Arkansas League of Women Voters files federal suit, calls changes to voter referendum process ‘Unconstitutional’

Arkansas suit challenges new referendum restrictions

The new rules include requirements that someone read the text of a ballot initiative and show photo identification before signing a petition.

Arkansas May Strengthen State's Constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms

Arkansas May Strengthen State’s Constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms The Arkansas legislature is making an improvement to the state constitution’s right to keep and bear arms language to the ballot for the next election. Here is the current Arkansas Constitution  Article 2, § 5: Right to Bear Arms The citizens of this State shall have the right to keep and bear arms, for their common defense. The current language is problematic because it…

Federal lawsuit challenges Arkansas' restrictions on citizen-led ballot initiatives

Canvassers collect petitions for proposed Arkansas ballot measures on July 3, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) The League of Women Voters of Arkansas filed a federal lawsuit Monday alleging that eight new laws governing direct democracy are unconstitutional. Direct democracy is the process by which Arkansans can propose new laws or constitutional amendments and put them to a statewide vote. According to the National Conference of State Le…

Federal lawsuit challenges Arkansas’ restrictions on citizen-led ballot initiatives

Canvassers collect petitions for proposed Arkansas ballot measures on July 3, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)The League of Women Voters of Arkansas filed a federal lawsuit Monday alleging that eight new laws governing direct democracy are unconstitutional. Direct democracy is the process by which Arkansans can propose new laws or constitutional amendments and put them to a statewide vote. According to the National Conference of State Leg…

Arkansas League of Women Voters files federal suit, calls changes to voter referendum process ‘Unconstitutional’

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A lawsuit filed in federal court calls the changes made to the Arkansas voter referendum process during the 95th General Assembly “Unconstitutional.” The suit by the Arkansas League of Women Voters was filed against Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester. According to the suit, the six bills signed into law by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders violate the Arkansas and federal constitution by restricting citizens’ rights. Atto…

Lawsuit challenges new restrictions on initiative process in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A federal judge was asked Monday to strike down several restrictions on the Arkansas initiative process in a lawsuit that accused the state of violating voters' constitutional rights.