The proposed resolution seeks to amend the Arkansas Constitution to allow candidates for judicial offices, including Supreme Court Justices, Court of Appeals Judges, Circuit Judges, and District Judges, to declare their political party affiliation or independent status when running for election. This amendment aims to enhance transparency for voters by ensuring that candidates' affiliations are clearly indicated on the ballot. If approved by a majority of voters in the next general election, the amendment will become part of the Arkansas Constitution.
The amendment modifies existing provisions regarding the election of judges, which currently mandates nonpartisan elections. Under the new proposal, candidates will have the option to have their political party affiliation or independent status listed on the ballot. The amendment is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and will be presented to voters under the title "A Constitutional Amendment to Ensure Transparency in Judicial Elections to the Voters of Arkansas."