Arkansas Explained: How to propose a ballot measure
Direct democracy advocates are concerned about voters’ ability to change Arkansas’ constitution after the state’s Supreme Court ruled that lawmakers can amend citizen-led initiatives with a two-thirds vote.
The decision is the latest hurdle for supporters of the state’s initiative and referendum process as lawmakers have approved several bills in recent years imposing new limits on how petitions can be circulated.
A federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of some of those laws in November for groups that challenged the constitutionality of the statutes in a lawsuit.
Proponents of the laws say they’re needed to preserve the integrity of the state’s direct democracy process and prevent fraud. Critics argue the laws will severely limit Arkansans’ ability to propose laws and present them to voters for a statewide vote.
https://arkansasadvocate.com/2026/01/30/arkansas-explained-how-to-propose-a-ballot-measure/