LITTLE ROCK, Ark — A federal judge blocked several new Arkansas laws affecting ballot petitions and direct democracy campaigns on Wednesday.

The ruling, issued by Judge Timothy Brooks, clears the way for the group "Protect AR Rights" to begin gathering signatures for next year's election.

Earlier this year, Arkansas lawmakers proposed legislation that they say will make the petition process more secure.

These include, for example, requiring each signer to show a photo ID, requiring canvassers to warn potential signers about petition fraud, requiring canvassers to submit affidavits before any signatures they collect can be counted, and more.

Governor Sanders would sign two of these bills into law in March of 2025.

SB208 requires potential petitioners to present a photo ID so canvass

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