Arkansas

2010

Signature Deadline in 2010: July 2, 2010
Number of Signatures Needed to Qualify: 61,974 (statutory initiative); 77,468 (constitutional amendment)
Gubernatorial Election in 2010: Beebe (D)
US Senate Election in 2010: Lincoln (D)

 

The so-called Save Our Secret Ballot campaign (SOS), a multi-state ballot initiative and referenda campaign, based in Las Vegas, that is organizing for the 2010 election, filed a ballot initiative which would prohibit employees from forming a union through majority sign-up and enable corporate intimidation of workers.

The so-called Save Our Secret Ballot campaign (SOS), a multi-state ballot initiative and referenda campaign, based in Las Vegas, that is organizing for the 2010 election, filed a ballot initiative which would prohibit employees from forming a union through majority sign-up and enable corporate intimidation of workers.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel rejected two different versions of the proposed constitutional amendment, saying that the confusing language of the ballot measure makes it unclear what effect, if any, the measure’s adoption would have on existing state law.

McDaniel’s said, “The fundamental right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is thus already enshrined in the constitution.”

SOS Ballot proponents have been trying to spread the lie that the Employee Free Choice Act would “eliminate” the secret ballot in labor elections. The truth is the Employee Free Choice Act absolutely protects workers right to choose a secret ballot in union elections. The choice would be for workers, not their bosses, to decide how to form a union. The SOS Ballot initiative seeks to prevent workers from having the freedom to choose a secret ballot or majority sign up without corporate intimidation. Even the Wall Street Journal acknowledged recently that "The bill doesn't remove the secret-ballot option from the National Labor Relations Act."

"I should note that both the proposed measure and the proposed ballot title are wholly unclear as to any impact the measure will have on matters regarding labor issues," McDaniel wrote. "In all frankness, one could reasonably conclude that the proponents of this measure intended as such." For more, please click here.

State Senator Gilbert Baker, a SOS Ballot National Advisory Board member has said his group will rework its proposal before it is approved to circulate signature petitions.

A measure to extend term limits for local officials and another one to legalize casino gambling are currently circulating signature petitions.

The legislature has referred two constitutional amendments to the 2010 ballot, one which creates a constitutional right to hunt and another which repeals a constitutional amendment and allows for the legislature to regulate financial limitations on bonds.

2008

For more 2008 election information, click here.

 

For additional information please check with the Arkansas Secretary of State: http://www.sosweb.state.ar.us/