reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 8 - ELECTION CONTESTS (§§ 7-5-801 — 7-5-810) › Section 7-5-806 - Contest of state constitutional executive offices

(a)
All contested general elections of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, and Attorney General, except as provided in this section, shall be decided by the joint vote of both houses of the General Assembly, and in that joint meeting the President of the Senate shall preside.
(b)
If, following any general election, any person contests any election covered by this section, he or she shall present his or her petition to the General Assembly, setting forth the points on which he or she will contest the election and the facts which he or she will prove in support of the points, and he or she shall pray for leave to introduce his or her proofs.
(c)
A vote shall be taken by yeas and nays in each house as to whether the prayers shall be granted.
(d)
If a majority of the whole number of votes of both houses shall be in the affirmative, they shall appoint a joint committee to take testimony on the part of the petitioner and also on the part of the person whose place is contested. The committee shall have power to send for witnesses and to issue warrants under the hand of the chair to any judge or justice of the peace to take the deposition of witnesses at such time and place as the warrant shall direct. The points to which the testimony is to be taken shall be set forth in the warrants.
(e)
Reasonable notice shall be given by the party in whose favor depositions shall be allowed to be taken to the opposite party of the time and place of taking the depositions. The judge or justice shall proceed in all things, in the attendance of witnesses and in taking and certifying the testimony, as is directed in the preceding section.
(f)
The party shall also be allowed to attend the examination of witnesses before the committee and to cross-examine them, but no testimony shall be taken except in relation to the points set forth in the petition.
(g)
The committee shall report the facts to the two (2) houses, and the day shall be fixed by a joint resolution for the meeting of the two (2) houses to decide the contest, on which decision the yeas and nays shall be taken and entered on the journal of each house.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 10, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1009; Acts 1993, No. 512, § 6.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 8 - ELECTION CONTESTS (§§ 7-5-801 — 7-5-810) › Section 7-5-807 - Election illegalities - Complaint - Grand jury investigation - Indictment - Trial

(a)
If ten (10) reputable citizens of any county shall file a complaint with the circuit judge within twenty (20) days after any election alleging that illegal or fraudulent votes were cast, that fraudulent returns or certifications were made, or that the Political Practices Act was violated, the circuit judge, if in his or her opinion there is good ground to believe the charges to be true, shall convene a special term at once unless the regular term is in session or will convene within thirty (30) days.
(b)
If the charges come in a regular term, the judge shall specially charge the grand jury as to them.
(c)
Should a special term be called, it shall in all respects be as if convened by law. The circuit judge shall cause to be summoned grand and petit jurors, either on lists selected by the sheriff or by disinterested persons selected by him or her for that purpose, according to his or her opinion as to the best method to select unbiased jurors.
(d)
Should indictments be returned, either at a special or regular term, for violating the general, primary, or special election laws, the defendants shall be given a speedy trial at the term, and the court may adjourn terms of other courts in order that they may be tried, unless for good cause shown or in the interests of justice a continuance or change of venue is granted. No change of venue shall be granted in such cases except after a hearing and a finding by the court that the defendant cannot obtain a fair and impartial trial in the district of the county where the indictment is pending.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 600,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 10, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1005.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 8 - ELECTION CONTESTS (§§ 7-5-801 — 7-5-810) › Section 7-5-808 - Finding of guilt - Effect

(a)
Should it be proved to the satisfaction of the trial judge, in cases instituted under this subchapter, that a successful candidate has been guilty of violating the Political Practices Act or any of the laws regulating general, primary, or special elections, the circuit court shall enter the finding as a part of the judgment, irrespective of the determination of the issues in other suits filed under this subchapter or the verdict of the jury in a criminal prosecution.
(b)
The judgment to that effect shall operate to deprive the candidate of the nomination, and the vacancy shall be filled in the manner provided by law.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 10, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1006.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 8 - ELECTION CONTESTS (§§ 7-5-801 — 7-5-810) › Section 7-5-809 - Determination of guilt after election - Effect

(a)
Should a proceeding under previous sections of this subchapter or a criminal prosecution under the criminal penalties imposed in this act not be determined finally until after the election, if the defendant in the proceeding is elected to the office or is the nominee of a political party to the office, and if it is determined that he or she was not entitled to be elected or to the nomination or that the judgment contains a finding that he or she violated the Political Practices Act or any of the laws applicable to general, primary, or special elections, then the judgment shall operate as a forfeiture of nomination or ouster from office.
(b)
The vacancy shall be filled as provided by law for filling vacancies in nominations or office in case of death or resignation.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 10, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1007.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 8 - ELECTION CONTESTS (§§ 7-5-801 — 7-5-810) › Section 7-5-810 - Contest of election results - Time for appeal

