US EditionArkansas League of Women Voters files federal suit, calls changes to voter referendum process ‘Unconstitutional’
- On April 21, 2025, a federal lawsuit was filed by a voting rights organization in Arkansas contesting four recently enacted laws that limit the state's voter initiative procedures.
- The lawsuit responds to recent legislation sponsored by Senator Kim Hammer that added requirements such as reading ballot titles aloud and verifying photo IDs before signing petitions.
- Plaintiffs argue these laws impose severe burdens on petition circulation and violate protections under both Arkansas and U.S. Constitutions related to core political speech.
- Secretary of State Cole Jester defended the laws as "basic, common-sense protections," citing long-term issues with fraud and bad actors in the petition system.
- The case could determine the future of Arkansas's direct democracy by addressing whether these laws unlawfully restrict voters' constitutional rights to ballot measures.
14 Articles
14 Articles
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…
The Peterborough Examiner
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.
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