Searcy County Election Commissioners File Motion to Disqualify Entire State Board Over Bias and Prejudgment

In a bold legal move rarely seen in Arkansas politics, attorneys for the Searcy County Election Commissioners have filed a sweeping motion demanding the recusal of every member of the Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners (SBEC)—including Secretary of State Cole Jester. The commissioners’ legal team at The Lancaster Law Firm argues the Board has demonstrated clear bias, made public declarations of guilt, and deprived the commissioners of their right to a fair and impartial hearing.

A History of Retaliation

The three Searcy County Election Commissioners—Kenneth Weekley, Laurie Gross, and LC Ratchford—have faced intense scrutiny and pressure from state officials since conducting the 2024 primary election using hand-marked, hand-counted paper ballots. Their decision directly complied with the Searcy County Quorum Court’s directive, which called for a transparent and verifiable election process through the use of hand-marked, hand-counted paper ballots.

Instead of being commended for honoring the will of the people, the commissioners have been relentlessly targeted by the very agencies tasked with protecting election integrity. From the beginning, it was clear that their refusal to use electronic machines placed them in the crosshairs of powerful state actors.

Statements of Guilt Before a Hearing

According to the motion, during a public hearing on June 11, 2025, members of the SBEC made statements indicating they had already determined the commissioners’ guilt without reviewing any testimony or evidence. The filing asserts that these conclusions were based entirely on the statements of SBEC Executive Director Chris Madison and not on any investigation or testimony from the commissioners themselves.

The motion also highlights a public statement made by Secretary Jester at a separate event, in which he explicitly stated he believed the commissioners were guilty—further undermining the objectivity required for any fair adjudication.

A Rare and Courageous Move

Recusal motions like this are almost unheard of in Arkansas politics—not because they aren’t justified, but because they come with enormous risk. Those who dare to challenge the political machine often become targets themselves. That the commissioners and their attorneys have taken this step is a testament to their bravery and unwavering commitment to due process and the rule of law.

This motion sends a clear message: public servants who uphold the will of the people will not quietly submit to political persecution. It also raises serious questions about the future of election integrity in Arkansas—questions every citizen should be asking.

As this case unfolds, all eyes will be on the SBEC to see whether it acknowledges its bias or continues down a path that undermines the fundamental principles of fair elections in our state.

Jennifer Lancaster

Just a homeschool mom hoping to make a positive difference in the world.