TO DISQUALIFY SIGNATURES OBTAINED BY A CANVASSER UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

SB 209 disqualifies signatures collected by canvassers for Arkansas initiative or referendum petitions if the Secretary of State finds evidence of violations like perjury, forgery, or fraud during signature collection. It directly affects petitioners and voters seeking to place measures on the ballot by ensuring only legally obtained signatures count. The bill requires the Secretary of State to exclude such signatures based on a preponderance of evidence, strengthening verification of petition integrity. The General Assembly declared an emergency, stating this is critical to protect the 2026 election process and maintain public confidence in the initiative system.