Voters will decide Issue 2 on right to keep and bear arms language in AR Constitution

Arkansas voters will decide in November whether to expand language in the state constitution protecting the right to keep and bear arms.

Issue 2 would amend Article 2, Section 5 of the Arkansas Constitution to state that Arkansas citizens have the right to keep and bear arms for their common defense, lawful hunting and recreational use, and any other lawful purpose.

Currently that section of the constitution states, “The citizens of this State shall have the right to keep and bear arms, for their common defense.”

The amendment would also specify that the right includes, without limitation, the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories and firearm components. It would further declare the right to keep and bear arms a natural, fundamental and individual right that shall not be infringed.

The proposal is sponsored by Sen. John Payton of Wilburn and Rep. Matt Duffield of Russellville.

The Arkansas Senate and House of Representatives voted in April 2025 to place Issue 2 on the November 2026 general election ballot. The Arkansas Constitution allows the legislature to refer up to three proposed constitutional amendments to voters during a general election.

A FOR vote supports changing the Arkansas Constitution to add the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories and firearm components without limitation under the right to keep and bear arms, while specifying that the right applies to lawful hunting, recreational use and other lawful purposes.

An AGAINST vote opposes the proposed amendment. The existing language in Article 2, Section 5 of the Arkansas Constitution would remain in place.

Issue 2 must receive approval from a majority of voters casting ballots on the measure to amend the state constitution.

The deadline to apply to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 5. Early voting begins Oct. 19, with Election Day set for Nov. 3.

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