New Law in Arkansas Implements Paper Ballots for Elections

Arkansas Paper Ballot Law - New Procedures

Arkansas has recently passed a new law, ACT 350 (SB250), that brings significant changes to the state's electoral process. This law specifically focuses on the use of paper ballots, altering the procedure for marking and counting them. Effective from March 21, 2023, the law aims to enhance the integrity and security of the electoral system.

ACT 350 declares an emergency, indicating the urgency and importance of implementing these changes promptly. By transitioning to paper ballots, Arkansas aims to address concerns related to electronic voting machines and ensure a transparent and reliable voting process.

Procedure for Paper Ballots

The new law outlines the revised procedure for the use of paper ballots in Arkansas elections. This includes the method and time for marking and counting these ballots. By embracing paper ballots, the state aims to enhance voter confidence and safeguard the integrity of the electoral system.

Under ACT 350, voters will mark their choices on paper ballots using a pen or pencil. This manual method provides a tangible record of voters' preferences and eliminates the potential vulnerabilities associated with electronic voting machines. By physically marking their choices, voters can be assured that their votes are accurately recorded.

Once marked, these paper ballots will be collected and securely stored until the time of counting. This ensures that the integrity of the voting process is maintained, and any potential tampering is minimized.

Benefits of Paper Ballots

The decision to implement paper ballots in Arkansas brings several benefits to the electoral process:

1. Transparency: Paper ballots offer a transparent voting process by providing a physical record of each voter's choices. This allows for easy verification and auditing if required.

2. Security: Paper ballots reduce the risk of hacking or tampering associated with electronic voting machines. With physical ballots, the potential for manipulation is significantly minimized.

3. Accessibility: Paper ballots are accessible to all voters, regardless of their technological proficiency. This ensures that the voting process is inclusive and does not exclude any individuals.

4. Reliability: Paper ballots have a long history of being reliable and trustworthy. By reverting to this traditional method, Arkansas aims to instill confidence in the electoral process.

By adopting paper ballots, Arkansas is joining several other states in prioritizing the security and integrity of their elections. This move reflects a growing trend towards more transparent and accountable voting systems.

Conclusion

The passing of ACT 350 (SB250) in Arkansas represents a significant step towards enhancing the state's electoral process. By implementing paper ballots, the law aims to improve transparency, security, accessibility, and reliability in elections. These changes will be effective from March 21, 2023, ensuring that future elections in Arkansas are conducted with the utmost integrity and public trust.