The State Board of Election Commissioners on Monday discussed a complaint that alleges multiple violations of Arkansas law by Jefferson County Election Commission Chairman Ted Davis and Commissioner Cynthia Sims.
While SBEC Director Justin Clay said Monday that the content of the complaint is considered confidential until it has been acted upon, a copy was provided to the Commercial by complainant and Jefferson County resident David Singer.
Singer alleges in the complaint, dated April 25, that not all meeting minutes were filed with the county clerk as required by law; that Davis decided questions on his own without a concurring vote; that Davis conducted official business in unofficial venues without all commissioners present; that Davis failed to forward a written complaint concerning an alleged violation of election to the prosecuting attorney; and that Davis and Sims certified the May primary election ballot despite its not being certified by the Jefferson County clerk.
Singer also cites several examples of what he says are unofficial gatherings where Davis has conducted official business, and also alleges that Davis has committed abuse of office through actions “that clearly illustrate a political agenda in contravention of election law.”
Davis and Sims said that they had no knowledge of the complaint when reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Clay said that Stu Soffer of White Hall, who is the Republican Party designee to the state board, recused himself from discussion of the complaint because of his role as the minority party member of the county election commission.