MARK YOUR CALENDAR June 25-27, 2020 APA Annual Convention DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Little Rock
INDUSTRY QUOTE “Journalism has changed tremendously because of the democratization of information. Anybody can put something up on the Internet. It’s harder and harder to find what the truth is.”
APA encourages members to oppose Issue 3 in the November general election
Arkansas voters in November will decide whether to revamp how the state handles the initiative and referendum process, opening the door for a potential change in the legal publication requirements for ballot measures. The General Assembly in its 2019 session referred to voters Issue 3, a constitutional amendment to overhaul how initiatives and referenda are certified, challenged and placed on the ballot. Included in the proposed constitutional amendment are changes to Amendment 70. The proposal removes language from Amendment 70 that obligates the state to publish all pending ballot measures at least six times in a newspaper in each county. The proposal would instead call for publication of ballot measures “in a manner prescribed by law.”
Currently, Arkansas statutes reflect the constitutional language that stipulates publication at least six times. This proposal
Voters will decide on Issue 3 in the Nov. 3 general election.
was presented the Arkansas Press Association’s I.F. Stone Award for investigative reporting based on her series of reports on issues involving the Bryant mayor’s office. Perry’s reporting led to that mayor losing an election. She has worked at the Courier since graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2013. While in college, she was an intern at the Pine Bluff Commercial.
Follow us on Facebook & Twitter Sarah Perry
Sarah Perry, senior reporter for the Saline Courier, has been promoted to editor of that newspaper’s sister publication, the Malvern Daily Record.
Arkansas Publisher Weekly
“In the coming weeks and months, we will be working with our members and others to ensure that Arkansas voters understand the real impact of Issue 3 on open government and transparency.”
Perry takes over as editor in Malvern
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@ARPressAssoc
“Our democracy and electoral process relies on an informed electorate, and publication in newspapers is a critical and fundamental part in making sure voters know what to expect at the ballot box,” said APA Executive Director Ashley Wimberley. “If approved, Issue 3 gives lawmakers the option to restrict or change publication requirements in a manner that would reduce transparency and shield important information from voters.
ISSUE 3
— Robert Redford
@ArkansasPressAssociation
would give the Legislature authority to change the statute as it sees fit, potentially striking a blow to transparency.
Perry had been with the Saline County newspaper since 2013. Last year, she 3
“Working with many talented journalists throughout the years, I have learned countless things,” she said in announcement about her hiring. “My time at the Courier has made me a better writer and encouraged me to be even better in the future. I plan to take that drive into my new career and give that encouragement to other fellow reporters.” At the Daily Record, Perry will manage a staff of three people. She will continue to live in Saline County with her husband, Richard, and 3-year-old son, Elijah. March 5, 2020