An appeal to contest the determination of any election in any court of this state must be filed within seven (7) calendar days of the final certification of the election result as announced by a court as authorized by this subchapter, except in instances in which the Arkansas Constitution establishes a time frame for filing an appeal.
Acts 1993, No. 514, § 1; 1997, No. 446, § 37.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 9 - VOTING AND ELECTIONS TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2017 (§§ 7-5-901 — 7-5-906) › Section 7-5-901 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and cited as the "Voting and Elections Transparency Act of 2017".
Added by Act 2017, No. 1014,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 9 - VOTING AND ELECTIONS TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2017 (§§ 7-5-901 — 7-5-906) › Section 7-5-902 - Uncounted votes

(a)
If for any reason a vote, including an absentee vote and a provisional vote, is not counted under this chapter, the county board of election commissioners shall promptly notify the person who cast the vote.
(b)
Notification under subsection (a) of this section shall be written notification and shall state the reason or reasons the vote was not counted.
Added by Act 2017, No. 1014,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 9 - VOTING AND ELECTIONS TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2017 (§§ 7-5-901 — 7-5-906) › Section 7-5-903 - Voter notification

(a)
Except as otherwise provided under federal law and Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, the county clerk shall send written notification to a person when:
(1)
A person registers to vote for the first time;
(2)
The voter registration of a person becomes inactive; and
(3)
A person is removed or purged from a voter registration list.
(b)
If a person is removed or purged from a voter registration list under subdivision (a)(3) of this section, he or she has thirty (30) days to challenge the removal.
Added by Act 2017, No. 1014,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 9 - VOTING AND ELECTIONS TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2017 (§§ 7-5-901 — 7-5-906) › Section 7-5-904 - Election commissioners

(a)
A member of the State Board of Election Commissioners or a county board of election commissioners shall not serve as a poll worker or a poll watcher on behalf of an individual candidate, political party, or ballot initiative.
(b)
A person shall not simultaneously serve on the State Board of Election Commissioners and a county board of election commissioners.
Added by Act 2017, No. 1014,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 9 - VOTING AND ELECTIONS TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2017 (§§ 7-5-901 — 7-5-906) › Section 7-5-905 - Documentation for long-term care or residential care facility residents

(a)
The documentation required to be submitted by a person who is a resident of a long-term care facility or residential care facility licensed by the state under this chapter shall be standardized.
(b)
The Secretary of State's office shall develop, adopt, and make available a standardized form to satisfy the requirements under law concerning the documentation under subsection (a) of this section.
Added by Act 2017, No. 1014,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 5 - ELECTION PROCEDURE GENERALLY (§§ 7-5-101 — 7-5-906) › Subchapter 9 - VOTING AND ELECTIONS TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2017 (§§ 7-5-901 — 7-5-906) › Section 7-5-906 - Provisional and rejected ballot reporting

(a)
A county board of election commissioners shall prepare a report of provisional and rejected ballots cast in the county for each election.
(b)
The report of provisional and rejected ballots cast for each election shall include:
(1)
The total number of:
(A)
Provisional ballots;
(B)
Absentee provisional ballots;
(C)
In-person provisional ballots cast during early voting;
(D)
In-person provisional ballots cast on election day; and
(E)
Rejected ballots;
(2)
The reason each ballot was rejected or provisional;
(3)
The number of provisional ballots counted in the election results;
(4)
The total number of provisional ballots not counted in the election, including:
(A)
The total number of provisional ballots not counted by the reason it was not counted; and
(B)
The total number of provisional ballots not counted by the method the provisional ballot was cast, including if the provisional ballot was:
(i)
An absentee ballot;
(ii)
Cast during early voting; or
(iii)
Cast on election day; and
(5)
The total number of rejected ballots other than provisional ballots, including:
(A)
The total number of rejected ballots by the reason they were rejected; and
(B)
The total number of rejected ballots by the method the rejected ballot was cast, including if the rejected ballot was:
(i)
An absentee ballot;
(ii)
Cast during early voting; or
(iii)
Cast on election day.
(c)
The report of provisional ballots and rejected ballots cast for each election shall be submitted by the county board of election commissioners to the State Board of Election Commissioners within thirty (30) days of every election.
(d)
The county board of election commissioners may, by agreement with the county clerk, transmit the report of provisional and rejected ballots to the county clerk who shall transmit the information to the State Board of Election Commissioners.
(e)
Within sixty (60) days of each election, the State Board of Election Commissioners shall:
(1)
Compile information reported by the county boards of election commissioners under this section; and
(2)
Make the reports publicly available.
Added by Act 2021, No. 1022,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-105) › Section 7-6-101 - Campaign services contract - Right of action

