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Bill

SB 304

TO ALLOW A CLASS OF REGISTERED VOTERS THAT HAVE CHANGED THEIR COUNTY OF RESIDENCE TO CAST A VALID BALLOT; AND TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, AMENDMENT 51.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Howard Beaty and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas law now allows voters who recently relocated between counties to cast valid ballots, addressing gaps for mobile voters in county-to-county transitions.

Notification that SB304 is now Act 372
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 304

Legislative bill overview

SB 304 modifies Arkansas voting law to allow registered voters who have recently changed their county of residence to cast valid ballots, likely in their new county of registration. The bill amends provisions of Arkansas Constitution Amendment 51, which governs voter registration and election procedures. This measure has been signed into law as Act 372.

Why is this important

Voter mobility between counties is common due to job relocation, housing changes, and other life circumstances. Without this provision, voters who moved but updated their registration might face ballot rejection or disenfranchisement. The change addresses a practical gap between when voters move and when elections occur, potentially affecting thousands of voters annually depending on implementation details.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation clarity: The bill's specific mechanics are unclear from the title alone—does it allow voting in both old and new counties, only the new county, or only under certain timing conditions? This ambiguity could create confusion or administration challenges.
  • Election integrity concerns: Some argue expanded voting windows or locations increase fraud risk, while others contend reasonable accommodations for legitimate movers strengthen rather than weaken electoral integrity.
  • Constitutional amendment process: Modifying a constitutional amendment typically requires specific procedures; questions may arise about whether the legislative process followed proper constitutional amendment protocols.

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

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