Representatives of two ballot question committees and Arkansas Press Association officials announced Friday, July 5, that their effort to place a constitutional amendment and initiated act aimed at protecting and preserving the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act on the Nov. 5 ballot had fallen “just short” of the required number of signatures while collecting the necessary number from the required 50 counties, indicating broad support and a strong organization.

Supporters also announced an intent to refile their constitutional amendment proposal and begin collecting signatures for the 2026 election.

Arkansas Press Association Executive Director Ashley Kemp Wimberley said the day was difficult but the decision was made not to submit the signatures in order to save the dedicated staff in the Secretary of State’s office unnecessary work.

“First, I want to express my gratitude for all of those who volunteered long hours,” Wimberley said. “It’s been gratifying to see so many people from across the state with no interest other than believing in open government and the right of any citizen to obtain information willing to work so hard. I also want to thank those who gave financially to help us keep this grassroots effort afloat and give it a fighting chance. We were short on time. This is a hurdle, not an end. This has been an educational process and we are hopeful that the same is true for our legislators who represent the people who believe in this across the state.”

Nate Bell, who chaired the Arkansas Citizens for Transparency committee that drafted the amendment and act, thanked supporters of the effort.

“Scores of people volunteered their time and worked diligently for months and I appreciate the effort,” Bell said. “An open and transparent government is essential for the future of our democratic institutions because a citizenry without independent information will be unable to make informed judgments about the quality of government they are being provided. Unfortunately, rules have been set that are very arduous and costly and we have learned a lot from this experience that will be valuable in the future.”

Andrew Bagley, who was installed as the new president of the Arkansas Press Association a week earlier and served on the Arkansans for a Free Press committee, said there will be another effort in 2026.

“Polling shows that Open government is immensely popular and it is essential whether it’s at the Capitol or the local level,” said Bagley. “We look forward to working with the members of the General Assembly in the next session to preserve the people’s right to know and I am proud to announce today that the Arkansans for a Free Press committee will continue organizing and will file an updated proposal and begin the process to try and qualify for the 2026 election. I still have hope and believe that we share the concerns of a majority of Arkansans. We cannot allow Winthrop Rockefeller’s legacy to be erased. He was a fighter who once ran for Governor and lost but came back to be one of the most revered governors in the history of our state. He taught us not to give up in the face of a setback.”