Arkansas Supreme Court Blocks Abortion Rights Initiative from November Ballot

Aug 22, 2024, 06:15 PM

The Arkansas Supreme Court has upheld the state's decision to reject signature petitions for an abortion rights ballot initiative, effectively preventing the measure from appearing on the November ballot. The court's decision was based on the failure of the initiative's organizers to submit the necessary paperwork, including issues related to the certification of paid signature gatherers. Petitioners claimed they collected over 10,000 signatures more than required, but a court-mandated count found they fell 3,000 short. The ruling, decided by a 4/3 vote, supports the stance of Attorney General Tim Griffin, who argued that the proper procedures were not followed. This decision is a significant setback for abortion rights advocates in Arkansas, where there is currently a total ban on abortion.