Doug Curtis Saline County Clerk

06/08/2026

June 8, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Court Dismisses Election Challenge, Affirms Saline County Election Officials and Recount Process

SALINE COUNTY, AR — After a full hand recount, a full trial, and a thorough review of the evidence, the result remains the same: the election was accurate, the recount was accurate, and the allegations against Saline County election officials were without merit.

On June 8, 2026, Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox dismissed with prejudice the election challenge filed following the March 31 Republican Primary Runoff for Arkansas Secretary of State. In his ruling, Judge Fox found that the plaintiff failed to prove any of the allegations raised against the Saline County Board of Election Commissioners and described the challenge to the recount procedure and vote tally as “specious, ill-founded, and wholly without merit.”

The Court further found that the members of the Saline County Board of Election Commissioners performed their statutory duties during the recount process “in an exemplary fashion.”

The facts are straightforward.

A total of 6,970 ballots were hand counted during the Saline County recount. Every vote was recounted. Every ballot was reviewed. When the process was complete, the recount matched the original certified election results exactly.

Saline County was one of six counties where a recount was conducted. All six counties reported identical results between the original vote totals and the recount totals.

The Court specifically noted these facts in its ruling and further found that the election protocols and training methodologies used for recounts were sufficient and effective.

“This ruling confirms what we have said from the very beginning,” said Saline County Clerk Doug Curtis. “Our election officials followed the law, our poll workers did their jobs, and the results were accurate. The recount confirmed it. The evidence presented at trial confirmed it. And now the Court has confirmed it.”

Saline County extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the Saline County Board of Election Commissioners, the staff of the Saline County Clerk’s Office, and the many poll workers who worked long hours to conduct a secure, transparent, and accurate election. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to public service made this successful election and recount possible.

Saline County Elections are Accurate. Saline County Elections are Secure.

With this challenge now behind us, we can fully dedicate our attention to the upcoming November General Election. The recount has been completed. The courts have spoken. Now our focus returns to what matters most—conducting another secure, accurate, and transparent election for the voters of Saline County.

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05/30/2026

A candidate for school district, township, municipal, or county office who is participating in the November 3, 2026, General Election and who, as of May 31, 2026, has received or spent more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) during the course of his or her campaign, is required to file a monthly C&E Report for the month of May by no later than Monday, June 22, 2026.

In accordance with Ark. Code Ann. §§ 7-6-208(c)(2)(C)(i) and 7-6-209(c)(2)(C)(i), C&E Reports of a candidate for school district, township, municipal, or county office shall be filed in electronic form through the official website of the Secretary of State. To obtain information concerning electronic filing, please refer to the Secretary of State’s website: https://ethics-disclosures.sos.arkansas.gov/login. For information concerning an alternative to electronic filing of C&E Reports under Ark. Code Ann. § 7-6-230, please contact the Office of the Secretary of State for filing instructions.

05/15/2026

🗳️ NOW HIRING: Chief Deputy/Elections Coordinator

The Saline County Clerk’s Office is accepting applications for a Chief Deputy/Elections Coordinator. This position plays a major role in coordinating elections across Saline County, assisting with voter services, training poll workers, preparing election equipment, and helping ensure smooth Election Day operations countywide.

This is a fast-paced leadership position that requires strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills — especially during election season.

✅ Salary up to $68,011
✅ Employer Paid Insurance
✅ Retirement Benefits
✅ Paid Vacation/Sick Leave + 12 Paid Holidays

Interested in joining our team and serving the people of Saline County?

📍Apply Here: https://salinecounty.bamboohr.com/careers/233?source=aWQ9MjY=

05/05/2026

🗳️ Interested in running for municipal office in Saline County?

Municipal candidate petition pickup officially begins Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Saline County Clerk’s Office. Candidates should bring a valid photo ID when picking up their petition.

📍 Saline County Clerk’s Office
215 N. Main St., Suite 9
Benton, AR 72015

Candidate filing opens at Noon on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, and closes at Noon on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

✅ Benton & Bryant candidates require 30 petition signatures
✅ All other municipalities require 10 petition signatures

For questions, contact the Clerk’s Office at 501-303-5630 or visit salinecounty.org/countyclerk.

04/29/2026

Happy ! 💍

Congratulations to this happy couple who recently purchased their marriage license from the Saline County Clerk’s Office! It’s always special getting to be a small part of such a big moment in someone’s life.

Wishing you both a lifetime of love, happiness, and plenty of reasons to celebrate in the years ahead. ❤️

04/28/2026

Last Friday, we had the opportunity to do something special — and for once, we actually pulled off a surprise. 🎉

We gathered to celebrate and honor Allison Cain and her 10+ years of service to Saline County as our Election Coordinator. Thank you to everyone who helped make the surprise possible — it meant more than you know.

During her time in this role, Allison has been the steady hand behind our elections. She has overseen 19+ elections, helped lead Saline County to #1 in voter turnout, and played a key role in achieving a 100% accurate election audit by the State Board of Election Commissioners. Most recently, during a candidate-requested hand recount, the results once again matched the machine count with 100% accuracy — a testament to the integrity and professionalism she brought to this office every single day.

But what truly sets Allison apart isn’t just the numbers — it’s her heart. She cares deeply about the people of Saline County and has always gone above and beyond for our staff, our Election Commissioners, poll workers, and every candidate she’s worked with along the way.

Allison is more than a coworker — she’s a friend. And no matter where life takes her next, she will always be a part of the Saline County Clerk’s Office family.

While she may be stepping away from her role as Election Coordinator, we’re grateful she’s agreed to return and help during election season — because once you’re part of this team, you never really leave.

