WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — This story has been updated to reflect the decision from the court.
Arkansas is set to begin early voting for the Presidential and General Election on Oct. 21, yet some people in the Mid-South were still waiting to see if they will have to travel to another town to do so.
Residents of West Memphis, Arkansas, are awaiting a decision from the Arkansas Supreme Court to see if they can walk through the doors of the Seventh Street Church of Christ to cast their vote starting Monday, Oct. 21.
“This is not a Republican, Democrat, or Independent issue; this is a people issue,” said West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon.
For weeks, McClendon and the people of West Memphis have found themselves in the middle of a fight with the Crittenden County Board of Election Commissioners. In Early October, two out of three commissioners voted to appeal a circuit court decision that would allow the Church of Christ to remain as a voting site.
Two West Memphis residents, Shirley Brown and Lavonda Taylor, filed suit against commissioners after initially failing to designate that location.
James Pulliaum, a Democrat, the lone commissioner who voted for the early voting site, said fighting the issue doesn't make sense.
“This is about doing what’s in the best interest of the people,” said Pulliaum.
After the circuit court judge ruled in their favor, Republicans Frank Barton and Anita Bell voted to appeal it, saying that this would bind future cases dealing with similar issues.
"This is the greatest form of voter suppression," said West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon. "I never thought that in 2024, I would be fighting the same battles that my grandparents fought in the 50s and the 60s."
On Oct. 15th, the move to appeal the circuit court was supported by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.
In the court filing, Griffin said:
“The circuit court’s decision sidesteps the safeguards put in place by the Arkansas legislature, disrupts the balance of power between the county board of election commissioners (“CBEC”) and the county clerk, and grants unfettered discretion to one county official. Worse, the circuit court’s novel interpretation arrives just before early voting begins, threatening the orderly administration of early voting in the State.”
“When I read what he said I was very disappointed,” said McClendon, “What he said for supporting just being in Marion over the biggest municipality, I disagree 1000 percent with him.
According to the City of West Memphis, the decision by the Arkansas Supreme Court is expected to come down Oct. 18, only three days before early voting begins. While McClendon continues to hold out hope, city leaders are taking what steps they can to organize rides for people incase the decision rules with the Election Commission.
“If you got to go to Marion, we’re going to do everything we can to try and make sure we can provide transportation. Don’t let this deter you to where you do not vote,” said McClendon.
As of Thursday, Oct. 17 evening, McClendon announced that the court had ruled in favor of the citizens, and that there would be two polling locations opening.
"We are thrilled to announce that the Arkansas Supreme Court has ruled in favor of West Memphis in the case regarding early voting," a release said. "We WON! This is a major victory for our city, ensuring greater access to voting for our community."
The release said that there would be a press conference Friday, Oct. 18 to discuss the ruling.
