On Wednesday, the Arkansas Secretary of State, John Thurston, rejected a bid to put an abortion rights amendment on the November ballot. He said the organizers, Arkansans for Limited Government, failed to provide some required paperwork with their signatures.
In a letter to the group, Thurston pointed out that they did not submit necessary statements about how they informed their paid canvassers of the state’s signature-collection requirements, nor did they list these canvassers by name.
Rebecca Bobrow, a spokesperson for the group, said they received the letter and are currently reviewing their options.
The group had announced they collected over 100,000 signatures, exceeding the needed 90,700. However, Thurston’s letter claimed the missing paperwork affected 14,143 signatures, leaving the group short.
Arkansas is one of 11 states where efforts are underway to place pro-abortion-rights amendments on the ballot. These measures are on the ballots in six states: Colorado, Maryland, Florida, South Dakota, Nevada, and New York. In four other states—Arizona, Missouri, Montana, and Nebraska—organizers have submitted signatures, but further steps are needed for certification.
Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights, which is working on a similar amendment in Montana, has filed a lawsuit claiming the state Secretary of State’s office is unlawfully blocking the verification of many valid signatures.
Abortion-rights advocates face strong opposition in Arkansas, a state where nearly all abortions are banned under a 2022 law triggered by the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This law allows exceptions only when the woman’s life is at risk. The state’s Health Department reported no abortions performed last year, and American United for Life has called Arkansas the “most pro-life state in America.”
Unlike other states, Arkansans for Limited Government lacks support from major national abortion-rights organizations like Planned Parenthood. Their proposal seeks to protect abortion access up to 18 weeks after fertilization, and in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomalies, or to protect the woman’s life or health.
Blue & Gold NLR Team is a dedicated journalist at blueandgoldnlr.com, where he provides insightful and up-to-date news coverage. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Blue & Gold NLR Team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His work ensures readers stay informed about the latest events and developments.