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HJR 1018

THE CITIZENS ONLY VOTING AMENDMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Achor and 36 co-sponsors

HJR 1018 ensures only U.S. citizens can vote in Arkansas elections, requiring valid ID and setting clear eligibility criteria to strengthen voter integrity.

Approved by the Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 1018

Summary of HJR 1018: The Citizens Only Voting Amendment

Bill Number: HJR 1018
Status: Approved by the Governor
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJR 1018, known as "The Citizens Only Voting Amendment," aims to amend the Arkansas Constitution to ensure that only U.S. citizens who meet specific qualifications can vote in state and local elections. The intent is to clarify voter eligibility and reinforce the requirement that all voters must be citizens of the United States.

Key Provisions

The amendment proposes the following changes to the Arkansas Constitution:

  1. Voter Eligibility:

    • Only U.S. citizens who meet the qualifications outlined in the Arkansas Constitution may vote in elections.
    • Individuals who do not meet these qualifications will be prohibited from voting in any state or local elections.

  2. Qualifications of Electors:

    • To be eligible to vote, a person must:
      • Be a citizen of the United States.
      • Be a resident of Arkansas.
      • Be at least 18 years old.
      • Be lawfully registered to vote.

  3. Identification Requirements:

    • Voters must present valid photographic identification when voting in person and include a copy of such identification when voting by absentee ballot.
    • The Arkansas General Assembly will determine the types of acceptable photographic identification.

  4. Provisional Ballots:

    • Voters unable to present valid identification at the time of voting may cast a provisional ballot, which will only be counted if the voter later certifies it according to the law.

  5. Implementation:

    • The General Assembly is tasked with implementing the provisions of this amendment through legislation.

Affected Parties

  • Voters: The amendment directly impacts all individuals wishing to vote in Arkansas elections, as it restricts voting rights to U.S. citizens who meet the specified qualifications.
  • Election Officials: Those responsible for administering elections will need to enforce the new identification requirements and manage provisional ballots.

Procedural Aspects

  • The amendment will be submitted to the electors of Arkansas for approval or rejection at the next general election for Representatives and Senators.
  • If a majority of voters approve the amendment, it will become part of the Arkansas Constitution effective January 1, 2027.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 12, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • April 21, 2025: Approved by the Governor.
  • April 16, 2025: Correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office.
  • April 14, 2025: Read the third time and adopted in the House.
  • April 10, 2025: Returned by the Senate with a recommendation to pass.
  • March 10, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill engrossed.

This summary provides an overview of HJR 1018, outlining its purpose, key provisions, and the procedural steps leading to its approval. The amendment seeks to clarify voter eligibility and strengthen identification requirements in Arkansas elections.

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

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