Press Release: Coalition Faces Setback in Bid to Safeguard Arkansans’ Lawmaking Rights
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Protect AR Rights coalition, a group dedicated to preserving the right of Arkansans to legislate through ballot measures, encountered its first hurdle on Monday when Attorney General Tim Griffin rejected their proposed ballot title for the Arkansas Ballot Measure Rights Amendment.
In a joint statement issued that afternoon, the coalition expressed its understanding of the setback, noting that it’s common for ballot measures to require multiple drafts for approval. “This is simply the first step in a long process,” the statement read, affirming their commitment to defending the voting rights of Arkansans. The coalition is currently revising the amendment based on the AG’s feedback, stressing that the recently implemented requirement mandating ballot titles be written at an eighth-grade reading level poses a significant hurdle to voter access.
Griffin cited this law, Act 602 of 2025—championed by the Republican administration—as a primary reason for rejecting the amendment, claiming the submitted ballot title exceeded the allowed reading level. The coalition pointed out the irony, indicating that the law itself is written at a college level, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
The Protect AR Rights coalition argues that the increasing barriers to citizen-led initiatives have made it exceedingly difficult for voters to pass legislation. As seen in recent examples, including the 2024 Arkansas Abortion Amendment, many valid proposals have been denied under stringent procedural requirements.
“People power is under attack in Arkansas,” said a coalition spokesperson. “This rejection reinforces the urgency of our amendment, as we fight to restore the power to the people and challenge these daunting obstacles.” The coalition remains determined to navigate the complex legislative landscape in hopes of reviving the initiative process.
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