To Amend The Law Concerning Voter Assistance; And To Require A Person Assisting A Voter With A Disability To Present Identification.
Impact
The implications of SB479 are significant as it introduces a formal identification requirement for assistors of disabled voters. This could potentially create barriers for those who may want to assist, particularly friends or family who might not possess official identification. The amendment aims to improve the security of the voting process by ensuring that all individuals who assist voters are properly identified, thereby reducing the opportunity for voter fraud or misuse of assistance.
Summary
Senate Bill 479 proposes amendments to existing laws regarding voter assistance, particularly for individuals with disabilities. The bill requires that anyone assisting a voter with a disability must present a valid form of identification. This includes documents that meet standards established by the State Board of Election Commissioners. The intent behind this amendment is to ensure the integrity of the voting assistance process and to maintain a controlled environment within polling sites.
Contention
While the bill aims to uphold voting integrity, there are potential points of contention regarding accessibility and the burden it may impose on voters with disabilities and their families. Critics may argue that requiring identification could deter assistors from helping, particularly when those assistors are close relatives or acquaintances. There may also be concerns about the implementation of the rules that the State Board of Election Commissioners would need to establish, especially if these rules do not sufficiently consider the needs of disabled voters and their right to accessible voting assistance.
To Clarify, Create Uniformity In, And Simplify The Absentee Ballot Process; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Application Form And Materials Furnished To Qualified Voters With An Absentee Ballot.
To Create The Arkansas Absentee Voter Integrity Act Of 2023; To Amend The Law Concerning Counting Absentee Ballots; To Amend The Law Concerning Elections; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Duties Of The Secretary Of State.
To Create The Voter Integrity And Voter Registration Modernization Act Of 2023; To Allow Electronic Voter Registration; To Amend Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51; And To Amend The Duties Of The Secretary Of State.
To Create The Voter Registration And Secure Voter Records Act Of 2023; To Amend Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51; And To Amend The Duties Of The Secretary Of State.
To Amend The Law Regarding Publication Requirements For Counties And Municipalities; To Amend The Law Concerning Elections; And To Amend The Law Concerning Tax Delinquency Lists.
To Establish The Arkansas Poll Watchers Bill Of Rights Act Of 2023; To Amend The Law Concerning Poll Watchers; And To Amend The Law Concerning Election Procedures.
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.