No action shall be brought to charge any person upon any contract, promise, or agreement for any service rendered to or for him or her as a candidate in any election in this state or in aid of his or her campaign for the nomination to any office in this state unless the agreement, promise, or contract, upon which said action shall be brought, or some memorandum or note thereof, shall be made in writing and signed by the party to be charged therewith, or signed by some other person by him or her thereunto properly authorized in writing.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 11, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1101.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-105) › Section 7-6-103 - Campaign participation by judges - Penalty - Definition

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any judge of the district or circuit courts and any Justice of the Supreme Court or Judge of the Court of Appeals to participate in the campaign of any candidate for office at any election, other than his or her own.
(b)
The word "participation", as used in this section, shall mean the managing of another's campaign or any solicitation on his or her behalf.
(c)
Participation shall be deemed to be misfeasance and malfeasance in office and shall subject the judge to impeachment therefor.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 11, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1106; Acts 2005, No. 1994, § 261.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-105) › Section 7-6-104 - Defamatory political broadcasts

Neither the owner, licensee, nor operator of a visual or sound radio broadcasting station or network of stations nor his or her agents or employees shall be liable for any damages for any defamatory statement published or uttered in, or as a part of, a visual or sound broadcast by a candidate for political office in those instances in which, under the acts of Congress or the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, the broadcasting station or network is prohibited from censoring the script of the broadcast.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 11, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1108.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-105) › Section 7-6-105 - Use of sound equipment - Penalty for interference

(a)
When any citizen of Arkansas becomes a candidate in any primary or general election and complies with all the laws pertaining thereto, then the candidate shall be entitled to go into any city, town, municipality, or rural community in Arkansas and operate his or her acoustical or sound equipment between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. notwithstanding any town or city ordinance to the contrary.
(b)
Any person who interferes in any manner with the right granted in this section shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 13, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 3-1301, 3-1302; Acts 2005, No. 1994, § 394.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-202 - Penalties

A person who knowingly fails to comply with this subchapter shall upon conviction be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor unless a different penalty applies under this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 879,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1126,§ 11, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1975, No. 788, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1118; Acts 2005, No. 1994, § 224.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-204 - Restriction on cash contributions or expenditures - Exception

(a)
No campaign contribution in excess of one hundred dollars ($100) or expenditure in excess of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be made or received in cash.
(b)
All contributions or expenditures in behalf of a campaign activity, other than in-kind contributions and expenditures, in excess of the amounts mentioned in subsection (a) of this section shall be made:
(1)
By a written instrument containing the name of the donor and the name of the payee;
(2)
By credit card or debit card where the transaction results in a paper record signed by the cardholder, provided that the paper record contains the following information for the cardholder at the time of making the contribution:
(A)
Valid name;
(B)
Complete address;
(C)
Place of business;
(D)
Employer; and
(E)
Occupation; or
(3)
By transaction that results in an electronic record created or transmitted by the cardholder where a contribution or expenditure is made through the internet, provided that the electronic record contains the following information for the cardholder at the time of making the contribution:
(A)
Valid name;
(B)
Complete address;
(C)
Place of business;
(D)
Employer; and
(E)
Occupation.
(c)
The payment of filing fees may be in cash even though the amount exceeds fifty dollars ($50.00). The candidate shall obtain a receipt for the payment and shall report it as a campaign expenditure.
Acts 1975, No. 788, § 8; 1977, No. 312, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1116; Acts 2011, No. 721, § 5.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-205 - Contributions made indirectly, anonymously, or under assumed names

