FORT SMITH, Ark. – A ruling in the Western District of Arkansas federal court on Friday permanently blocked laws passed in 2025 placing restrictions on signature gathering for ballot initiatives.
The suit was brought by the League of Women Voters of Arkansas, Save AR Democracy, Bonnie Heather Miller, Danielle Quesnell, Lee Evans and Amy Cruz. Protect AR Rights and For AR Kids later joined the suit as Intervenors.
Federal judge blocks new Arkansas voter petition laws, cites First Amendment
The suit named Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester as a defendant.
Chief United States District Judge Timothy L. Brooks cited the First Amendment in his ruling…