Arkansas ballot initiative groups make final push for petition signatures on 4th of July

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Ballot initiative groups are making their final push for petition signatures before the Friday deadline as they hope to get their issues on the November 2024 ballot.

Allison Guthrie, a multi-petition organizer, said that petitions are coming in every hour from across the state.

“Today is the last chance for Arkansas to sign any of the petitions, and participate in direct democracy,” Guthrie said.

The issues on petitions range from educational rights, legalizing abortion and a medical marijuana expansion, to modifying the state’s Freedom of Information Act, removing sales tax on feminine hygiene products and diapers, as well as repealing a Pope County casino license.

“There are some that are very, very close, and this last chance to sign could push some of them to the finish line,” Guthrie said.

Some groups’ efforts were met with others holding “Decline to Sign” posters targeting specific issues. Charisse Dean, field representative for the Family Council Action Committee, said they're against the proposed abort...