Press Release: Arkansans Rally to Protect Direct Democracy Rights
Little Rock, AR – In a push to safeguard the legislative powers reserved for Arkansans, a new coalition named Protect AR Rights has emerged, aiming to strengthen citizens’ ability to propose and vote on ballot measures. Over the past decade, restrictive legislation has made it increasingly difficult for ordinary Arkansans to exercise these powers, which are constitutionally protected.
Arkansas citizens have historically utilized their ballot measure rights to instigate policy changes—such as raising the minimum wage and legalizing medicinal marijuana—often against the will of powerful interests. However, recent legislative sessions have seen the introduction of numerous bills that hinder this direct democracy process, complicating signature collection and imposing burdensome requirements on petitioners.
This spring, a coalition of organizations, including Arkansas Appleseed, the Arkansas NAACP, and others, have come together to fight back, striving to amend the state constitution to enshrine fundamental rights for Arkansans in the direct democracy process. The proposed amendment seeks to ensure that any changes affecting these rights meet a heightened legal standard, thus protecting them from arbitrary legislative changes.
"Our effort is critical to upholding the rights of every Arkansan to participate in their government," said Bobby Howard, Executive Director of Arkansas Appleseed. "Every valid signature should be counted, and citizens deserve to know if their signatures are not accepted, allowing them the chance to remedy any issues."
The coalition’s legal team, represented by the Arkansas ACLU and the Elias Firm, is currently challenging the constitutionality of many new anti-direct democracy laws and preparing to gather signatures for the amendment.
For more information and ways to get involved, visit www.ProtectARRights.org. Arkansans are urged to defend their rights and ensure that their voices are heard.
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