Arkansas

Arkansas

Members of Secure Arkansas set up shop at various polling sites Tuesday, asking voters to sign a ballot initiative that would limit benefits to illegal immigrants. The petition received a mixed reaction. Some supported the group’s ideas. “If you’re not working and paying taxes legally in this country, I’m not sure you should reap the rewards of tax-based programs to help those in need,” said voter Alisa Williams.

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Attorney General Dustin McDaniel deals a blow to a group of local health care reform protesters. McDaniel rejected a proposed ballot initiative Tuesday that sought to prohibit the new federal health care law.  McDaniel rejected a similar initiative from the same group, Secure Arkansas, in February.

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The push to get the wet-dry issue on Boone County’s ballot was on in Harrison. Petitioners worked throughout the weekend to gather additional signatures. “I think people should be able to vote.  That’s what we are all about is voting, right,” said one person signing a petition. The Buhr family quickly signed, saying Harrison’s economy would flourish if tax dollars weren’t being spent elsewhere.

Read the story from KSPR 33

As legislation to overhaul the nation’s health care system works its way through Congress, efforts are under way in Arkansas and elsewhere to thwart federal action at the state level. Two Republican state lawmakers are floating proposed legislation to protect “freedom of choice in health care,” while a conservative grassroots group hopes to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to block the federal health care overhaul in Arkansas. If passed, the measures are sure to be challenged in court, observers say.

Another initiative petition has been approved to be passed around in Missouri, as supporters seek to get their issue on the ballot. This one deals with early voting in Missouri. Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced Monday the petitions meet state standards to be circulated.  The issue seeks to make it easier for people to vote before the official election day.

Read the story from Ozarks First

The state attorney general today rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize marijuana for medical use. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel cited numerous problems with the proposal submitted by Little Rock attorney John Wesley Hall, Jr., including that federal law would supersede a state drug amendment. “I note as an initial matter that this description fails to acknowledge that your proposed measure cannot completely legalize marijuana in Arkansas for medical purposes because the drug remains illegal under federal law,” the opinion said.

The state attorney general Tuesday rejected a proposed ballot initiative that would raise the excise tax on all alcoholic beverages sold in Arkansas. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel cited ambiguities in the proposed initiated act that would use proceeds from the tax hike to pay for drug treatment, prevention and interdiction programs. Driving chapter in Arkansas, would levy a 10-cent tax on every standard drink of alcohol sold in the state. It also would create the Arkansas Substance Abuse Programs Fund.

The Arkansas attorney general’s office has cleared the way for signature-gathering by supporters of a proposed ballot measure requiring government agencies to verify that all those seeking public benefits in the state are legal U.S. residents. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel on Wednesday certified the proposed constitutional amendment of Secure Arkansas, allowing the group to begin collecting the 77,468 signatures needed to put it before voters in the November 2010 general election.

A group of about 40 people has been busy since April trying to collect valid signatures to put one of Clark County’s most talked-about issues on the November 2010 ballot. Vote for Growth led an effort in 2008 to put the question of whether alcohol sales should be allowed in the county, but after the group’s opposition found an error in their collecting of the sufficient number of signatures, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that some signatures were not valid. This decision was handed down days before the general election, and the ballots already cast were void.

Voters to decide on Arkansas town merger

Mon, Jun 22 2009 — Source: WXVT 15

A special election next month will ask voters in Caddo Valley and Arkadelphia if they want to merge the two cities. Supporters of the idea gathered signatures to put the measure on the ballot for a special vote on July 14.

Read the story from WXVT 15

Several gay-rights groups from across the country are developing databases of names and address of people who signed petitions supporting traditional marriage measures. These searchable databases would be put on the Internet open to all interested parties.

A group called KnowThyNeighboor.org has already placed names of traditional marriage supporters on he Internet in states like Oregon, Florida and Arkansas.

The Arkansas Senate State Agencies and Government Affairs Committee recommended six constitutional amendments to be considered in a joint meeting with a House committee next week. Among the proposals are repealing annual legislative sessions and constitutionally protecting hunting, fishing, and wildlife trapping.

Read the story from KSFM TV

 

Grade

Mon, Feb 16 by Anonymous

State Balloting Process

Mon, Feb 16 by Anonymous

Before proponents can circulate the petition, they must
submit the original draft to the Attorney General, with a proposed
legislative or ballot title and popular name. The Attorney General has 10
days to approve and certify the ballot title and popular name or
substitute and certify a more suitable and correct title and name. If the
Attorney General refuses to act, or if the sponsors feel aggrieved at the
choice of title and name, they can apply to the Supreme Court for proper
relief.

Ballot Qualifications & Schedule

Mon, Feb 16 by Anonymous

Date Initiative language can be submitted: Any time.

Signatures are tied to vote of which office: Governor

Next Gubernatorial election: 2010

Votes cast for governor in last election: 774,680