By Elizabeth Daigle, Izard County Exension Family and Consumer Agent
Did you know? Early voting for the November General Election started Oct. 24, 2022. To help you make an informed decision regarding ballot issues, the Public Policy Center at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has prepared a neutral, research-based guide to the 2022 Arkansas Ballot Issues.
Arkansas voters have a free resource available to them detailing each of the proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot. Extension’s voter guide breaks down the legal language, includes supporter and opponent statements, and shows you what the ballot title looks like before you show up on Election Day
A limited number of printed voter guides will be available at the Izard County Court House and available for pickup at the Izard County Cooperative Extension Office. You can also read the guide on your favorite electronic device by going to uaex.uada.edu/ballot.
Now, a quick summary of the four issues:
Issue 1 is a constitutional amendment that would give state legislators the same authority as the governor to call themselves into special session and to set the agenda.
Issue 2 is a constitutional amendment that would require 60% voter approval for any future constitutional amendment or citizen-initiated state law on the ballot. Currently, statewide ballot issues require a simple majority or over 50% voter approval.
Issue 3 is the Arkansas Religious Freedom Amendment. It would add language to the Arkansas Constitution prohibiting state and local governments from burdening the practice of religion unless the government shows there’s a compelling reason to do so and acts in the least restrictive way.
Issue 4 is the Arkansas Adult Use Cannabis Amendment. If passed, it would allow adults 21 and older to legally possess 1 ounce of marijuana for non-medical purposes. It would set up a licensing system for a limited number of businesses to grow and sell marijuana for recreational purposes, among other things.
[For the latest ballot information please visit www.uaex.uada.edu/ballot]
