Thread by @OnARWatch1

We are posted up at the state board of election commissioner's meeting (just a few moments late - new building!). The room is small - maybe 12 chairs - but it's standing room only. Internet is a bit spotty, but we'll do our best.

As a reminder, this is regarding the new rule required "wet" signatures instead of electronic signatures on voter registration. @GetLoudArkansas was using electronic signatures on voter registration, making it easier to register hard-to-reach voters.

@GetLoudArkansas Rep. from Terri Hollingsworth, Pulaski County clerk, speaking against the ban on e-signatures.

He notes that it's extremely difficult to tell the difference between wet and e-signatures in copies/faxes etc.

Uniformity across counties to accept e-signatures would actually help all clerks receive and process voter registration forms and standardize across the state.

He also points out only the signature is required to be wet under this new rule; everything else can be electronically filled out. The rule "is creating law, not applying any kind of consistency?"

He asks: Does the rule apply to newly registered voters only, or anyone who has to change their registration information?

Finally, he points out that the clerk's office uses other e-signatures all the time - from DMV, from other gov. forms, etc - to compare signatures.

Great look into the practicalities of these kinds of restrictive rules. Often, restrictive rules like this actually INCREASE size of government and make it less efficient, which is something Sanders' admin claims to want to reduce.

Clerk's rep closes: speaks against the rule because it increases confusion across the state, would make gov. less efficient, and says we should join the 40+ states that allow e-signatures.

Ms. Evans up next: she has a lot of experience with people making marks when completing legal documents (often used with disabled folks or elderly folks who can't hold a pen for whatever reason)

Notes that electronic signatures are a godsend to these folks - they can make a signature once, upload it, and they're good to go for years. Makes signing legal documents much easier. She asks for a good rationale for singling out this one use of wet signatures.

Terri Patrick up with a question (Board will prepare responses to all these questions later). She asks what data the board is using to compare to states that do allow e-sigs vs. the minority of states that don't in terms of rate of voter fraud?

Points out that high rates of voter fraud would qualify for an "emergency" rule, but without that data an emergency wouldn't exist.

Renee DeLapp: works in healthcare, notes that end of life legal documents used e-sigs. "no rationale other than controlling people's ability to access democracy."

"The more open and fluid way we can offer people voices that can be constructive and participatory will result...

... in best outcome. The stream of justice against this disenfranchises women, people of color. This is gotcha democracy. It is inequitable, unjustifiable."

References Sarah Sanders' statement this morning that abortion amendment sponsors were "immoral and incompetent" as an unacceptable statement, anti-democratic.

Kathleen Beattie: speaking from a background in software dev. Industry folks who do forms would be appalled that in 2024 we're still using paper applications on voter registration. Automation should have solved this.

She makes the practical argument: this would be in fact more accurate, less expensive, and far more efficient to allow e-sigs.

Jacob Fluhartie: creates significant barriers to voting for rural Arkansans. 41% live in rural areas, and most of those live further than 10 mi. from an in-person registration location. Rule disproportionately affects those folks, who often lack access to reliable transpo.

Notes AR already requires presentation of ID before you vote, so this is pretty redundant. Again points out e-signatures are used throughout legal documentation - he just signed online to start a business just a few days ago.

Quotes Ark Constitution: elections shall be free and equal, and this rule prevents that. Policies should be directed toward increasing turnout and civic participation. This rule does the opposite.

No one has yet spoken *for* the rule, FYI.

Deborah Halbert (sp?): Ark ranks last in voter participation, which should be embarrassing to the state. We should live up to the state motto, "The People Rule." Benefits of online registration are measurable.

It's cheaper, it pays for itself quickly. Costs can fall by as much as 95% per voter.

Increases registration rates.

Increased both voter and election official satisfaction - quite literally easier for everyone (except those in power who don't want you to vote!)

Online systems effectively protect folks' info. No state has recorded security breaches of online registration systems.

It's a win-win system. Benefits budgets, voting participation, and efficiency. "This should be a no-brainer."

Gary Wheeler: speaking on behalf of kids as a retired pediatrician. He studied "Adverse Childhood Experiences" (ACEs) and their dramatic impacts on growth and development of kids.

Racism has been added to the list of ACEs. This rule would be interpreted in net effect as demeaning to kids of color growing up here who already do not participate in democratic process at higher rates.

Sees no difference between this and Jim Crow.

Johanna Rahman: also a physician, notes that logic and reason aren't always effective in these kinds of situations. "You guys aren't listening. We're quibbling about ink on the cusp of generative AI." Disenfranchising all sorts of people without providing good explanation.

Hypocrisy is visible and citizens are tired of it. "What do you think your grandkids will say someday?"

Absolutely going for the jugular there.

"We come into these rooms in good faith with logical arguments. But it's time to take kid gloves off because other side operates...

... in bad faith. We too fear for our democracy. We dissent. This is not okay. We're not going anywhere."

Big applause.

Rodney Govens (sp?): Voting is an American right. We shouldn't make this hard, shouldn't disenfranchise people. Rural communities have fewer polling stations, registration stations aren't open past business hours, the goalposts keep getting moved.

Notes that the "security" thing is an excuse. Web security was good when he was in college 20 years ago.

"I'm part of a community that's been targeted, and I'm tired of it. Can we just apply some common sense?"

Christian Adcock: voting rights specialist with Disability Rights Arkansas. Wants to focus on issues that affect his community. Pen and paper is very hard for tons of disabled folks. Transportation issues, signature differences for folks who acquire disabilities.

Disabled folks are everywhere and need accommodation. This removes their ability to participate in democratic process entirely.

"Electronics isn't the future. Electronics is 20 years PAST."

Mary Heller (sp?): has already sent a letter in, but she's tired of being ranked last in everything. South Dakota's voter registration went up FIVE HUNDRED PERCENT when they went to online registration.

Missed name, but former election commissioner from small rural community: We can't make it more difficult for folks to vote. This doesn't make anything easier for folks who actually do this work. Thanks everyone for speaking up for folks who can't be here.

Dr. Rahman again, speaking for Joyce: This is not governance. We can't sit idly by when those who profess to govern remove their ability to be governed by the people.

Procedural note: Written comments are due by the evening of the 14th. The board meeting on the 15th will be open to the public, 10 AM at 501 Woodlane.

The board will review the comments, responses, and possibly edit the rule at that time.

Some questions about the 500 people who registered to vote via e-sig. Board rep can't answer whether they'll be re-enfranchised.

The rule will be promulgated and submitted to the rules subcommittee of the legislature.

Meeting adjourned.

Don't forget: written comments can be submitted until the 14th, next Sunday. Meeting of the full board on Monday the 15.

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