The "Online Voter Registration Act of 2025" seeks to modernize the voter registration process in Arkansas by introducing a system for online voter registration. The bill amends Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution to empower the Secretary of State to prepare and manage online voter registration application forms, which can be utilized for initial registrations and updates to name, address, or party affiliation. It mandates that the online registration system be free of charge and includes security measures to safeguard voter information. Key amendments require both mail and online registration forms to collect identifying information, such as a physical or electronic signature, while eliminating the need for notarization. The Secretary of State is also tasked with transmitting these forms to the appropriate registrar within a specified timeframe.

Additionally, the bill introduces new identification requirements for first-time voters voting absentee. It stipulates that first-time voters who registered by mail or online must provide an identification document unless it was previously submitted with their registration application. If discrepancies arise between the absentee application and the voter's statement, the absentee ballot will not be counted. Furthermore, if a first-time voter fails to provide the necessary identification, their absentee ballot will be treated as a provisional ballot. The provisions outlined in the bill are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, allowing time for adjustments in the voting process to accommodate these changes.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1035 V2 - 1-16-2025 04:09 PM: 7-5-201(e), 7-5-305(a), 7-5-412(a), 7-5-416(b)
Old version HB1035 V3 - 1-23-2025 09:41 AM: 7-5-201(e), 7-5-305(a), 7-5-412(a), 7-5-416(b)
Old version HB1035 Original - 11-20-2024 03:06 PM: 7-5-201(e), 7-5-305(a), 7-5-412(a), 7-5-416(b)
HB 1035: 7-5-201(e), 7-5-305(a), 7-5-412(a), 7-5-416(b)