(a)
No campaign contribution shall be made to a candidate, a political action committee, an independent expenditure committee, an exploratory committee, a county political party committee, or a political party unless such contribution is made directly to the intended recipient. Provided, it shall be permissible to make a contribution to a candidate's campaign committee instead of directly to the candidate.
(b)
No contribution shall be made to or knowingly accepted by a candidate or his or her campaign committee, a political action committee, an independent expenditure committee, an exploratory committee, a county political party committee, or a political party unless the contribution is made in the name by which the person providing the funds for the contribution is identified for legal purposes.
(c)
(1)
No person shall make an anonymous contribution in support of or opposition to a candidate or campaign committee totalling fifty dollars ($50.00) or more in a calendar year.
(2)
An anonymous contribution of fifty dollars ($50.00) or more shall not be kept by the intended recipient but shall be promptly paid by the recipient to the Secretary of State for deposit into the State Treasury as general revenues.
(d)
Whenever any person provides his or her dependent child with funds and the child uses those funds to make a contribution to a candidate, the contribution shall be attributed to such person for purposes of applying the contribution limit pursuant to §
7-6-203(b)
.
(e)
Campaign contributions may not be made by individuals who are not citizens of the United States or by any other entity which is not organized, existing, or created under the laws of the United States or of any state or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and which does not have its principal place of business in the United States.
Acts 1975, No. 788, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1117; Init. Meas. 1990, No. 1, § 4; Acts 1999, No. 553, § 4; 2007, No. 221, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-206 - Records of contributions and expenditures

(a)
A candidate, a political party, or a person acting in the candidate's behalf shall keep records of all contributions and expenditures in a manner sufficient to evidence compliance with §§
7-6-207
-
7-6-210
.
(b)
The records shall be made available to the Arkansas Ethics Commission and the prosecuting attorney in the district in which the candidate resides, who are delegated the responsibility of enforcing this subchapter, and shall be maintained for a period of four (4) years.
Acts 1975, No. 788, § 5; 1977, No. 312, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1113; Acts 1999, No. 553, § 5; 2007, No. 221, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-210 - Reports of contributions - Personal loans

(a)
(1)
The transfer of a candidate's own personal funds to his or her campaign shall be reported as either a loan from the candidate to his or her campaign or a contribution from the candidate to his or her campaign.
(2)
In the event the transfer of such funds is reported as a loan from the candidate to his or her campaign, the campaign funds may be used to repay the candidate for the funds loaned by the candidate to his or her campaign.
(3)
In the event the transfer of the funds is reported as a contribution from the candidate to his or her campaign, the campaign funds may not be used to reimburse the candidate for the funds contributed by the candidate to his or her campaign.
(b)
(1)
A personal loan made to a candidate by a financial institution that is applied toward a candidate's campaign shall be reported as a loan from the candidate to his or her campaign.
(2)
The name of the financial institution, the amount of the loan, and the name of the guarantor, if any, also shall be reported.
Acts 1975, No. 788, § 3; 1977, No. 312, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1111; Acts 1987, No. 246, § 2; 2009, No. 1204, § 6.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-213 - Verification of reports

All reports required to be filed by the provisions of this subchapter shall be verified by affidavit by the candidate or a person acting in the candidate's behalf stating that to the best of his or her knowledge and belief the information so disclosed is a complete, true, and accurate financial statement of the candidate's campaign contributions or expenditures.
Acts 1975, No. 788, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1114.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-214 - Publication of reports

(a)
(1)
Upon proper filing, the information required in §§
7-6-203
,
7-6-207
-
7-6-210
,
7-6-215
,
7-6-216
, and
7-6-220
shall constitute a public record and shall be available within twenty-four (24) hours of the reporting deadline to all interested persons and the news media.
(2)
The Secretary of State is the official custodian of the records that are required to be:
(A)
Filed with the Secretary of State; and
(B)
Maintained under §§
7-6-203
,
7-6-207
-
7-6-210
,
7-6-215
,
7-6-216
, and
7-6-220
.
(b)
(1)
The Secretary of State shall post on his or her official website reports of contributions required under §§
7-6-203
,
7-6-207
-
7-6-210
,
7-6-215
,
7-6-216
, and
7-6-220
.
(2)
The official website of the Secretary of State shall allow for searches of campaign contribution and expenditure report information required to be filed in electronic form under §
7-6-207(d)(1)(C)(i)
.
(c)
(1)
The Secretary of State shall maintain a list of all reports required under §§
7-6-203
,
7-6-207
-
7-6-210
,
7-6-215
,
7-6-216
, and
7-6-220
not filed in electronic form.
(2)
The list shall include:
(A)
The name of the person filing the report;
(B)
The type of report filed;
(C)
The date the report was filed; and
(D)
The designation "paper filer".
(3)
The list shall be posted on the official website of the Secretary of State.
(4)
The list shall be organized by calendar year and updated at least monthly on a schedule to be determined by the Secretary of State.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 1039,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 616,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2018.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 318,§ 4, eff. 10/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 999,§ 2, eff. 4/2/2015.
Acts 1975, No. 788, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-1115; 2001, No. 564, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-219 - Retiring a campaign debt

