Arkansas: This weekend hundreds of citizens across the state will be working drive-thru petition signing opportunities organized by CAPES, the ballot referendum group that stands between students and corporate interests. Starting Friday, registered voters can stay in the cool of their car’s air-conditioning while exercising their constitutional right to redress a law. In this case, the law is the LEARNS Act. (To discover an event nearest to you, go to saynotolearns.org and click on “Events.”)

“I grew up in a very politically-active family. CAPES reminds me of how we use to come together for the good of Arkansas, and that there are still a lot of people who can see past the smoke and mirrors and read beyond lines of misinformation,” says Nancy Fancyboy, CAPES’ External Communications Director. CAPES is a volunteer, grassroots organization of Arkansas citizens that includes Republicans, Democrats, and those of other political leanings. They are farmers, educators, pastors, and retirees. It is solely a volunteer, citizens’ group engaging in the democratic process and that believes in the power of citizen participation. The LEARNS Act carries significant implications for the future of education and communities in Arkansas, many of which will be detrimental.

CAPES would like to emphasize that the intent of its efforts is driven by a genuine desire to promote transparency, accountability, and the well-being of Arkansas' students and our public education system. We are wholly committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, so the voices of the People are heard and respected. Let’s get this on the ballot and let the People decide! Regnat Populus!