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HB 1039

TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING ABSENTEE BALLOTS; AND TO AMEND ARKANSAS LAW CONCERNING ELECTIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Collins and 3 co-sponsors

HB 1039 sought to simplify absentee ballot processes in Arkansas, enhancing voter access by clarifying application submissions and voting methods, but it died in committee.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1039

Summary of House Bill 1039

Bill Number: HB 1039
Title: To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Absentee Ballots; and to Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Elections
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: November 20, 2024
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1039 aimed to amend existing Arkansas laws related to absentee ballots and the overall election process. The intent was to clarify and modify the procedures for submitting absentee ballot applications and the methods for casting absentee votes, thereby potentially enhancing voter accessibility and streamlining the election process.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several amendments to the Arkansas Code, specifically focusing on the following areas:

1. Submission of Absentee Ballot Applications

  • In-Person Submission: Applications could be submitted in person at the county clerk's office until the close of business on the Friday before election day.
  • Mail Submission: Applications sent by mail must be received by the county clerk no later than seven days before the election.
  • Designated Bearer: A designated bearer could deliver the completed application to the county clerk's office by the same deadline as in-person submissions.
  • Authorized Agent: An authorized agent could deliver the application up until 1:30 PM on election day.
  • Administrator Submission: An administrator could also submit the application in person by the close of business on the Friday before election day.

2. Methods of Voting Absentee

  • Delivery of Ballots: The bill specified that absentee ballots must be delivered to the county clerk's office by:
    • 7:30 PM on election day by a designated bearer, administrator, or authorized agent for voters unable to vote in person.
    • The close of business on the Friday before election day for registered voters or their representatives.
  • Verification Process: All deliveries would require proper verification of the voter's signature and validation of the identity of the person delivering the ballot.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1039 would have affected voters in Arkansas, particularly those utilizing absentee ballots. The amendments aimed to provide clearer guidelines for absentee voting, potentially increasing voter participation by simplifying the process for submitting applications and casting votes.

Legislative Timeline

  • November 20, 2024: Bill filed.
  • January 13, 2025: Read for the first time, rules suspended, and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • January 16, 2025:
    • Bill placed on second reading for amendment.
    • Amendment No. 1 adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1039 represented an effort to refine absentee voting procedures in Arkansas, aiming to enhance voter accessibility and streamline election processes. However, the bill ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage.

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

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