End Petty Restrictions That Encourage Voter Suppression

Target: Asa Hutchinson, Governor of Arkansas

Goal: Stop voter suppression laws passed in response to the 2020 Presidential Election.

Lawmakers in Arkansas recently passed changes to the state’s election laws that limit voters’ rights. Restrictions will be put into place outside of polling places and on absentee ballots. Opponents to the legislation say that these bills will ultimately make it more difficult to cast a vote and that these difficulties will disproportionately harm voters of color in Arkansas. The laws were approved by the majority-Republican Legislature and respond to former President Trumps’ false claims that the 2020 election was fraudulent.

The bills approved in Arkansas will prohibit individuals from being within 100 feet of a polling site entrance while voting is taking place unless they are entering or exiting the building “for lawful purposes.” Supporters of the bill say that it is in response to complaints from Arkansas voters about groups handing out water and sandwiches outside of polling sites. Another bill bans the distribution of unsolicited absentee ballot applications to voters by designated election officials, potentially decreasing voters’ knowledge of different voting methods.

Sign this petition to urge Governor Hutchinson to stop these bills from being signed into law and to fight for voting rights of Arkansas citizens.

PETITION LETTER:

To Governor Hutchinson,

As technology and infrastructure develops, voting should become easier for citizens–not harder. The bills proposed in Arkansas that make it more difficult for individuals to vote are a shameful response to a false claim by former President Trump that the 2020 election was fraudulent. When people are waiting outdoors for hours to vote, they should be able to have a friend or relative bring them water or a snack while they hold their place in line. Designated election officials should be able to inform the public about the different methods that they have available to them to cast their vote, including absentee ballots. Criminalizing these actions make voting in Arkansas more difficult and will likely disproportionately affect people of color.

I urge you to dismiss the bills that could suppress voting in Arkansas.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Tom Arthur