Your ballot initiative guide
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Arkansans will soon decide whether to add three amendments to the state's constitution and whether to approve one statewide bond issue.
Here's a rundown of each one.
🗳️ Issue 1 — Voting
State of play: If voters approve this ballot initiative, it would create "The Citizens Only Voting Amendment" to specify that only U.S. citizens can vote in elections in Arkansas.
- The ballot language says people who do not meet the qualifications of an elector under the Arkansas Constitution would not be permitted to vote in any state or local election.
Context: Noncitizens cannot vote in federal or state elections. Some cities in the U.S. have allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections. No local governments in Arkansas have proposed such a measure.
- Opponents say the change could make it easier for the state to require more restrictive proof of citizenship that not all qualified voters could meet, according to a guide produced by the Public Policy Center at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
🔫 Issue 2 — Guns
State of play: This amendment protects citizens' right to keep and bear arms for common defense, lawful hunting and recreational use and any other lawful purposes. It specifies that right "includes without limitation the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components."
- The amendment calls it a "natural, fundamental, and individual right that shall not be infringed."
Context: The right to bear arms is protected nationally by the Second Amendment and specifically in the Arkansas Constitution. The amendment would expand existing language.
- Supporters say the terminology clarifies what "arms" includes, while opponents worry the language of "without limitation" could contradict laws that restrict possession by people convicted of serious crimes or who are subject to domestic violence-related prohibitions, according to the Public Policy Center's guide.
💰 Issue 3 — Economic development
State of play: Passing this amendment would allow the General Assembly to create economic development districts within cities, counties or cooperative areas to promote economic development.
How it works: Legislators could pass laws to create programs, loans and grants using public money for:
- Development and diversification of the economy.
- Elimination and prevention of unemployment or underemployment.
- Development or expansion of transportation or commerce.
- Development or improvement of real estate that contributes to economic development.
What's inside: The amendment would also allow the districts to issue bonds to help pay for economic development projects like land, buildings and infrastructure for things like industrial facilities, corporate headquarters or sports complexes.
💧 Issue 4 — Water, waste and pollution
State of play: Approving this amendment would allow the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to issue up to $500 million in bonds to fund the development of waste disposal, water pollution control, flood control, wetlands and aquatic resources projects and more.
🗓️ What's next: Early voting starts Monday, and Election Day is Nov. 3.