This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that would 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. The intent of the amendment is to enhance transparency for voters by ensuring that candidates' affiliations are clearly indicated on the ballot. This change would amend existing provisions that currently require these judicial positions to be elected on a nonpartisan basis.
If approved by a majority of voters in the next general election, the amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027. It would allow candidates to choose whether to have their political party affiliation or independent status listed on the ballot, thereby providing voters with more information about the candidates they are considering for judicial roles. The amendment is officially titled "A Constitutional Amendment to Ensure Transparency in Judicial Elections to the Voters of Arkansas."