Arkansas House Bill 1036 by Representative Andrew Collins proposes several amendments to voter registration laws under the Arkansas Constitution (Amendment 51), focusing on allowing voter registration during early voting and on Election Day. The key provisions include:

Same-Day Registration:

• Early Voting: Allows individuals to register to vote in person at early voting locations within their county.
• Election Day: Permits voter registration or updates to voter registration at polling sites or vote centers on Election Day.

Procedural Updates for Same-Day Registration:

• Individuals must sign an affidavit affirming their eligibility to vote under penalty of perjury.
• Election officials are required to verify the voter's eligibility and update the voter registration database to prevent duplicate voting.
• Provisional ballots will be provided if verification cannot be completed immediately. These ballots can be validated by submitting required documentation by the following Monday.

Deadlines for Voter Registration Applications:

• State agencies accepting voter registration applications must transmit them within 10 days (or 5 days if close to the election deadline).
• The bill removes the requirement for voter registration to close 30 days before an election, allowing continuous registration.

Updates to Address and Name Changes:

• Voters can update their voter registration information, including address or name changes, at polling sites during early voting or on Election Day.

Role of Third-Party Registration Drives:

• Third-party voter registration organizations must deliver completed applications within 21 days of the application date or by the voter registration deadline, whichever comes first.

Poll Worker Duties:

• Poll workers must assist voters in completing updated voter registration forms when necessary and verify the accuracy of voter records.

Provisional Ballot Procedures:

• Provisional ballots cast due to registration issues can be counted if required documentation is provided by the specified deadline.

Impact:

This bill modernizes voter registration processes by enabling more flexible and accessible options for registration, especially during high-turnout periods like early voting and Election Day. It also enhances recordkeeping and security measures to ensure that voters do not cast multiple ballots.