The proposed "Ballot Draw Standardization Act of 2025" aims to amend Arkansas law regarding the process of determining the order in which candidates' names appear on the ballot. The act introduces new provisions that require the drawing of lots to take place at a public meeting of the county board of election commissioners at least 72 days before the general election. Candidates or their designees will draw lots to establish the order, with specific rules governing the drawing process based on the filing date and time of each candidate. If a candidate is absent and has not designated someone to draw on their behalf, a member of the county board will perform the draw.

Additionally, the act mandates that notice of the public meeting for the drawing must be published in a local newspaper at least three days prior to the event. It also stipulates that for runoff elections, the order of candidates will remain the same as in the preceding election. This legislation seeks to create a more standardized and transparent process for ballot position determination in Arkansas elections.

Statutes affected:
HB 1070: 7-5-207(c)