The motion to intervene, which was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, Elias Law Group LLP, and Shults Law Firm LLP on behalf of the two coalitions, asserts that the groups face legal barriers distinct from the plaintiffs in the earlier-filed lawsuit and bring additional claims that underscore the urgent need for relief.
“We’re pleased that the court has granted our motion to intervene,” said John Williams, Legal Director of the ACLU of Arkansas. “This decision ensures that the voices of grassroots groups actively engaged in the ballot initiative process will be fully represented in this case. Our clients are already feeling the impact of these unconstitutional laws, and now they’ll have the opportunity to stand up in court and defend the First Amendment rights of all Arkansans who seek political change through direct democracy.”
Now that this first hurdle has been cleared, members of both the Protect AR Rights and For AR Kids coalitions are thrilled to dig in and pursue their case, as well as a robust plan of community-engagement efforts throughout the state.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to present our case to the courts,” said April Reisma, President of the Arkansas Education Association, which is a member of both BQC coalitions. “This ruling helps to lay out a roadmap on how together we can restore the people’s right to participate fully in our democracy. The ballot measure process is a valuable part of our state's history, and we hope that the court will recognize that and rule in favor of everyday Arkansans.”
Looking ahead Protect AR Rights is planning community outreach to inform and engage our fellow Arkansans, as we work together to protect the ballot initiative process, while creating and sustaining positive changes for our communities.
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Protect AR Rights is a citizen-led coalition dedicated to safeguarding the ballot initiative process in Arkansas. Its members include Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Arkansas Appleseed, Arkansas Citizens First Congress, Arkansas Public Policy Panel, For AR People, the Arkansas State Conference of the NAACP, and Arkansas Education Association. Learn more at www.ProtectARRights.org