Bill > SB299

This bill modifies Arkansas voting laws to require that when an administrator helps a resident of a long-term care or residential care facility vote by absentee ballot, at least one staff member from the facility must be present to witness the process. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the staff member must witness the administrator marking a ballot for the voter without making any comments or providing any interpretation. The bill amends existing Arkansas election code to clarify that an administrator can still deliver the absentee ballot to the county clerk, either in person or by mail, for a voter who has named the administrator on their voter application. The bill also adds language requiring the administrator to understand that a staff member must witness the ballot-marking process, which aims to ensure transparency and reduce potential voter manipulation in long-term care facilities where residents might be more vulnerable.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb299&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R