Arkansas lawmakers approve plan to reinstate voter ID law

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas lawmakers approved a measure Monday requiring voters to show photo identification before casting a ballot, sending to the governor’s desk a requirement that was struck down as unconstitutional more than two years ago.

The House, which had already approved a previous version of the legislation, signed off on changes added by the Senate that allow voters without identification to cast a provisional ballot if they sign a sworn statement. There was no debate on the House floor about the changes added by the Senate.

The Arkansas Legislature enacted a similar voter ID law in 2013, but the measure was struck by the state Supreme Court the following year. The bill was aimed at addressing some justices’ argument that the restriction needed two-thirds legislative approval.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, which successfully challenged the 2013 law, opposes the measure and says it will closely monitor what happens after the requirement is put in place. If signed into law, the measure will take effect 90 days after the Legislature formally adjourns, which is expected to happen in May.