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Bill

HB 1884

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE MARKING AND COUNTING OF PAPER BALLOTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Long

HB 1884 aimed to boost election security in Arkansas by requiring watermarks on ballots and strict counting procedures, enhancing voter confidence and integrity.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1884

Summary of House Bill 1884

Bill Number: HB 1884
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the Marking and Counting of Paper Ballots
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: March 20, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1884 aimed to amend existing laws in Arkansas regarding the marking and counting of paper ballots used in elections. The primary intent of the bill was to enhance the security and integrity of the voting process by introducing specific requirements for ballot marking and counting procedures.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the Arkansas Code, specifically:

1. Ballot Marking Requirements

  • Watermark or Seal: Each paper ballot intended for hand counting would need to include either a watermark or an ultraviolet ink seal. This watermark or seal would have a unique placement for each election cycle, aimed at preventing tampering and ensuring authenticity.

2. Counting Procedures

  • Immediate Certification: Poll workers were required to certify and attest to the list of voters immediately after polls closed and continue counting without significant breaks.
  • Completion Deadline: A hand count of paper ballots was mandated to be completed at least 24 hours before the certification deadline. If this was not achieved, the machine tabulated results would be certified instead.
  • Poll Worker Requirements: In the event a poll worker became incapacitated, remaining workers were to continue counting. Additionally, a minimum of four poll workers was required to be present to ensure the counting process could continue uninterrupted.
  • Recording Results: All hand-counted totals were to be recorded by race in each precinct and posted at the designated hand-count location upon completion.
  • Exemptions for Poll Workers: Poll workers could be exempt from completing the count if the ballots were securely stored in a locked room under specific conditions.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1884 would have affected:
- Election Officials: The bill would impose new requirements on poll workers and election officials regarding how ballots are marked and counted.
- Voters: The changes aimed to enhance voter confidence in the electoral process by ensuring greater security and transparency in how votes are counted.
- Election Integrity: The introduction of watermarks and strict counting procedures was intended to reduce the risk of fraud and improve the overall integrity of elections in Arkansas.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 20, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 20, 2025: Rules suspended, read a second time, and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs - House.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

In summary, while HB 1884 proposed important changes to enhance the security and integrity of the voting process in Arkansas, it ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage.

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

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