Statewide Ballot Measures

What a FOR or AGAINST vote means in plain English, with each side's main argument.

Issue 1Constitutional Amendment

Constitutional Preemption of Noncitizen Voting

10-Second Summary: Changes constitutional language from 'any citizen may vote' to 'ONLY a citizen may vote' in Arkansas elections.

What a "FOR" vote means

Adopts explicit phrasing to constitutionalize a prohibition against noncitizens voting in state OR local municipal/school board elections.

Supporters say: Argues 'only a citizen' closes potential future court loopholes and prevents cities from granting voting rights in local elections.

What an "AGAINST" vote means

Leaves existing constitutional text unchanged, which already requires U.S. citizenship under current state and federal law.

Opponents say: Argues the measure is completely redundant (noncitizens are already barred by law) and creates unnecessary division.

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Issue 2Constitutional Amendment

Strict Scrutiny & Expansion of Gun / Accessory Protections

10-Second Summary: Establishes firearm ownership as a fundamental right and extends explicit protections to ammunition and accessories 'without limitation'.

What a "FOR" vote means

Requires courts to apply strict scrutiny to any gun law and protects accessories (magazines, suppressors, optics) under constitutional law.

Supporters say: Argues that protecting ammunition and accessories prevents sneaky incremental gun bans.

What an "AGAINST" vote means

Keeps existing constitutional language protecting the right to keep and bear arms for common defense under standard legal limits.

Opponents say: Warns 'without limitation' phrasing could be used in court to strike down bans on violent felons owning guns or bump stock regulations.

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Issue 3Constitutional Amendment

Economic Development Districts & Private Subsidies

10-Second Summary: Allows local government districts to issue development bonds and offer taxpayer grants/subsidies to private businesses without traditional caps.

What a "FOR" vote means

Gives Arkansas local communities powerful incentive tools to attract corporate facilities and high-wage jobs against competing states.

Supporters say: Argues Arkansas loses mega-factory jobs to Texas or Tennessee because local towns lack tax incentive flexibility.

What an "AGAINST" vote means

Preserves historic 1874 Arkansas constitutional limits prohibiting public tax funds from directly subsidizing private corporate interests.

Opponents say: Calls it corporate welfare that diverts tax dollars away from local schools/libraries and shifts tax burdens onto everyday residents.

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Issue 4Statutory Bond Act 578

$500M General Obligation Water & Sewer Infrastructure Bonds

10-Second Summary: Authorizes $500 million in state bonds for clean drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and pollution abatement project loans.

What a "FOR" vote means

Pledges state credit to provide low-interest loans and grants to local towns needing costly water plant and sewer upgrades.

Supporters say: Essential for public health and clean water. State AAA credit rating saves local taxpayers millions in borrowing interest.

What an "AGAINST" vote means

Blocks new state bond debt, requiring local water utilities to fund upgrades through direct cash surpluses or local rate increases.

Opponents say: Questions taking on 30-year state debt when Arkansas has massive cash surplus reserves that could fund water projects directly.

Note: Act 578 caps state general obligation bond issuance at $60 Million per 2-year budget period, up to $500 Million total.

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