In a development that has been met with considerable controversy, Arkansans for Limited Government submitted a third draft of a proposed constitutional amendment just four days after Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin rejected their second draft. The proposed amendment, which critics say would legalize virtually unlimited abortion, has been the subject of intense debate.
In a three-page letter to Steven Nichols of Little Rock, Griffin stated that he rejected the second draft’s proposed popular name and ballot title for the proposed amendment and requested that Nichols redesign the proposed amendment. As reported by Michael R. Wickline in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Nichols and the Committee proceeded without delay. Nichols, the group’s treasurer, indicated that he anticipates the attorney general will certify the third version of the proposed amendment.
In a press release, McHugh stated that the group is eagerly awaiting certification of the proposed amendment and hopes to begin signature collection as soon as the office gives the green light.
According to Katherine Hamilton, the Arkansas Attorney General must approve the language before the group can begin gathering signatures that could allow the amendment to be included on the ballot in November. “Should the measure be included on the ballot in 2024, it would require a simple majority to pass.”
Should Griffin approve the title and language, Arkansans for Limited Government will have until July 5 to gather 90,704 signatures from registered voters. In order for the signatures to be eligible for the ballot, they must be acquired from 50 of the state’s 75 counties.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