(a)
(1)
Any person who was a candidate and has a campaign debt from an election that has ended may solicit funds and hold fundraisers to retire the campaign debt.
(2)
The contributions received shall be treated as campaign contributions to the person's previous campaign, and all campaign contribution limits shall continue to apply.
(b)
Contributors shall be given notice that the campaign contributions are for the purpose of retiring a campaign debt. Any invitation to or notice of a fundraiser to retire a campaign debt of a previous campaign shall state that the funds are to retire a campaign debt.
(c)
A person shall file a campaign contribution and expenditure report concerning a campaign debt if, since the last report concerning the debt, the person has received cumulative contributions in excess of five hundred dollars ($500). The report shall be filed not later than fifteen (15) days after a calendar quarter in which a report becomes required. No report is required in any calendar quarter in which the cumulative contribution or cumulative expenditure limit has not been exceeded since the person's last report.
Acts 1993, No. 1209, § 1; 1997, No. 139, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-222 - Tax credits for certain individual political contributions

(a)
Pursuant to rules to be adopted by the Department of Finance and Administration, a credit against individual Arkansas income taxes shall be allowed for money contributions made by the taxpayer in a taxable year to one (1) or more of the following:
(1)
A candidate seeking nomination or election to a public office at an election or to the candidate's campaign committee;
(2)
An approved political action committee as defined in §
7-6-201
; or
(3)
An organized political party as defined in §
7-1-101
.
(b)
The credit allowed by subsection (a) of this section shall be the aggregate contributions, not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00), on an individual tax return, or the aggregate contributions, not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100), on a joint return.
(c)
Credits for contributions qualifying under this section and made prior to April 15 in a calendar year may be applied to the return filed for the previous taxable year.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 421, eff. 7/24/2019.
Init. Meas. 1996, No. 1, § 10; Acts 1999, No. 1446, § 1; 2003, No. 774, § 1; 2005, No. 1284, § 7; 2007, No. 221, § 11.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-223 - Reports of contributions by political parties

(a)
Within fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter, each political party that meets the definition of political party stated in §
7-1-101
or that has met the petition requirements of §
7-7-205
shall file a quarterly report with the Secretary of State.
(b)
The report shall include:
(1)
The total amount of contributions received by the political party during the preceding calendar quarter;
(2)
An itemization, including the name, address, employer, and occupation of each person who made a contribution or contributions to the political party which, in the aggregate, exceeded two hundred dollars ($200) in the preceding calendar quarter, as well as the amount received and date of receipt;
(3)
The total amount of money disbursed by the political party during the preceding calendar quarter; and
(4)
An itemization, including the amount of the disbursement, the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made, and the date the disbursement was made for each single disbursement that exceeded one hundred dollars ($100).
(c)
If a political party received contributions and disbursed money before the calendar quarter in which it met the petition requirements of §
7-7-205
, the first quarterly report shall also include all information required by subsection (b) of this section which occurred before the quarter in which the political party met the petition requirements of §
7-7-205
.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 753,§ 11, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 382,§ 6, eff. 8/16/2013.
Init. Meas. 1996, No. 1, § 11; Acts 2003, No. 1730, § 1; 2005, No. 1284, § 8; 2009, No. 473, § 7.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-224 - Authority of local jurisdictions

(a)
Municipalities, counties, and townships may establish reasonable limitations on:
(1)
Time periods that candidates for local office shall be allowed to solicit contributions;
(2)
Limits on contributions to local candidates at amounts lower than those set by state law; and
(3)
Voluntary campaign expenditure limits for candidates seeking election to their respective governing bodies.
(b)
Enforcement of any limitation established under subsection (a) of this section is the responsibility of the municipality, county, or township establishing the limitation.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 240,§ 6, eff. 7/24/2019.
Init. Meas. 1996, No. 1, § 12.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-225 - Filing deadlines

Whenever a report becomes due on a day which is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the report shall be due the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
Acts 1999, No. 553, § 23; 2001, No. 1839, § 16.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-228 - Campaign signs and materials

