Lots happening today but OAW is at the State Board of Election Commission meeting now to hear what the Board plans to do re: unfavorable 8th circuit wet signature ruling #arpx
You can follow along with us here! Context: civic engagement heroes at @GetLoudArkansas developed a nifty voter registration form that let registrants sign via stylus or finger; forms were then printed and turned in to clerks' offices...
AG Griffin said "cool, keep going" b/c we all know that digital signatures are secure and used every day in banking, government, etc. But the state board of election commissioners didn't like lots of young people registering so fast! So they made up a rule to say it's illegal...
Get Loud sued, won an injunction. State appealed to 8th circuit and lot the injunction appeal. So, GLA can currently proceed with digital signatures.
Board now deciding its next steps. Attorney from Mitchell Williams currently giving board members a briefing of the appeal ruling on the injunction. #arpx
In other words, right now you can sign your name w a stylus or finger, and AR county clerks have to accept these registration forms like ones with a "wet" pen signature. #arpx
Board can decide today whether or not to ask the 8th Circuit to re-assess via their full panel of judges (current ruling was made by 3 judges instead of full panel, which is practice for federal circuit court)
Board member immediately makes motion to ask for full panel review. Motion passes on voice vote of maybe 3 people? #arpx
Board moving on with other business, not making a fuss about the vote for full 8th Circuit panel review. This Board historically functions with little fuss with decisions *appearing* to have been made before committee. We don't know if that's true but it's the vibe. #arpx
We're going to sit tight for a minute while the board goes down the agenda. There are scores of volunteers here with @GetLoudArkansas, all in their brightly colored shirts, who have signed in to the meeting. No idea on if public comment will be allowed. #arpx
What the Elections Board does: improves election processes and procedures; offers election education and assistance to counties. It's made up of 7 members: Secretary of State as Chairperson, 2 governor appointees,
one member each for both political parties, one member appointed by #arleg Sen Pro Tem, and one by the #arleg House Speaker. #arpx
There are also 7 paid staffers, the director being Chris Madison. Right now Madison is going through complaints filed against certain officials, counties, etc. #arpx
Commissioners then determine what course of action to take after each complaint/issue has been discussed. #arpx
Madison suggests to commissioners that the board potentially develop best practices for statewide recount requests. #arpx
meeting adjourned #arpx
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