SB275
To Amend The Law Concerning Electioneering; To Amend The Law Concerning Polling Sites And Vote Centers; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Designation Of Polling Sites By County Boards Of Election Commissioners.
Last Action (Feb. 15, 2023): Sine Die adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 275 amends Arkansas law regarding electioneering near polling sites and vote centers. It specifically allows individuals positioned 100 feet or more from the primary entrance of a voting location to engage in certain political activities. These permitted activities include audible advocacy without amplification, holding signs, and wearing attire advocating for or against candidates or ballot measures. The bill requires county boards of election commissioners to ensure that chosen polling sites accommodate these activities and to negotiate with property owners to establish the designated areas for such advocacy. Additionally, the bill mandates that if a polling site permits the placement of physical structures like signs or tents on its property, it must provide equal access for all interested parties. The provisions do not apply to adjacent private landowners whose property is not designated as a polling site.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include political candidates, campaign volunteers, activists, and interest groups who wish to engage in electioneering activities, such as canvassing and displaying campaign signage, in closer proximity to voting locations. Voters who are interested in receiving last-minute campaign information or messaging before entering the polls may also be considered beneficiaries.
Who Might Suffer?
The bill may negatively impact local election officials and county boards of election commissioners, who must take on the burden of negotiating site agreements and ensuring that designated polling locations meet these new regulatory requirements. Additionally, some voters or poll workers may feel that increased political activity in closer proximity to polling entrances contributes to a more high-pressure or distracting environment for the voting process.
Vote Records
Third Reading
April 3, 2023View individual votes (35)
| Legislator | Party | Chamber | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jane English | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Linda Chesterfield | Democrat | Senate | Nay |
| Jonathan Dismang | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Greg Leding | Democrat | Senate | NV |
| Missy Irvin | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Bryan King | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Kim Hammer | Republican | Senate | Yea |
| Stephanie Flowers | Democrat | Senate | NV |
| Frederick Love | Democrat | Senate | Nay |
| Terry Rice | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Reginald Murdock | Democrat | Senate | Nay |
| Gary Stubblefield | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Jim Dotson | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| John Payton | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Alan Clark | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Ronald Caldwell | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Bart Hester | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Jimmy Hickey | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Dan Sullivan | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| David Wallace | Republican | Senate | Yea |
| Blake Johnson | Republican | Senate | Yea |
| Justin Boyd | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Clarke Tucker | Democrat | Senate | Yea |
| Scott Flippo | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Clint Penzo | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Mark Johnson | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Ricky Hill | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Breanne Davis | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Ben Gilmore | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Joshua Bryant | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Matt McKee | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Jim Petty | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Steve Crowell | Republican | Senate | Nay |
| Tyler Dees | Republican | Senate | NV |
| Matt Stone | Republican | Senate | Yea |
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