The elections commission of each county in Arkansas serves as the cornerstone for fair and trusted elections across the state. At one time, the commission was made up of one member from each major party and a third member appointed by the Governor. When Mike Huckabee became governor of Arkansas, the house and senate in Little Rock voted to change the appointment process. At that time, the state changed laws to allow the party holding the majority of the state Constitutional offices to appoint the third member to the commission. Not surprisingly, Huckabee was a Republican, and Democrats controlled the senate and house. To further support the change, Democrats noted that they held the majority of the state's Constitutional offices under Huckabee. The commission consisted of two Democrats elected by the county Democrat party and one Republican elected by the county party.
When the Constitutional offices in Arkansas flipped control and Republicans dominated the positions, legislation was presented by Democrats to change the rules again. Fortunately, Republicans controlled both the house and the senate, and that legislation, which would have changed the laws concerning how the commission could be set up, was crushed. Today the party with the majority of Constitutional offices still holds a two-to-one majority in all county election commissions.
The Miller County Elections Commission is supported by poll workers, judges, a coordinator, and the County Clerk's office. Working together with the clerk's office, the commission is responsible for ensuring ballots are accurate, machines are tested and operating correctly, and that all staff receives training to conduct elections. Commissioners themselves are required to attend training and pass written exams regarding state laws about elections. More information about the role of the elections commission can be obtained online at the Arkansas State Board of Elections Commissioners.
Congratulations to Chair Charles Coopper and commissioners Judy Hardin and Brandon Cogburn. The commission will now be tasked with ensuring elections in 2023 and 2024 are conducted fairly for all candidates and that the laws of both Arkansas and the United States are upheld for the integrity of the election process in the county.
