The bill amends various sections of the Arkansas Code to eliminate references to write-in candidates in the election process. Specifically, it modifies the qualifications for election officials and poll workers, stating that they cannot participate in campaigns for candidates listed on the ballot, thereby removing any mention of write-in candidates. Additionally, the bill changes the procedures for counting absentee ballots, allowing for discretion in how ballots are counted without the need to first count write-in votes.

Furthermore, the bill repeals sections that previously required write-in candidates to file a political practices pledge and outlines the deadline for filing as a write-in candidate. This comprehensive removal of write-in candidate references indicates a significant shift in the state's election laws, streamlining the process and potentially impacting the options available to voters during elections.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB308 V2 - 3-6-2025 09:38 AM: 7-4-109(c), 7-5-416(e), 7-5-615(e), 7-6-102(a), 7-11-102(9)
Old version SB308 Original - 2-25-2025 04:58 PM: 7-4-109(c), 7-5-416(e), 7-5-615(e), 7-6-102(a), 7-11-102(9)
SB 308: 7-4-109(c), 7-5-416(e), 7-5-615(e), 7-6-102(a), 7-11-102(9)
Act 284: 7-4-109(c), 7-5-416(e), 7-5-615(e), 7-6-102(a), 7-11-102(9)