Michael Snook with the PCCC.

You requested an update on the Garland County voter suppression situation in Arkansas. We wanted to send you the latest…

First the good news: Charles Tapp, the election commissioner who reduced the number of polling stations from 42 to 2 in the runoff, was forced to resign. This is a clear recognition that Garland County failed to do its job.

This resignation prompted the main voter disenfranchisement lawsuit brought by local attorney Ben Hooten to be dropped. At this time, no other legal action is ongoing but the situation is fluid.

Charles Tapp was replaced first by Gina Watson, but she was then replaced by George Hozendorf, chairmain of the Garland County Democratic Party, in a legally questionable removal vote. The Board of Election Commissioners told KARK TV that “there is no legal process for removing someone mid-term”. The Garland County Election Commission remains in turmoil after this election fiasco.

If you want to contact the local ACLU to share your thoughts, the number is: (501) 374-2660.

We’ll keep you updated on any new developments.

Thanks,

Michael Snook