HJR1018 proposes a constitutional amendment titled the “Citizens Only Voting Amendment.” It would revise Article 3, Section 1 of the Arkansas Constitution to state that only a United States citizen who meets the constitutional qualifications of an elector may vote in Arkansas elections. The measure also restates the basic voter qualifications as U.S. citizenship, Arkansas residency, at least 18 years of age, and lawful registration to vote.
The resolution further requires voters to present valid photographic identification when voting in person and to include a copy of photo ID with absentee ballots, while directing the General Assembly to define acceptable forms of identification. It also requires the state to issue free photo ID to eligible voters who lack one, allows provisional ballots when ID is not presented, and permits those ballots to be counted only after later certification under procedures set by law. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, if approved by voters at the general election.
Impact
If adopted, HJR1018 would change the Arkansas Constitution and give the General Assembly authority and responsibility to implement the new voter-identification and absentee-ballot procedures by statute. It would also make explicit in the constitution that non-citizens are not permitted to vote in state or local elections, and it would embed photo-ID requirements and provisional-ballot rules into the state’s election framework. The amendment would affect election administration, voter registration and eligibility, absentee voting, and the issuance of free state photo identification for eligible voters.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the measure advanced with strong support. The House adopted and transmitted it to the Senate by an 82-6 vote, and the Senate third reading vote was 27-0. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate in the provided materials, but the vote totals indicate broad bipartisan or near-unanimous support in the Senate and substantial support in the House.
Contention
The main policy issue is the restriction of voting to U.S. citizens and the addition of photo-identification requirements for both in-person and absentee voting. Supporters appear to favor tightening election eligibility and verification rules, while potential opponents would likely focus on whether the amendment could create barriers for eligible voters, especially those lacking identification or relying on absentee ballots. The bill also leaves important implementation details to the General Assembly, including acceptable ID types and exceptions, which could become points of future contention.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.