Searcy County Highlighted in Feature Story on Hand vs. Machine Counting of Ballots

A group is continuing efforts to put what they call “human intelligence” back into counting votes.

An article recently published by Little Rock Public Radio and by the Arkansas Advocate talks about a group pushing forward “The Hand-Marked, Hand-Counted Paper Ballot Ordinance" to require ballots to be hand counted in all elections. The group has tried to get petitions in several counties plus through the state but have been rejected in several areas. 

The story also highlights Searcy County, which is the only county in the state that hand counts ballots. Due to a state law that was passed in 2023, counties that elect to hand-count ballots must pay for the costs themselves. The story states the cost for Searcy County over $3,000 for the 2024 Primary Election with other county clerks saying the costs would be higher in more populated areas. 

The complete story can be found on the KTLO Website.