(a)
A candidate may retain campaign signs, campaign literature, and other printed campaign materials that:
(1)
Were purchased by the campaign;
(2)
Were reported on the appropriate contribution and expenditure report for the campaign at the time of the purchase; and
(3)
Are retained for use in a future campaign by the same candidate.
(b)
A candidate:
(1)
May reuse the campaign signs, campaign literature, and other printed campaign materials under subsection (a) of this section in future campaigns; and
(2)
Is not required to list the campaign signs, campaign literature, and other printed campaign materials under subsection (a) of this section in future reports filed under this subchapter.
(c)
(1)
(A)
Campaign signs, campaign literature, and other printed campaign materials shall clearly contain the words "Paid for by" followed by the name of the candidate, committee, or person who paid for the campaign sign, campaign literature, or other printed campaign materials.
(B)
The candidate printing the campaign sign, campaign literature, or other printed campaign materials shall be responsible for including the language required by subdivision (c)(1)(A) of this section.
(C)
When the printed campaign material is a two-sided sign, the "Paid for by" language required by this subsection shall appear on both sides of the sign.
(2)
Subdivision (c)(1)(A) of this section applies only to campaign signs, campaign literature, and other printed campaign materials created by or sponsored by a political candidate, the campaign of a political candidate, a political action committee, or an independent expenditure committee.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 307,§ 7, eff. 11/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 755,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 1058,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 787,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2015, No. 1280,§ 10, eff. 4/8/2015.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-229 - Amendment of reports - Affirmative defense

(a)
It is an affirmative defense to prosecution or disciplinary action if a person required to file a report under this subchapter amends the report within thirty (30) days of discovering or learning of an unintentional error in the report.
(b)
(1)
The Arkansas Ethics Commission shall not proceed with an investigation of an alleged error in a report filed under this subchapter if the commission determines that a person would be eligible to raise the affirmative defense under subsection (a) of this section.
(2)
If the commission does not proceed with an investigation of an alleged error in a report under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the person shall not be considered to have committed a violation of the applicable statute.
(c)
This section shall not be construed to:
(1)
Remove the duty to file a report under this subchapter; or
(2)
Authorize a person to knowingly fail to file a report under this subchapter.
Added by Act 2015, No. 1280,§ 10, eff. 4/8/2015.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-232 - Delinquent reports

(a)
The Arkansas Ethics Commission shall review the timeliness of reports filed with the Secretary of State by all candidates for state or district office pursuant to §
7-6-207
.
(b)
(1)
If a candidate for state or district office has failed to file a required report, the commission shall notify the candidate in writing that the report is delinquent and request that the report be filed within thirty (30) days of the report's original due date.
(2)
The notice under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be sent by regular mail to the candidate.
(c)
(1)
The third and subsequent time during an election cycle that a candidate is sent written notice of a delinquent report and fails to file the report within thirty (30) days of the report's original due date, the commission shall bring a complaint against the candidate and, if a violation is found, impose a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) unless good cause be shown for the violation.
(2)
In addition to imposing a fine, the commission shall also be authorized to take one (1) or more of the following actions:
(A)
Issue a public letter of caution, warning, or reprimand;
(B)
Order the candidate to file one (1) or more reports; or
(C)
Report the matter and make recommendations to proper law enforcement authorities.
(d)
The commission shall promulgate rules to implement and administer this section.
Added by Act 2023, No. 753,§ 13, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 6 - CAMPAIGN PRACTICES (§§ 7-6-101 — 7-6-233) › Subchapter 2 - CAMPAIGN FINANCING (§§ 7-6-201 — 7-6-233) › Section 7-6-233 - Preparation of reporting calendar

(a)
The Arkansas Ethics Commission shall issue one (1) or more reporting calendars for use by candidates to identify when reports and other necessary filings are due in a calendar year.
(b)
The commission shall issue the reporting calendar for a calendar year no later than the December 31 preceding the year of the reporting calendar.
(c)
The commission shall prepare reporting calendars as it deems necessary for candidates for office, including without limitation candidates for state, county, municipal, district, or school elections.
Added by Act 2023, No. 753,§ 13, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 7 - NOMINATIONS AND PRIMARY ELECTIONS (§§ 7-7-101 — 7-7-501) › Subchapter 1 - METHODS OF NOMINATION (§§ 7-7-101 — 7-7-106) › Section 7-7-101 - Selection of nominees

