upporters of proposed ballot initiatives targeting abortion, education and government transparency are making a final push to collect signatures ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Petitioners are gathering last-minute signatures at community Fourth of July events around the state and at a drive-though event at the Arkansas Capitol from 12 to 6 p.m. today.
Groups must submit 90,704 signatures for constitutional amendments and 72,563 signatures for initiated acts gathered from at least 50 counties to the Secretary of State’s office to qualify for the November ballot.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin approved the ballot titles of nine proposals. Secretary of State spokesman Chris Powell said they anticipate receiving seven, and the most they’ve dealt with in recent years is four.
In preparation for receiving thousands of petitions by 5 p.m. Friday, Powell said the secretary of state’s office is hiring 90 temporary workers to assist with signature verification and are setting up shop in the Capitol.
Sponsors will be given more time to submit additional signatures if the initial submission contains valid signatures from registered voters equal to at least 75% of the overall required number of signatures and 75% of the required number from at least 50 counties, Powell said.
