The proposed "No-Excuse Absentee Voting Act of 2025" aims to amend existing absentee voting laws in Arkansas by eliminating the qualifications that currently restrict who can vote absentee. Specifically, the bill repeals the requirement that voters must provide a valid reason for being unable to attend the polls on election day, allowing any registered elector to cast an absentee ballot without needing to justify their absence. This change is intended to simplify the absentee voting process and increase voter participation.

Additionally, the bill modifies the application process for absentee ballots. It establishes that once a completed application is received by the county clerk, an absentee ballot must be mailed automatically for each election, rather than requiring a new application for each election cycle. The bill also introduces a new application form that includes a sworn statement confirming the voter's registration and identity, which must be executed under penalty of perjury. Overall, these changes are designed to streamline absentee voting and make it more accessible to all voters in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1038 V2 - 1-16-2025 03:45 PM: 7-5-402, 01-16-2025, 7-5-404(b)
Old version HB1038 Original - 11-20-2024 03:13 PM: 7-5-402, 7-5-404(b)
HB 1038: 7-5-402, 7-5-404(b)