The group proposed a measure that would permit abortion up to 18 weeks gestation for any reason, with exceptions for cases of rape or incest. However, Arkansas’ Secretary of State, John Thurston, rejected the petition for an abortion-related ballot initiative submitted by Arkansans for Limited Government (AFLG) due to non-compliance with state requirements regarding paid signature collectors.
The proposed state constitutional amendment would have allowed abortion up to 18 weeks gestation without restrictions and beyond 18 weeks in specific circumstances. Currently, abortion is only permitted in Arkansas to save the life of the mother.
AFLG submitted 101,525 signatures, exceeding the minimum requirement, but failed to provide the necessary information about paid canvassers. Mr. Thurston stated that even if he were not legally obligated to reject the submission, he would not be able to count signatures collected by paid canvassers.
AFLG insisted that their submission met all statutory requirements and vowed to continue fighting for their cause. They sent a letter to Mr. Thurston asserting that they had complied with all necessary documentation regarding paid canvassers.
Executive Director Lauren Cowles demanded a response from Mr. Thurston by a specified date to confirm the validity of their petition and ensure that all signatures, including those from paid canvassers, were being verified. Please rewrite this sentence.
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