The name of no person shall be printed on the ballot in any general or special election in this state as a candidate for election to any office unless the person shall have been certified as a nominee selected pursuant to this subchapter.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 1, § 5; 1971, No. 261, § 3; 1972 (Ex. Sess.), No. 42, § 1; 1975, No. 700, § 1; 1977, No. 731, § 1; 1981, No. 960, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-105.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 7 - NOMINATIONS AND PRIMARY ELECTIONS (§§ 7-7-101 — 7-7-501) › Subchapter 1 - METHODS OF NOMINATION (§§ 7-7-101 — 7-7-106) › Section 7-7-102 - Party nominees certified at primary election

(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, nominees of any political party for United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, or state, district, county, township, or applicable municipal office to be voted upon at a general election shall be certified as having received a majority of the votes cast for the office, or as an unopposed candidate, at a primary election held by the political party in the manner provided by law.
(b)
A new political party established by petition shall nominate any candidate by convention for the first general election after certification of a sufficient petition.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 1, § 5; 1971, No. 261, § 3; 1972 (Ex. Sess.), No. 42, § 1; 1975, No. 700, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-105; Acts 2009, No. 959, § 34; 2011, No. 1036, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 7 - NOMINATIONS AND PRIMARY ELECTIONS (§§ 7-7-101 — 7-7-501) › Subchapter 1 - METHODS OF NOMINATION (§§ 7-7-101 — 7-7-106) › Section 7-7-106 - Filling vacancies in candidacy for nomination - Preferential primary

(a)
A political party may fill a vacancy if:
(1)
A person is running unopposed in a preferential primary and cannot accept the nomination due to death; or
(2)
A person is running unopposed in a preferential primary and notifies the party that he or she will not accept the nomination due to a serious illness.
(b)
The vacancy shall be filled in accordance with respective political party rules.
(c)
If the vacancy is filled more than sixty-six (66) days before the preferential primary election, the name of the person filling the vacancy shall be printed on the ballot instead of the name of the person who vacated the candidacy.
(d)
If the vacancy is filled less than sixty-six (66) days before the date of the preferential primary election, the name of the person subsequently elected to fill the vacancy in candidacy shall be declared the nominee even if the name of the person who vacated the candidacy appears on the preferential primary ballot.
(e)
If the vacancy in candidacy is not filled before the date of the preferential primary election, a vacancy in nomination shall be deemed to exist on the date of the preferential primary election and the vacancy in nomination shall be filled under §
7-7-104
.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 648,§ 6, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1126,§ 13, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2001, No. 1772, § 1; 2007, No. 1049, § 24.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 7 - NOMINATIONS AND PRIMARY ELECTIONS (§§ 7-7-101 — 7-7-501) › Subchapter 2 - PRIMARY ELECTIONS GENERALLY (§§ 7-7-201 — 7-7-205) › Section 7-7-201 - Law governing primary elections

(a)
The cost of political party primaries shall be borne by the State of Arkansas and shall be paid from an appropriation made to the State Board of Election Commissioners for that purpose.
(b)
(1)
Within each county, the political party primary elections shall be conducted by the county board of election commissioners.
(2)
The State Board of Election Commissioners shall have authority to adopt rules for the administration of primary elections consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
(3)
The State Board of Election Commissioners may withhold reimbursement of funds to the counties for state-funded elections for failure to comply with the rules developed by the State Board of Election Commissioners for the administration of primary elections or applicable state election laws until all requirements are met to the satisfaction of the State Board of Election Commissioners.
(4)
Each political party shall be responsible for determining the qualifications of candidates seeking nomination by the political party, provide necessary applications for candidacy, accept and process the applications, and determine the order of its ballot.
(c)
All political party primary elections shall be conducted in conformity with the provisions of this act, and these elections are declared to be legal elections.
(d)
In cases of circumstances or procedures which may arise in connection with any primary election for which there is no provision of this act governing the circumstances or procedures, they shall be governed by the general election laws of this state or by party rules if there is no applicable general election law.
(e)
The State Board of Election Commissioners shall not take or accept any funding, grants, or gifts from any source other than from:
(1)
A city or incorporated town;
(2)
The governing authority of the county;
(3)
The State of Arkansas; or
(4)
The United States Government.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 961,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 1, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-107; Acts 1995, No. 901, § 2; 2001, No. 1175, § 1; 2007, No. 987, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 7 - NOMINATIONS AND PRIMARY ELECTIONS (§§ 7-7-101 — 7-7-501) › Subchapter 2 - PRIMARY ELECTIONS GENERALLY (§§ 7-7-201 — 7-7-205) › Section 7-7-202 - Preferential and general primaries - When required - Common polling places

