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House approves sworn affidavit for canvassers of initiative petitions amid debate over possible chilling effect
Summary
The Arkansas House passed Senate Bill 211 requiring canvassers to submit a sworn affidavit that they complied with state law when collecting signatures for initiative and referendum petitions; opponents warned it could chill direct democracy.
The Arkansas House of Representatives on Feb. 25, 2025, approved Senate Bill 211, a measure that requires canvassers who collect signatures for statewide initiative and referendum petitions to submit a sworn affidavit certifying they complied with Arkansas law. The bill passed on a roll call of 65 yays, 27 nays and 3 present; the House later approved the bill's emergency clause by a separate vote of 69 yays, 26 nays and 2 present.
Supporters said the affidavit is intended to reduce fraudulent or improper signature collection and to hold canvassers accountable. Representative Underwood, who explained the bill on the House floor, said the requirement is a routine legal safeguard:…
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