Arkansas Crittenden County Early Voting Sites Challenge

Petition filed by two voters against Crittenden County and the members of its board of election commissioners challenging the county’s decision not to open any early voting locations in West Memphis, Arkansas ahead of the 2024 general election. The plaintiffs allege that the county board of election commissioners did not vote on requests for any West Memphis early voting locations during the 2024 general election, including a location the board had previously approved for early voting during the 2022 general election. The plaintiffs argue that this decision violates state election laws. They ask the court to allow at least two places in West Memphis to serve as early voting sites.

The plaintiffs filed their complaint on Sept. 19, 2024. A trial in this case was held on Sept. 24 -25.

On Sept. 30, 2024, the judge granted the petition, ordering the county to open one early voting location in West Memphis.

On Oct. 4, Crittenden County appealed this case to the Arkansas Supreme Court.

An appeal of this case is fully briefed and pending before the state Supreme Court.

STATUS: On Oct. 17, 2024, the Arkansas Supreme Court largely upheld the trial court’s decision allowing early voting in West Memphis. There will be two locations for early voting in West Memphis during the 2024 general election.

Last updated: October 18, 2024 11:46 am EST