Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Voter Signature Rule

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Arkansas's 'wet signature' rule that required voter registration forms to be signed in ink, preventing the use of electronic signatures. This ruling follows a lawsuit filed by Get Loud Arkansas and other organizations, which argued that the requirement was a form of voter suppression, especially affecting young and minority voters. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks stated that enforcing the rule could violate the Materiality Provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects eligible voters from being disenfranchised due to minor errors. The court's injunction allows Arkansans to register to vote online with electronic signatures, re-opening access to previous registration tools. The case highlights ongoing concerns over voter access in a state with historically low registration and turnout rates. The ruling is seen as a significant win for voting rights advocates ahead of the upcoming election.