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Committee approves affidavit requiring canvassers to certify compliance with law
Summary
The House committee voted to advance Senate Bill 211, which requires canvassers to submit a sworn affidavit to the secretary of state attesting they followed Arkansas canvassing laws. Supporters said the step will deter fraud; opponents warned it could throw out valid signatures and shift enforcement discretion to state officials.
The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee on Thursday approved Senate Bill 211, a measure that would require a canvasser to submit a sworn affidavit to the Arkansas Secretary of State certifying that the canvasser complied with state laws and the constitution while collecting petition signatures.
Representative Ken Underwood, state representative for District 16, told the committee the bills he presented are intended “to safeguard the rights provided in our constitution, not to undermine the rights in the constitution.” He said SB 211 requires a canvasser to “swear under oath that they follow the laws while canvassing.”
The bill drew hours of questioning and public testimony. Supporters, including several community leaders who said they witnessed misleading or unattended petition gathering, told the committee that an extra sworn statement would deter deliberate misrepresentation. “If you have to sign a sworn statement stating that you…
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