FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2025
Little Rock — Following alarming findings issued by the Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners (SBEC) regarding improper alterations of voter records in the Pulaski County Clerk’s Office, the Pulaski County Election Commission is reaffirming its
commitment to election transparency through concrete action.
On the evening of Thursday, May 15th, the Commission conducted the county’s first ever precertification hand count audit, reviewing 2,716 ballots out of 3,225 total ballots
cast in the North Little Rock School District Special Election. The results of the hand count accurately matched machine totals for the DS200.
“This audit wasn’t just symbolic, it was necessary,” said Chair Susan Meadors. “It demonstrates our commitment to protecting the public trust and verifying every step of
the process within our control. While some of the broader accountability now rests with
lawmakers, prosecutors, and the Attorney General’s office, the Pulaski County Election Commission will not sit by idly. We’re taking concrete steps to ensure transparency,
accuracy, and public confidence in every election we oversee.”
The audit comes just as the SBEC released a report concluding that an employee within the Pulaski County Clerk’s Office inappropriately changed street assignments for 132
voters, resulting in at least four voters receiving incorrect ballots in the 2024 election.
The Board found this to be a violation of Arkansas election law, potentially rising to the level of a felony. The case has now been referred to the Pulaski County Prosecutor and Attorney General Tim Griffin’s Election Integrity Unit.
“We still don’t know the full extent of what took place in the Clerk’s office,” said Commissioner Michael White. “If unauthorized changes were made to 132 voter
records, how many others went undetected? I'm also deeply concerned that the State
Board’s findings point to a troubling pattern of repeated violations. Only the General Assembly has the authority to draw district lines - when that responsibility is bypassed
by unelected staff, it undermines the foundation of representative government.”
In its response to a voter complaint regarding the 2024 incident, the SBEC also referenced similar issues in the 2020 and 2022 elections - pointing to a recurring pattern
that suggests deeper systemic weaknesses in how voter addresses are assigned to political districts within systems overseen by the Pulaski County Clerk’s office.
“The Election Commission has no authority over voter registration, but we do have a duty to ensure the accuracy of vote counts,” said Commissioner Steve Harrelson. “Our
audit of the May 13, 2025 North Little Rock School District Special Election shows the count was accurate. It is an honor to be part of bolstering public confidence.”
To continue public trust and enhance transparency, the Pulaski County Election Commission is exploring the use of additional audits, increased public reporting, and formal cooperation with state authorities and lawmakers to ensure accurate and lawful
elections.
“We hear a lot about election integrity, and that’s important, but what we really need is election faith,” said Commissioner Michael White. “Voters need to trust not just that their ballots are counted, but that they’re voting in the correct races. That’s why we must
fully understand the size and scope of the issues that occurred in the clerk's office in 2020, 2022, and 2024. Until then, we will do whatever we can to make sure the people's
voice is heard... accurately. The hand audit of the May 13th election was just step one in that process.”
The Commission also wishes to remind the public that all Election Commission meetings are open and accessible, both in person and virtually, and welcomes every
citizen to observe, engage, and contribute to a more transparent, informed, and trustworthy electoral process. To learn more please visit VotePulaskiAR.GOV.
Information in this release was first reported last week by South Arkansas Reckoning. Read that story here.
