HB 1038 by Representative A. Collins: The No-Excuse Absentee Voting Act of 2025

This bill would alter absentee voting procedures in Arkansas by: 1) eliminating the requirement for voters to provide an excuse to vote absentee, 2) implementing automatic absentee ballot mailing for one year, 3) simplifying absentee ballot request form.

Key Changes:

Universal No-Excuse Absentee Voting:

• Removes the limitations that restrict absentee voting to individuals who were unavoidably absent, ill or disabled, or observing religious practices.
• Establishes universal absentee voting: Any eligible voter may cast an absentee ballot in any election, regardless of the reason.

Applications Valid for 1 Year:

• Application validity: Stipulates that these absentee ballot applications remain in effect for one calendar year unless withdrawn by the voter.

Absentee Ballot Application Revisions:

• Removes excuse requirement: Eliminates the need for voters to indicate a specific reason for requesting an absentee ballot on the application form.
• Maintains other application requirements: Retains provisions such as the penalty of perjury statement and information regarding voter assistance.