Arkansas Direct Democracy Restrictions (League of Women Voters)
League of Women Voters of Arkansas v. Jester
A pro-voting lawsuit challenging laws that make it harder to participate in Arkansas’ ballot initiative process.
Background
Two advocacy groups and voters are challenging several new laws that make it harder to engage in the state’s ballot initiative process. The Arkansas legislature passed restrictions that require anyone signing a petition to show photo ID; require petition circulators to say they intend to remain in the state as a resident; and mandate that voters to read the proposed ballot title aloud., The plaintiffs claim these laws — along with other restrictions — violate the Arkansas and U.S. constitutions, and ask the court to block enforcement.
Why It Matters
Ballot initiatives have played a key role in civic participation in Arkansas. Republicans have consistently sought to restrict the process. In the last four years, Arkansas voters have rejected two proposed constitutional amendments from the Arkansas legislature seeking to change the state’s ballot initiative process.
Latest Updates
- April 21, 2025: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.