The resolution proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution, titled "The Citizens Only Voting Amendment," which aims to establish stricter voting qualifications. Under the proposed amendment, only U.S. citizens who meet specific criteria—including residency in Arkansas, being at least 18 years old, and being lawfully registered—would be allowed to vote in state and local elections. Additionally, the amendment mandates that voters present valid photographic identification before receiving a ballot and requires absentee voters to enclose a copy of their identification with their ballot. Provisional ballots will be available for those unable to present identification, but these will only be counted if the voter certifies them according to the law.
The amendment also stipulates that the Arkansas General Assembly will be responsible for implementing these provisions and may establish exceptions to the identification requirements. The effective date for this amendment is set for January 1, 2027, and it will be submitted to voters for approval or rejection in the next general election. If adopted, the amendment will become part of the Arkansas Constitution, reinforcing the principle that only citizens can participate in elections within the state.