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SJR 12

AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION REQUIRING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ESTABLISH BY LAW A REVISED ELECTION PROCESS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clarke Tucker

SJR 12 aimed to simplify Arkansas elections by allowing all party candidates on a single primary ballot, enhancing voter choice and streamlining the process.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SJR 12

Summary of SJR 12: Amendment to the Arkansas Constitution on Election Process

Bill Number: SJR 12
Title: An Amendment to the Arkansas Constitution Requiring the General Assembly to Establish by Law a Revised Election Process
Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 06, 2025
Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

SJR 12 aimed to amend the Arkansas Constitution to mandate the General Assembly to create a revised election process. The intent was to streamline elections by allowing candidates from all political parties to appear on a single ballot during primary elections, special primary elections, and elections for nonpartisan offices. This amendment sought to enhance voter choice and simplify the electoral process.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment included several significant changes to the election process in Arkansas:

  1. Single Ballot for Primaries:

    • All candidates for primary elections, special primary elections, or nonpartisan offices would be listed on a single ballot, regardless of their political party affiliation.
    • The political party affiliation of each candidate would be indicated next to their name.

  2. Advancement of Candidates:

    • The top two candidates receiving the most votes in each primary or special primary election would advance to the general election, irrespective of party affiliation.
    • If only one or two candidates filed for an office, they would automatically advance to the general election.

  3. Election Procedures:

    • The amendment outlined specific procedures for conducting elections, including provisions for tie votes and candidate vacancies.
    • It specified that the election process would apply to federal congressional offices, state offices, county offices, and nonpartisan offices, but not to municipal or local offices.

  4. Presidential Elections:

    • The amendment would not apply to presidential elections. Instead, it required the General Assembly to establish a separate process for presidential primaries and the selection of electors for President and Vice President of the United States.

  5. Implementation Laws:

    • The General Assembly would be tasked with enacting all necessary laws to implement this amendment, covering candidate filing processes, election procedures, and other related matters.

Impact

If passed, SJR 12 would have significantly altered the electoral landscape in Arkansas by promoting a more inclusive and straightforward election process. It aimed to reduce the barriers for candidates and provide voters with a broader range of choices during elections. However, the bill ultimately did not progress beyond the Senate Committee stage and was not enacted.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 06, 2025: SJR 12 was filed and read for the first time.
  • February 06, 2025: The bill was read a second time and referred to the Senate Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • May 05, 2025: The bill died in the Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it was not passed or further considered.

This summary provides an overview of SJR 12, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and the implications of its proposed changes to the election process in Arkansas.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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