A special thank you to her husband Tim, daughter Natalie, and son Nathan for helping make the surprise happen and for being there to celebrate such a well-deserved moment.

We are incredibly thankful for Allison and the legacy she leaves behind. 💙

04/09/2026

✅ OFFICIAL RESULTS CERTIFIED

This morning, the Saline County Board of Election Commissioners met and CERTIFIED the results of the 2026 Republican Primary Runoff Election.

With certification complete, the results are now official.

The following reports are available for public viewing:
• Election Results Summary Report
• Precinct Report
• Canvass Report

View all reports here:
🔗 salinecounty.org/results

Thank you to our Election Commissioners, poll workers, and Clerk’s Office staff for their continued commitment to conducting secure, accurate, and transparent elections here in Saline County.

Home Government County Clerk Elections Election Results Election Results 2026 Republican Primary Runoff - March 31, 2026 OFFICIAL Summary Results Report OFFICIAL Precinct Report OFFICIAL Canvass Report Preferential Primary, Nonpartisan General & Annual School Election - March 3, 2026 OFFICIAL Summ...

04/07/2026

📢 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
📅 April 7, 2026

Saline County Hand Recount Verifies Results with 100% Accuracy, Fully Matching Voting Tabulators

Saline County, AR — The hand recount of the Arkansas Secretary of State Republican Primary Runoff election in Saline County has been successfully completed. View recorded recount at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WPcCD4vssU

Following a formal request received on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Saline County Board of Election Commissioners, in coordination with the Saline County Clerk’s Office, conducted a full hand recount on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The recount was completed prior to 1:00 p.m.

In accordance with Ark. Code § 7-5-319, the cost of the recount is based on the actual expenses incurred by the county. The total cost to conduct the recount in Saline County is $1,017. Because the recount confirmed the original results, state law requires that this cost be assessed to the candidate who requested it.

A team of ten (10) poll workers hand counted a total of 6,970 ballots in under four hours, resulting in 2,423 votes for Norris, 4,474 votes for Hammer, and 73 undervotes. Upon completion of the recount, all results were confirmed to be 100% consistent with the original machine tabulation.

During the recount process, some initial hand counts required additional review. Variations of this nature are common in any manual counting process. In those instances, poll workers conducted recounts of the ballots until the totals were fully reconciled, with all final counts matching the certified machine results—further reinforcing both the accuracy and efficiency of Saline County’s voting systems.

Saline County officials welcomed this recount, as they have with previous audits, as an opportunity to demonstrate the diligence and professionalism of local election workers. In the 2024 post-election audit conducted by the Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners, Saline County achieved 100% accuracy in a hand count of 5,320 ballots.

“Our team takes great pride in ensuring that every election conducted in Saline County is fair, secure, and accurate,” said Saline County Clerk Doug Curtis. “This recount is another example of the integrity of our process and the dedication of the poll workers who make it possible.”

The Saline County Clerk's Office is aware of the statement issued by the candidate who requested the recount. The Clerk's Office strongly disagrees with these claims and maintain that the recount was conducted in full compliance with Arkansas law. The process was open, transparent, and observed throughout. All ballots were properly accounted for, and the final results matched the certified machine tabulation.

Saline County remains committed to ensuring every election is conducted with integrity, accuracy, and transparency—and today’s results reaffirm that commitment.

Livestream of 2026 Primary Election RUNOFF RECOUNT on Tuesday, April 7, 2026

04/06/2026

🔴 WATCH LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/live/0WPcCD4vssU

Saline County will conduct a hand recount of the Arkansas Secretary of State Republican Primary Runoff tomorrow.

🗓️ Tuesday, April 7, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m.
📍 Benton Vote Center (221 N. Main St.)

This recount was requested pursuant to Arkansas law and will be conducted by the Saline County Board of Election Commissioners, in coordination with the Saline County Clerk’s Office and trained poll workers.

The process will be open to the public and fully transparent.

Saline County has a strong track record of accuracy and accountability in elections—including a 100% accurate post-election audit in 2024—and we remain confident in the integrity of our process.

This recount is another opportunity to demonstrate that commitment.

04/03/2026

🗳️ HAND RECOUNT SCHEDULED FOR SECRETARY OF STATE RUNOFF IN SALINE COUNTY

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Saline County Clerk’s Office received a petition requesting a recount of the Arkansas Secretary of State Republican Primary Runoff Election held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The runoff was between Bryan Norris and Kim Hammer. The petition was submitted by candidate Bryan Norris.

📊 Unofficial Results in Saline County:
• Bryan Norris: 2,423 votes (35.13%)
• Kim Hammer: 4,474 votes (64.87%)

In accordance with Arkansas law, the Saline County Board of Election Commissioners—alongside the Clerk’s Office and poll workers—will conduct a hand recount of this race:

📅 Tuesday, April 7, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m.
📍 Vote Here Building (221 N. Main Street, Benton)

💰 Recount Cost (Per State Law):
The candidate requesting the recount is responsible for the cost, unless the outcome changes.
• Maximum allowable cost for Saline County: $1,724.25
• Estimated actual cost for Saline County: $1,017 (based on staffing and operations)

If the recount alters the outcome of the election, the cost will be refunded.

🔎 Commitment to Accuracy & Transparency
Saline County welcomes this recount and remains fully confident in the integrity and accuracy of our election process.

In 2024, Saline County was selected for a post-election audit by the Arkansas State Board of Election Commissioners. A hand count of 5,320 ballots—nearly 30% of all votes cast—confirmed 100% accuracy in our tabulation.

Every election also includes public logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency.

🎥 Watch the Recount Live:
https://www.youtube.com/

The recount will be open to the public and members of the media.

Saline County remains committed to ensuring every vote is counted accurately and that the public can have full confidence in the process.

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