Bill > HB1706

This bill amends Arkansas election law to explicitly prohibit ranked choice voting (RCV) throughout the state. Specifically, the bill defines ranked choice voting as an election method where voters can rank candidates in order of preference, and ballots are tabulated in multiple rounds by eliminating candidates until one candidate receives a majority of votes. The legislation forbids the use of ranked choice voting for any local, state, or federal elective office in Arkansas, effectively invalidating any existing or future local ordinances that attempt to implement such a voting system. The bill includes a narrow exception for qualified electors voting by absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act or those voting as members of the uniformed services or as citizens residing outside the United States. By adding this new section to Arkansas election law, the bill aims to maintain traditional voting methods and prevent the adoption of ranked choice voting in the state.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1706&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R