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Committee advances bill requiring photo ID to sign initiative petitions over broad opposition
Summary
Senate Bill 208, which would require a photo ID to sign an initiative petition, passed the House committee on a recorded vote. Sponsors said the measure helps verify identity; opponents argued it will suppress participation and add burdensome steps for grassroots campaigns.
The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee on Thursday advanced Senate Bill 208, a measure that would require a canvasser to verify a signer’s photo identification before obtaining a signature for an initiative petition.
Representative Ken Underwood, sponsor of the measure, said the requirement mirrors the state’s voter‑ID practice at the ballot box and would help “ensure those who are signing the petition are valid to sign the petition.” Underwood told the committee, “In Arkansas, we believe in voter ID.”
Secretary of State staff explained how petition verification currently works. Leslie Bellamy, director of elections, told the committee the Elections Division has 30 days to verify submitted petitions, and the office runs a verification program that catches many duplicates. Bellamy said…
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