Arkansas closer to adopting voter ID law

LITTLE ROCK—Arkansas legislators have approved rules necessary to implement a new voter-law that could go into effect as early as September.

The state Board of Election Commissioners approved the rules Wednesday for a new law that says voters should show photo identification before casting ballots, the Arkansas DemocratGazette reported. Those without photo identification can sign a sworn statement saying they’re registered voters in the state.

“We’ve had some complaints on that over the past year,” said Keith Rutledge, director of the Board of Election Commissioners. “This pretty much will clear that up. You either show me your ID or you sign this affidavit—basically.”

The rules create a new sort of provisional ballot that’s automatically counted unless there’s a red flag, said Daniel Shults, legal counsel for the board.

Once the emergency rules are approved by the governor’s office, they’ll be reviewed for approval by lawmakers before the September school elections. A permanent version of the rules requires public comment in addition to legislative review and approval.

The proposed law is similar to a voter identification law that was struck down by the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2014.

Lawmakers have also drafted a proposed constitutional amendment to require photo IDs at the polls. Voters will vote on the amendment in November 2018.

Supporters of voter-identification laws have said they prevent voter impersonation and fraud. Opponents argue the laws restrict the right to vote and are unnecessary burdens on election administrators.

Thirty-four states have laws requesting or requiring voters to show some form of identification, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.