Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB273

Introduced
2/15/23  
Refer
2/15/23  
Report Pass
2/28/23  
Engrossed
3/2/23  
Refer
3/2/23  
Report Pass
3/8/23  
Refer
3/14/23  
Report Pass
3/16/23  
Enrolled
3/28/23  
Chaptered
4/4/23  

Caption

To Amend Election Law Concerning Polling Sites; And To Amend The Location Of Vote Centers.

Impact

If enacted, SB273 would significantly impact the procedural aspects of elections in Arkansas, particularly in how polling places are designated and changed. By standardizing the location of vote centers, the bill seeks to minimize confusion among voters and streamline the voting process. Additionally, it introduces parameters regarding emergency changes to polling places, which could potentially improve response times during unforeseen circumstances that affect elections. This approach is expected to enhance voter confidence and the integrity of the voting process.

Summary

Senate Bill 273 aims to amend existing election laws in Arkansas concerning the establishment and alteration of polling sites and vote centers. The bill specifies that the location of vote centers for elections should remain consistent with those established during the immediately preceding general election unless modified by the county election board. This provision seeks to enhance stability in election administration by ensuring that eligible voters are familiar with where to cast their votes, thereby promoting participation in the electoral process.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB273 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers, evidenced by a significant positive voting outcome (34 yeas and 0 nays) during its third reading. Proponents argue that the bill provides necessary updates to election law, focusing on consistency and clarity for voters. However, there may be concerns from certain quarters regarding the flexibility of local jurisdictions to adapt polling locations based on community needs, though these concerns were not prominently discussed in the voting record.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB273 is the restriction on changing vote center locations within a certain timeframe before elections, which some may argue could hinder local boards' ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances. The bill's supporters assert that such restrictions are essential for maintaining order and ensuring voter awareness, while opponents could raise questions about potential accessibility issues if voters are unable to adjust to any last-minute changes.

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 SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

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 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.

AR SR13

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Amend The Uniform Money Services Act.

AR HR1018

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Amend The Uniform Money Services Act.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.