While we are technically part of the *media*, let's talk about the interesting ways news outlets have framed the fight over direct democracy and the Arkansas Abortion Amendment. 🧵
Here's a headline from KUAR from Thursday, the day before we got the SC order asking for briefing.
Technically, this headline is "accurate." AFLG doesn't have enough volunteer signatures to get on the ballot! No one is disputing that.
BUT.
That's not AT ALL what's at issue. And indeed, the misdirection continues: here's the first line of the story.
That is, quite literally, what the Court fight is over: whether or not AFLG does, in fact, have the signatures. The *whole issue* is whether the paid canvasser signatures will be added to the volunteer signatures and, therefore, whether AFLG is entitled to a cure period.
Using the first line of your story to say "nope, they're done!" after an already misleading headline is somewhat akin to saying you've "confirmed" there's no cure period before talking to the people *fighting* for a cure period, a lawyer, or anyone other than Sec. of State.
Even more egregious: the "update" to the story that refers to the Supreme Court's order asking for more briefing materials doesn't come till the *end* of the story. Most people will only see the headline.
All this to say: look, we like facts. Our thing is "connecting people with policy" and that requires us to know what the facts of policies are and how Arkansans will interact with those policies in their daily lives, from our crypto coverage to LEARNS to the Abortion Amendment.
So: fact check us! We like when people push back. We are only human and make mistakes (just look at the spelling/grammar errors in our live threads! We missed the terrible crypto bills in 2023! Nobody's perfect.)
But as small as it seems, pay attention to headlines and ledes.
For a counter-example, check out the DemGaz, Advocate, Times, and KATV headlines, which ran new, updated stories on the latest court filings. All those headlines - which are not necessarily overtly favorable for AFLG - at least are *balanced* in their immediate impression.
To sum up - always give a second look to headlines; give outlets the benefit of the doubt but follow up; and, above all, remember that the people rule.
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Good morning folks! We are posted up at the State Board of Election Commissioners! There are some procedural/normal issues they'll be dealing with according to the posted agenda, but the big item today is consideration of the new rule regarding voter registration.
The rule would ban electronic signatures on voter registration forms, making Arkansas only one of 8 states that do not have some kind of online/electronic voter registration, and would drastically limit access to the ballot box.
@GetLoudArkansas had registered 500+ people with an innovative online portal before folks decided that more people voting was in fact not what the state wanted to do. Their registration status remains unclear.
We reflected on what the first year without Roe looked like.
At the time, we felt very hopeless: a hostile state legislature, a dire national landscape for abortion rights, and an atmosphere of defeat.
How quickly things change. We've been so rejuvenated by the outpouring of support for the Abortion Amendment. From volunteers to healthcare providers to folks who have signed from all sides of the political aisle, we have been overjoyed at the support for the Amendment.
Good morning Arkansas, and welcome to what is predicted to be the final day of this special session! The Senate meets at 9, the House at 10, and there's a few committee meetings today to prepare for Friday's Ark. Legislative Council meeting. #arpx #arleg
As of now, no one has filed Senate versions of the two undemocratic House resolutions that a number of citizens, us included opposed yesterday, and the subcommittee they'd be heard in hasn't posted any sort of agenda. (We're posted up outside the room just in case).
We expect today to move pretty quickly, assuming the House continues to be under control; they're scheduled to hear the Senate version of the Game and Fish appropriation. If that goes well, we'll probably be out of here before noon! Follow this thread for the day's events.
The House Management Committee meeting is set to start at 1:00pm. There are many people here most likely because of the resolutions against a couple of the direct democracy petitions. We have been told that public comment is available at this meeting so follow along.
Rep. Hawk is recognized to discuss House Memorial Resolution 1001 to honor the life and contributions of Mr. Curtis Olan Ferguson.
Rep. Ladyman is recognized to discuss HR 1001 to recognize the Valley View High School baseball team on the 5A State Championship.