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HB 1070

TRANSPORTATION-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Tom Weber

House Bill 1070 standardizes ballot order determination in Arkansas, ensuring fair candidate positioning through public drawings, impacting candidates, officials, and voters.

Referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1070

Summary of House Bill 1070: Ballot Draw Standardization Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1070, titled the Ballot Draw Standardization Act of 2025, aimed to establish a standardized process for determining the order in which candidates' names appear on ballots in Arkansas elections. The bill sought to amend existing laws regarding candidate filing procedures and the drawing of lots for ballot position, ensuring transparency and consistency in electoral processes.

Key Provisions

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

  1. Candidate Filing Procedures:

    • The county clerk must certify a list of candidates who have qualified for the ballot by petition, arranged by the order of their filing, including the date and time of filing.

  2. Ballot Position Determination:

    • The order of candidates' names on the ballot would be determined by a public drawing held by the county board of election commissioners.
    • The drawing must occur no later than:
      • The deadline for the preferential primary or general election for annual school elections in even-numbered years.
      • The seventh day of March for odd-numbered year elections.
      • Seventy-two days before the annual school election in November of odd-numbered years.
    • Candidates or their designees would draw lots to determine their ballot position, with specific rules on who can draw for whom.

  3. Certification of Candidate Lists:

    • The Secretary of State and county clerks are required to certify lists of candidates to election commissioners at least 75 days before general elections, ensuring that these lists are organized by contest and include filing dates.

  4. Public Notice:

    • Notice of the public meeting for the ballot draw must be published in a local newspaper at least three days prior to the event.

Impact

The proposed legislation would have affected:
- Candidates: Ensuring a fair and transparent process for determining ballot order.
- Election Officials: Standardizing procedures across counties to enhance consistency in election administration.
- Voters: Providing clarity on how candidates are positioned on ballots, which could influence voter perception and choice.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: December 18, 2024
  • Amendments Adopted: Various amendments were adopted on February 27, 2025, and March 10, 2025.
  • Committee Actions: The bill was reported correctly engrossed and passed through several readings in the House.
  • Final Status: The bill ultimately died on the House calendar at sine die adjournment on May 5, 2025, after failing to pass on the third reading on March 13, 2025.

Sponsors

The bill was primarily sponsored by:
- John Carr
- J. Bryant

With cosponsors including:
- J. Mayberry
- Rose
- Underwood

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1070, outlining its intended purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and legislative journey.

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

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