LITTLE ROCK, Ark — In Arkansas, the deadline to get a proposed amendment on the November ballot is Friday, July 5.
By that date, organizers need a little over 90,000 signatures from registered voters throughout the state on each of the proposed amendments.
They also need representation from at least 50 counties.
"If we meet the certain requirements, then the people get the chance to vote on it," said Veronica McClane, a volunteer who spent Saturday canvassing for signatures at the Sue Cowan Williams library. "It takes it out of the hands of the legislature, and it puts the power in the hands of the people."
That's why this weekend and next week, organizers will be across the state trying to get those final signatures for amendments relating to abortion, education, medical marijuana, and more.
Alison Guthrie, who's supporting multiple petitions in Arkansas, said that people can sign even if they're not sure about the amendment.
"Signing just helps us get it on the ballot so that voters can decide on it," Guthrie said, "And you'll have plenty of time to do more research."
Petitioners have met some pushback from those who don't support the amendments.
But their view is that Arkansans should be grateful they have the chance to participate in a process like this one.
"We're also one of the only states that has direct democracy," Guthrie said, "Which means that the people of Arkansas can put issues on the ballot for voters to decide on."
It will likely be a close call to get enough signatures, however- and the results will affect what voters see when they go to the polls in November.
"We're all kind of working together on this last big push," McClane said. "We're very close. We're very close."
More information on each of the proposed amendments can be found here.