HB1035
To Create The Online Voter Registration Act Of 2025; To Allow Online Voter Registration; To Amend Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51; And To Amend The Duties Of The Secretary Of State.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill, "The Online Voter Registration Act of 2025," aims to establish an online system for voter registration in Arkansas. It amends Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, to allow citizens to register to vote or update their registration information through an online portal managed by the Secretary of State. The act specifies the type of information that can be requested on online forms, including an electronic signature and certain eligibility verification data. It also outlines requirements for first-time voters who register online without providing a driver's license or Social Security number, mandating submission of additional identification when voting. The Secretary of State is tasked with developing and administering the online system, including security measures and rule promulgation subject to legislative review. The bill also details the transmission of online applications to registrars and the collection of related statistical data.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are Arkansas residents who wish to register to vote or update their registration information, as it provides a new, potentially more convenient method for doing so. The Secretary of State's office would also benefit by having the authority and framework to implement and manage an online voter registration system. Additionally, organizations and governmental entities that facilitate voter registration could see increased engagement through the availability of online options.
Who Might Suffer?
Potential negative impacts could affect individuals who are not comfortable with or do not have reliable access to the internet for registration purposes, potentially creating a barrier to registration for some segments of the population. First-time voters who register online without a driver's license or Social Security number might face additional identification requirements when voting, which could present a hurdle. Furthermore, the implementation of a new online system, including its security and administration, could place an administrative burden on the Secretary of State's office and potentially election officials tasked with processing applications.