Federal Judge Strikes Down Parts of Arkansas Ballot Initiative Laws

A federal judge in Arkansas has struck down several state laws that imposed additional requirements on groups collecting signatures for citizen ballot initiatives. The decision removes rules that had required paid signature gatherers to register with the state and limited how long petitions could circulate. Other provisions governing the process remain in effect.

Background on the Laws The challenged statutes were enacted in recent years and applied to efforts by citizens to propose changes to state law or the state constitution through the ballot. Groups that organize such initiatives said the rules increased costs and reduced the time available to meet signature thresholds.

The order applies only to the specific provisions identified in the lawsuit and does not alter the overall requirement that initiatives must gather a set number of valid signatures. State election officials have not yet indicated whether they will appeal the decision.