HB1753 is an extreme and unconstitutional attempt to gut voter registration access in Arkansas by opting the state out of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) — a federal law that has protected and expanded voter registration for more than 30 years. This bill would severely limit voter registration opportunities, making it harder for Arkansans to register and stay registered to vote.
HB1753 would:
- Eliminate automatic and streamlined voter registration at the DMV and other state agencies, forcing individuals to take extra steps to register.
- Remove requirements for public assistance agencies, disability agencies, libraries, and the National Guard to provide voter registration opportunities.
- Undermine federal protections that allow voters to update their registrations when they move.
- Increase confusion and administrative burdens on election officials and voters, creating barriers instead of solutions.
This bill is a direct attack on voting rights. The NVRA was designed to increase voter participation and ensure fair access to the ballot, particularly for low-income voters, people with disabilities, and other historically disenfranchised communities. Arkansas cannot simply opt out of federal law, and any attempt to do so would face immediate legal challenges.
The ACLU of Arkansas strongly opposes HB1753 because it creates unnecessary obstacles to voter registration, threatens democracy, and violates federal law. Instead of suppressing voters, Arkansas should be working to expand access to free and fair elections.
We urge lawmakers to reject this blatant attack on voting rights.
