Election Day is right around the corner, and voters will soon be asked to weigh in on several local, statewide, and national races when they head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Ballots include votes on four Arkansas issues this year, and the Public Policy Center at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has once again created a handy guide to help voters make a more informed choice at the polls.
The self-described “unbiased, research-based guide” examines everything from how an issue gets on the ballot, to the ballot titles, what a for/against vote means for each of the issues to be considered in Arkansas this year, as well as what supporters and those opposed are are saying about the proposals.
The guide also includes a worksheet voters can use to make their own notes on each of the seven issues.
Voters will consider a measure giving State Senators and Representatives authority to call special legislative sessions; a measure to increase the percentage of voters needed to approve constitutional amendments and citizen- proposed state laws from 50% to 60%; a constitutional amendment concerning religious freedom; and a constitutional amendment to authorize the possession, personal use, and consumption of cannabis by adults.
A list of each of the four issues is included below, and the voter guide can be downloaded at uaex.edu/.
For more information about the guide, contact the Public Policy Center at 501-671-2299, or send an email to [email protected].
2022 Arkansas Ballot Issues
Issue No. 1
A constitutional amendment to allow the General Assembly to convene in extraordinary session upon the issuance of a joint written proclamation of the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president pro tempore of the Senate or upon the submission of a written proclamation containing the signatures of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the House of Representatives and at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Senate to the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president pro tempore of the Senate requesting that the General Assembly convene in extraordinary session. More info on Issue No. 1.
Issue No. 2
A constitutional amendment to reform certain measures Presented to voters, to be known as the “Constitutional Amendment and Ballot Initiative Reform Amendment.” More info on Issue No. 2.
Issue No. 3
A constitutional amendment to create the “Arkansas Religious Freedom Amendment.” More info on Issue No. 3.
Issue No. 4
An amendment to authorize the possession, personal use, and consumption of cannabis by adults, to authorize the cultivation and sale of cannabis by licensed commercial facilities, and to provide for the regulation of those facilities. More info on Issue No. 4.
