AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB216

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB216

Introduced
2/8/23  
Refer
2/8/23  

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning The Waiting Time To Vote; To Amend The Law Concerning Election Procedures; And To Allow A Citizen Complaint Concerning The Waiting Time To Vote.

Impact

The implementation of SB216 is expected to reform the electoral process by addressing long wait times that can discourage voter participation. By establishing a formal complaint mechanism through which citizens can report excessive waiting times, the bill empowers voters and seeks to hold election authorities accountable for inefficiencies. Furthermore, should a county fail to comply with the one-hour mandate, the State Board of Election Commissioners can step in to determine the necessary number of polling sites to meet the requirement, thereby ensuring that no voter is disenfranchised due to logistical failures on election day.

Summary

Senate Bill 216 aims to amend the existing laws regarding the waiting time to vote and general election procedures within the state of Arkansas. The bill mandates that all qualified voters must have the opportunity to cast their votes within one hour of arriving at their designated polling locations on election day. To facilitate this requirement, county election commissioners are tasked with ensuring that an adequate number of polling sites and voting equipment are available based on prior electoral turnout data and average voting times.

Contention

While the intent of SB216 is to enhance voter accessibility and streamline the election process, the potential for increased state oversight on local voting procedures has sparked debate. Opponents may argue that the requirements could impose undue burdens on county election systems, particularly in areas with limited resources or lower populations. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the mechanisms for assessing compliance and the potential ramifications for counties unable to meet the new standards, particularly in terms of funding and staffing for additional polling locations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1013

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR SR2

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HR1011

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.