Fort Smith, ARK – A new bill filed in Arkansas aims to make absentee voting more accessible for the state’s senior citizens. Representative David Whitaker, who represents part of Washington County, introduced HB1064 on December 11, 2023, in an effort to streamline voting for individuals aged 65 and older.
Under current Arkansas law, absentee voting is only allowed under certain conditions, including being unavoidably absent on Election Day, being physically unable to vote due to illness or disability, or observing religious practices that prevent one from voting in person. The new legislation, however, seeks to expand eligibility by allowing any voter aged 65 or older to cast an absentee ballot, regardless of their reason for being unable to attend the polls.
If the bill passes, it would bring about several changes to the absentee voting process for seniors. First, absentee ballot applications would remain valid for an entire calendar year, rather than needing to be renewed for each election. In addition, county clerks would be required to automatically mail ballots to registered voters over 65 who have applied for absentee voting at least 25 days before an election.
The bill is designed to reduce barriers to voting for older residents, many of whom face challenges such as mobility issues, transportation difficulties, or other health-related concerns that make it harder to go to polling places in person.
Rep. Whitaker has emphasized the importance of making voting more accessible for senior citizens, noting that the proposed changes would help ensure that older Arkansans have an easier, more reliable way to participate in elections.
“Older voters are an important and growing part of our electorate, and we need to make sure their voices are heard,” Whitaker said in a statement following the bill’s introduction. “This bill helps ensure that seniors can exercise their right to vote, without unnecessary obstacles.”
The legislation is set to be discussed during the Arkansas legislative session beginning January 13, 2025. If passed, HB1064 could significantly reshape the way Arkansas facilitates absentee voting for seniors, potentially setting a precedent for other states seeking to improve access to the ballot box for older citizens.