The "Online Voter Registration Act of 2025" seeks to implement a secure online voter registration system in Arkansas, allowing residents to register or update their voter information electronically. The bill amends Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, to include provisions for online voter registration application forms that are free of charge and applicable for initial registrations as well as updates to name, address, or party affiliation. The Secretary of State is responsible for preparing and administering these online forms, ensuring they adhere to security measures and are consistently applied statewide. The bill also outlines specific requirements for using the online system, such as the necessity for applicants to provide a valid driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number, and it eliminates the requirement for notarization of the online application.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new identification requirements for first-time voters registering by mail or online. First-time voters who registered by mail must provide an identification document unless they have previously submitted one with their registration application. Similarly, those who registered online must also provide identification unless it was submitted during the online process. The bill also addresses discrepancies found by county election boards in absentee applications, stating that such discrepancies will result in the absentee ballot not being counted. If a first-time voter fails to provide the required identification, their ballot will be treated as provisional. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
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)
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)
HB 1035: 7-5-201(e), 7-5-305(a), 7-5-412(a), 7-5-416(b)