to have a say in issues. In contrast, legislators said election integrity was at stake.
One issue is a law passed requiring ballot initiatives to be at an eighth-grade reading level or lower. The attorney general's office recently rejected a similar ballot submission by the Arkansas League of Women Voters because it was above the reading level requirement.
Lawmakers seek to rein in citizen ballot initiatives with new requirements for petitions
Other changes made during the recent session increase the requirements for signature gathering and canvasser requirements.
The Protect AR Rigths coalition includes Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families, Arkansas Appleseed Legal Justice Center, Arkansas Citizens First Congress, Arkansas Public Policy Panel, For AR People, The Arkansas Education Association and NAACP Arkansas State Conference.
Recent successful ballot initiatives in Arkansas were those allowing lottery proceeds to be used for vocational school scholarships and an amendment repealing the Pope County casino license. In the past, a 2018 initiative increased the state's minimum wage, and a 2016 initiative established an Arkansas medical marijuana program.
ACLU representing two groups hoping to join Arkansas ballot bill lawsuit
Other ballot initiatives to increase access to marijuana failed in 2022 and 2024.
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