ACLU Challenging Arkansas Voter ID Law

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas and the Arkansas Public Law Center filed lawsuits on behalf of four individuals in regard to the state’s controversial voter identification law.

The law was passed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly in 2013 over a veto by Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe.

At a press conference outside the Pulaski County Circuit Court on Wednesday, ACLU’s executive director Rita Sklar addressed the reasons for the suit against the state.

“People who have been qualified to vote their entire adult lives are now being blocked from doing so by this unnecessary and unconstitutional law,” Sklar said.

Sklar said the law places additional restrictions on Arkansans by prohibiting them from exercising their fundamental right to vote unless they present government-approved photo ID. The ACLU cites national estimates saying approximately 10 percent of Arkansas voters don’t have that necessary identification.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Freedom Kohls, Toylanda Smith, Joe Nathan Flakes and Barry Haas names Secretary of State Mark Martin along with the State Board of Election Commissioners in their official capacities.

The suit seeks a court injunction that the ACLU hopes to take effect before the primary elections next month. Overall, the ACLU seeks to have the law completely thrown out.

Editor’s note: KATV’s Matt Mershon reported this story and has an update here.