LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In a press release sent by the Arkansas Press Association, it was announced that a proposed amendment to the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) failed to obtain enough signatures to qualify for the upcoming November ballot.
A group of residents working under the name "Arkansas Citizens for Transparency" started the proposal back in September and were aiming to see FOIA laws protected by the state's constitution, as they're currently not in the constitution.
The announcement, which was given by FOIA and Arkansas Press Association representatives, shared their efforts fell short despite collecting signatures from the required 50 counties in Arkansas.
Despite the insufficient amount of signatures, the Arkansas Press Association said that collecting signatures from that many counties indicates "broad support and a strong organization."
Due to falling short on the signatures, Arkansas Press Association Executive Director Ashley Kemp Wimberley said that the group decided against submitting the proposal in order to save staff in the Secretary of State's office from doing unnecessary work.
She went on to thank all of the volunteers involved with the initiative and described the result as a "hurdle" and not the end.
“It’s been gratifying to see so many people from across the state with no interest other than believing in open government and the right of any citizen to obtain information willing to work so hard," Wimberley said. "This is a hurdle not an end. This has been an educational process and we are hopeful that the same is true for our legislators who represent the people who believe in this across the state.”
That sentiment was shared by Nate Bell, who was the chair for the Arkansas Citizens for Transparency. In a statement on Friday, he thanked supporters and emphasized why he believes the amendment is so important.
“An open and transparent government is essential for the future of our democratic institutions because a citizenry without independent information will be unable to make informed judgments about the quality of government they are being provided.
For a full breakdown of how each proposed initiative performed ahead of the deadline in Arkansas, you can click here.