ARKANSAS, USA — Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin reminds voters and canvassers about the rules for collecting signatures for ballot initiatives.
The deadline for signature submissions is July 5, so canvassers may be out within the next few days, making a final effort.
"It is imperative that both voters and canvassers understand and adhere to Arkansas’s laws on the collection of signatures for ballot initiatives," said Griffin.
Canvasser requirements
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be an Arkansas Resident
- Must personally witness all signatures
Illegal canvasser acts
AG Griffin reminds the public of the following illegal acts that are considered felonies.
- Signing someone else's name on a petition
- Paying someone to sign a petition
- Lying about witnessing the petition signatures
- Lying about the "purpose and effect of the petition" to convince someone to sign
- Print someone else's name, address, date of birth, and signature (even if the person needs assistance).
- Those who need assistance signing a petition can receive help from anyone other than the canvasser.
Leaving petitions unattended
AG Griffin said the state has received reports of canvassers leaving petitions unattended. Here is what needs to be known if this happens.
A canvasser can be in violation only if someone signs the petition without their presence or if they sign the affidavit in the bottom corner of the signature page.
If both of those mentioned happen, then two legal consequences can be met.
1. Those against the petition can argue that the signature page be tossed out
2. The canvasser can be convicted of a felony due to lying about witnessing all the signatures.
Collecting signatures on private property
Canvassers must ensure they "comply with any posted signs" and that private property owners know the canvasser's activities.
Signing a petition
For those signing a petition, here are a few guidelines provided by the attorney general.
- Only registered voters are allowed to sign a petition.
- All signatures should be your own and provided with the canvasser present.
- Signers can only sign petitions for the county where they're registered to vote.
- "The information a signer provides on a petition may be disclosed in response to a records request made under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act."
- A "full and correct copy of the popular name, ballot title and text of the initiated or referred measure" must be attached to the petition "at all times."
To file a complaint or report misconduct in these processes, contact the Election Integrity Unit, Office of the Attorney General, at 833-995-8683.
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