About Us

The State Board of Election Commissioners consists of a seven member staff serving a seven member board comprised of the Secretary of State as Chairperson, two members appointed by the Governor, and one member each appointed by the chair of the state Democratic party, the chair of the state Republican party, the President Pro Tempore of the Arkansas Senate, and the Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives.

The mission of the Board is to improve the orderly conduct of elections in the State by promoting fair and orderly election procedures through education, assistance, and monitoring. The Board develops resources to educate and assist candidates and county election administrators, develops specialized training programs, conducts and coordinates statewide training of county election commissioners and election officials, monitors compliance by local election authorities with federal and state election laws, investigates complaints of alleged election misconduct and election law violations, and distributes funds to the counties for state-supported political party primary elections, nonpartisan judicial general elections, special primary elections, and statewide special elections.

 

Board Member Designation

Secretary of State John Thurston Secretary of State John Thurston
SBEC Chairman
Commissioner Sharon Brooks Commissioner Sharon Brooks
Sebastian County Clerk - Governor's Designee
Commissioner James Harmon Smith, III Commissioner James Harmon Smith, III
Democratic Party Designee
Commissioner Bilenda Harris-Ritter Commissioner Bilenda Harris-Ritter
Republican Party Designee
Commissioner Johnathan Williams Commissioner Johnathan Williams
Senate President Pro Tempore Designee
Commissioner William Luther Commissioner William Luther
Speaker of the House Designee
Commissioner Jamie Clemmer Commissioner Jamie Clemmer
Governor's Designee

Staff Member Information

Chris Madison, Director
Email
(501) 682-1834
Jon Davidson, Educational Services Manager
Email
(501) 682-1834
Tena Arnold, Business Operations Manager
Email
(501) 682-1834
Bernetta Lindsey, Election Coordinator
Email
(501) 682-1834
Alysson Tate, Election Coordinator
Email
(501) 682-1834
Janie Bryant, Administrative Specialist III
Email
(501) 682-1834
Charles Morris, Election Administration Supervisor
Email
(501) 682-1834
Waylan Cooper, Legal Counsel
Email
(501) 682-1834