SJR18

The Citizens Only Voting Amendment.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

AI-Generated Summary

SJR 18 proposes a constitutional amendment in Arkansas titled 'The Citizens Only Voting Amendment.' The bill seeks to explicitly codify in the state constitution that only United States citizens who meet the existing qualifications of an elector are eligible to vote in state or local elections. It further stipulates that individuals who do not meet these requirements are prohibited from voting in any such elections. The measure reinforces the requirement for valid photographic identification for both in-person and absentee voting. It also mandates that the state provide such identification at no charge to eligible voters who lack it and establishes that provisional ballots may be cast by those without identification, provided they meet subsequent certification requirements. The amendment is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, if approved by a majority of voters in a general election.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries of this bill are proponents of stricter election security measures and citizens who believe that explicitly constitutionalizing citizenship requirements reinforces the integrity of the voting process. State election officials and policymakers may also benefit from clear constitutional guidance regarding voter qualifications and identification protocols.

Who Might Suffer?

Individuals who are non-citizens, including legal permanent residents, are directly impacted by the formal constitutional prohibition against their participation in state and local elections. Additionally, voters who may struggle to obtain or present the required photographic identification—such as elderly citizens, low-income individuals, or those with limited access to government documentation—could face increased procedural hurdles, despite the provision for free state-issued identification.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us