(a)
Whenever any political party shall select by primary election party nominees as candidates at any general election for any United States, state, district, county, township, or municipal office, there shall be held a preferential primary election and a general primary election, if required, on the respective dates provided in §
7-7-203(a) and (b)
.
(b)
A general primary election for a political party shall not be held if there are no races in which three (3) or more candidates qualify for the same office or position as provided in subsection (c) of this section unless a general primary election is necessary to break a tie vote for the same office or position at the preferential primary.
(c)
If there are no races in which three (3) or more candidates qualify for the same office or position, only the preferential primary election shall be held for the political party. If all nominations have been determined at the preferential primary election or by withdrawal of candidates as provided in §
7-7-304(a) and (b)
, the general primary election shall not be held.
(d)
The county board of election commissioners shall establish common polling places for the joint conduct of the primary elections of all political parties.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 1, §§ 8, 10; 1971, No. 261, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 3-108, 3-110; Acts 1995, No. 901, § 3; 2005, No. 67, § 17; 2009, No. 959, § 35.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 7 - NOMINATIONS AND PRIMARY ELECTIONS (§§ 7-7-101 — 7-7-501) › Subchapter 2 - PRIMARY ELECTIONS GENERALLY (§§ 7-7-201 — 7-7-205) › Section 7-7-204 - Candidacy for multiple nominations prohibited

(a)
A person who files as a candidate for nomination by a political party shall not be eligible to:
(1)
Be the nominee of any other political party for the same office during the primary election or the following general or special election; or
(2)
Be an independent candidate for the same office at the general or special election.
(b)
A person who is certified as an independent candidate shall not be eligible to be the nominee of any political party for the same office at the same general or special election.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 305,§ 11, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 305,§ 10, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 1997, No. 343, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 7 - ELECTIONS (§§ 7-1-101 — 7-11-303) › Chapter 7 - NOMINATIONS AND PRIMARY ELECTIONS (§§ 7-7-101 — 7-7-501) › Subchapter 3 - CONDUCT OF PRIMARY (§§ 7-7-301 — 7-7-313) › Section 7-7-301 - Party pledges, affidavits of eligibility, and party filing fees

(a)
A political party may impose a filing fee for candidates seeking nomination by that party. The filing fee for county, municipal, and township offices shall be fixed by the county committee, as authorized by the state executive committee. For all other races, the filing fee shall be established by the state executive committee. On or before noon of the last day of the political party filing period, all candidates at primary elections of political parties shall file an affidavit of eligibility and any pledge required by such party and shall pay the party filing fees required by the party, as follows:
(1)
Candidates for United States Senator, for United States Representative, and for all state offices shall file the pledge and the affidavit of eligibility and pay the party filing fees with the secretary of the state committee of the political party or his or her designated agent;
(2)
Candidates for district offices, including, but not limited to, the offices of State Representative and State Senator, shall file the pledge and affidavit of eligibility with the secretary of the state committee of the political party or his or her designated agent and pay the party filing fees with the secretary of the state committee of the political party or his or her designated agent; and
(3)
All candidates for county, municipal, and township offices, candidates for county committee member, and delegates to the county convention shall file the pledge and the affidavit of eligibility and pay the party filing fees with the secretary of the county committee of the political party.
(b)
The county clerk shall not accept for filing the political practices pledge of any candidate for nomination by a political party to any county, township, or partisan municipal office, nor shall the Secretary of State accept for filing the political practices pledge of any candidate for nomination by a political party to any state or district office, unless the candidate first files a party certificate.
(c)
Any candidate who shall fail to file the party pledge and affidavit of eligibility and pay the party filing fee at the time and in the manner as provided in this section shall not receive a party certificate and shall not have his or her name printed on the ballot at any primary election.
(d)
The names of candidates who file with the state committee as provided in this section shall be certified to the various county committees and the various county boards of election commissioners in the manner and at the time provided in §
7-7-203
.
Acts 1969, No. 465, Art. 1, § 9; 1977, No. 169, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 3-109; Acts 1995, No. 901, § 5; 1997, No. 886, § 5; 2003, No. 1731, § 5; 2009, No. 1480, § 43.