Arkansas House Report by Representative Don Glover
This year marks the Centennial of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote in the United States. Arkansas was the 12th state to ratify the 19th amendment on July 29, 1919. The 92nd Legislative Assembly had the privilege of celebrating 100 years of women voting in Arkansas, and this year marks one hundred and one (101). Demands for suffrage date back to the Constitutional Convention of 1868. It took nearly the next 49 years for legislative progress for women’s suffrage in Arkansas. Then in February 1917, Representative John Riggs introduced progressive legislation that would allow Arkansas women to vote in primaries. Despite some Legislators commenting that “nothing would be gained by giving women access to the ballot”, the bill still passed in the House 71-19 and in the Senate 17-15. Arkansas became the first state in the South to allow women to vote in primary elections. Women make up almost 30 percent of state legislators nationwide. Twenty-five (25) female Legislators serve in the Arkansas House and seven (7) serve in the Arkansas Senate. It is a truly historic occasion to witness Senator Kamala Harris as the first woman of color on a major party Presidential ticket.
After many brave people have fought for our right to vote, we should not take the opportunity for granted. We are facing unique times and now, more than ever, we should exercise our right. Please be reminded that Absentee Ballot Voting will be permitted in Arkansas because of the health emergency. The Arkansas Secretary of State, John Thurston, has determined that our laws permit absentee voting due to the pandemic. If you are concerned about the dangers of contracting the virus, you can request an absentee ballot from your local County Clerk. You can also visit the Secretary of State website https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/voter-information/absentee-voting. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is October 27th and you must be a registered voter. If you are not a registered voter, you can register until October 5th. Early voting starts October 19th thru November 2nd. Election Day is November 3rd. Completed mail-in ballots must be returned to the County Clerk by 7pm on November 3rd, Election Day.
In other community news, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has issued a warning about scams surrounding COVID-19. Be reminded that legitimate case workers and contact tracers will always identify themselves and will never ask for money. As of Friday August 21, 2020, there were 887 new cases, twenty-two (22) deaths, and ten (10) new coronavirus patient hospitalizations in one day. As we work toward decreasing the pandemic spread, please continue all safety practices. Wear masks and try to maintain six (6) feet of social distance when possible. Sanitize common surfaces; wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds; and stay home if you are sick.
Finally, I like to share informative items that constituents might find useful. If you have questions about any legislation or the legislative process, feel free to contact me at my House of Representatives email at don.glover@arkansashouse.org or by phone at 501-682-6211. Follow me on Facebook @GloverForAR.
