HB 1040: Removing Vote Line Restrictions

HB 1040 by Representative Andrew Collins

Summary:

This bill, known as "The Water in Line Act of 2025," aims to repeal a provision of Arkansas law that made it a misdemeanor offense to remain within 100 feet of a polling place entrance, even for non-electioneering purposes.

Key Changes:

  • Repeal of 100-foot Restriction: The bill repeals Arkansas Code ยง 7-1-103(a)(24), which prohibited individuals from entering or remaining within 100 feet of the primary entrance to a polling place, except for those entering or leaving for lawful purposes.
  • Impact on Voters and Volunteers: This repeal effectively removes the criminal penalty for actions such as:
    • Volunteers providing water or food to voters waiting in line.
    • Family members accompanying elderly or disabled voters.
    • Children joining their parents in line.
  • Continued Electioneering Prohibition: The bill clarifies that repealing this provision does not affect Arkansas's existing laws prohibiting electioneering within 100 feet of a polling place. Those prohibitions remain in place.

Explain It Like I'm 5

This bill, called "The Water in Line Act of 2025", would change a rule that made it a crime to hang out within 100 feet of a polling place, even if you weren't trying to influence anyone's vote.

Here's the proposed change:

  • No more 100-foot rule: It is illegal to be within 100 feet of where people vote, even if you are just waiting with a friend or giving someone water. This bill gets rid of that rule.
  • Helping voters is okay: It would be totally fine for people to give out water and snacks to voters waiting in line, or for family members to help older or disabled voters.
  • No campaigning near the polls: It would still be illegal to try to campaign or tell people who to vote for near a polling place. That rule doesn't change.
Open Data for all Arkansans

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