AR HB2035

Election officials may (instead of shall) meet beginning the Tuesday before an election to open outer envelopes and process absentee ballot paperwork, and no earlier than 8:30 a.m. on election day to open inner envelopes and count ballots.

County clerk must forward absentee ballot applications, ballots, and a written report containing ballot statistics to election officials on election day.

County boards must report the initial count of early votes and absentee ballot votes by precinct to the Secretary of State as soon as practical after polls close, rather than within 30 minutes.

Election officials must list voter names and precincts in duplicate when opening outer envelopes, with the processing and counting open to public observation by candidates and authorized poll watchers.

No election results may be printed, posted, or released until after polls close on election day.