U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Brooks ruled in favor of protecting ballot measures last week. He indicated that several laws passed by the Arkansas Legislature in 2025 are likely unconstitutional (Act 543’s Domicile Requirement, Pre-Collection Disclosure Requirement, Canvassing Regulations, Post-Collection Affidavit Requirement, Cool Off Period, Publication Cost Reimbursement).
Judge Brooks issued an injunction to protect the ballot measures proposed by the parties who sued the state – The League of Women Voters of Arkansas, Save AR Democracy, Protect AR Rights, and For AR Kids. His ruling was limited in scope to those organizations that brought the suit, meaning that others who might pursue ballot measures would not be protected by this ruling.
“Today a federal Judge agreed that these restrictive laws violate our constitutional right to free speech,” Arkansas President Bonnie Miller said in press release. “This is a victory not only for Arkansans, but for all states with the initiative and referendum process. This lawsuit sets a precedent that politicians cannot legislate away our constitutional rights.”
You can read more about the lawsuit and access the full court document via this article.
Action: Send an email or a card to the organizations letting them know how their work taking this to court has impacted you.
