The difficulties faced by organizers and volunteers gathering signatures for an abortion rights ballot initiative in Arkansas were highlighted recently when a conservative group publicly released the names of nearly 80 paid canvassers. This act of doxxing led to increased harassment and intimidation of those involved in the petition drive, with some even receiving death threats.
Arkansans for Limited Government, the group leading the effort, has until July 5 to collect over 90,000 signatures to place the Arkansas Right to Abortion Initiative on the November ballot. The proposed measure would guarantee abortion rights up to 18 weeks of pregnancy, and in cases of rape, incest, and threat to the life of the pregnant person.
Despite facing significant opposition in one of the most anti-abortion states in the country, advocates remain determined to see the initiative through. Women canvassers like Destiny Sinclair and Mary Lowe have been targeted by protesters and have experienced harassment while collecting signatures in public spaces.
The release of the canvassers’ names is seen as an attempt to intimidate and discourage participation in the democratic process. Advocates are urging people to continue their involvement in the fight for abortion rights, despite the challenges and risks involved. As the battle over abortion rights shifts to the state level, those working on the ground continue to face hostility and aggression in their efforts to bring the issue to the forefront of the upcoming election.
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