LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — State lawmakers approved a measure on Monday (March 20) requiring voters to show a photo ID before voting, sending it to the governor’s desk. A similar law was struck down in 2014.
The House had already approved a previous version, and approved changes from the Senate that allow voters without identification to cast a provisional ballot providing they sign a sworn statement.
The legislature enacted a voter ID law in 2013, but the state Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional. The new bill was aimed at addressing some justices’s demand that the measure needed two-thirds legislative approval.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, which successfully sued to overturn the 2013 law, opposes the new measure. If signed, the law will take effect 90 days after the legislature formally adjourns, which is expected in May.
