Today’s episode of the Arkansas Civic Minute is brought to you by Civic Arkansas, a Winthrop Rockefeller Institute program.
The Arkansas Constitution is almost 200 years old. The document was first ratified in 1836, the same year the Arkansas Territory became the state of Arkansas. Since then, it’s seen 104 amendments. The last changes were in 2024, when amendments about lottery scholarships and casinos were both approved by voters with a simple majority.
It's difficult for a citizen to change the state constitution, but for state lawmakers, it's far easier. Every two years, members of the state House and Senate have the option to approve up to three possible changes to the constitution, but voters still have to say yes to their proposals. In 2022, all three legislative amendments were voted down. Again in 2026, three possible amendments will be on the ballot for voters. One clarifies the right to bear arms, one affirms that only U-S citizens can vote in Arkansas, and the third would allow lawmakers to create economic development districts.
Support for the Arkansas Civic Minute is provided by Civic Arkansas, a Winthrop Rockefeller Institute program. As a nonprofit convenor, the Institute looks to strengthens civic health by putting people first, removing barriers to participation, and supporting community-led solutions for a more connected civic culture. More information at https://rockefellerinstitute.org/programs/civic-arkansas/.