SJR 18 proposes a constitutional amendment titled the “Citizens Only Voting Amendment.” It would revise Article 3, Section 1 of the Arkansas Constitution to state expressly that only a United States citizen who meets the constitutional qualifications of an elector may vote in Arkansas elections, and that anyone who does not meet those qualifications may not vote in any state or local election in the state. The measure also restates the basic voter qualifications: U.S. citizenship, Arkansas residency, at least 18 years of age, and lawful registration to vote.
The resolution also preserves and expands the state’s voter identification framework. It directs the General Assembly to require valid photographic identification for in-person voting and a copy of photo ID for absentee ballots, while requiring the state to provide free photo identification to eligible voters who lack one. It further provides for provisional ballots when ID is not presented, with those ballots counted only if later certified in a manner set by law. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, if approved by voters at the general election.
Impact
If adopted, SJR 18 would amend the Arkansas Constitution and supersede any inconsistent state constitutional or statutory provisions regarding who may vote. It would constitutionally bar non-citizens from voting in state and local elections, codify core elector qualifications, and reinforce photo identification requirements for both in-person and absentee voting. The General Assembly would be responsible for implementing legislation, including defining acceptable forms of ID, setting exceptions, and establishing procedures for provisional ballot certification.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be presented as a straightforward election-integrity proposal. Its framing suggests support for stricter voter qualification and identification rules, but there is no documented discussion here showing formal support or opposition from legislators or the public. The lack of recorded votes or transcripts means no clear committee sentiment can be inferred beyond the bill’s sponsor-driven emphasis on citizenship and ID requirements.
Contention
The main points of contention likely concern whether the amendment is necessary, whether it could create barriers for eligible voters, and how strictly the photo ID and absentee ballot rules should be applied. Supporters would likely emphasize preventing non-citizen voting and strengthening election security, while critics may argue that the measure could disenfranchise eligible voters who lack ID or face difficulties obtaining it, especially absentee voters and other groups with access barriers. The amendment’s allowance for legislative exceptions and free state-issued ID may be viewed as mitigating those concerns, but the scope of those exceptions would likely be a key issue.
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.