Arkansas secretary of state candidates Democrat Kelly Grappe, Republican Kim Hammer and Libertarian Michael Pakko participate in a debate Thursday, Oct. 15, hosted by Arkansas TV. (Photo courtesy of Arkansas TV)
Arkansas’ three candidates for secretary of state offered competing views on election security, the public’s right to propose ballot measures and voter participation during a debate broadcast Thursday by Arkansas TV.
Republican Kim Hammer defended what he said were election safeguards he supported as a state senator, while Democrat Kelly Grappe criticized restrictions on citizen-led measures. Libertarian Michael Pakko questioned whether some election laws have made it unnecessarily difficult for Arkansans to participate in the political process.
Some of the sharpest exchanges concerned legislation restricting the process of placing citizen-led proposals on the ballot.
“We’re one of only 16 states who have that sacred right for the people to make their own laws, and that right is being attacked,” Grappe said. “Our state motto is Regnant Populus. It means the people rule. And right now, we have legislators led in many ways by my opponent, Senator Hammer, that are trying to restrict the people’s voice when it comes to the ballot initiative process.”
Hammer said his legislation was intended to address problems with signature gathering and protect the state’s Constitution. It required canvassers to provide their home addresses to the state and request photo identification from people signing petitions.
“I think these help address and safeguard the initiative to make it a better process,” Hammer said.
A federal judge ruled the legislation unconstitutional, a decision being appealed by Arkansas’ attorney general to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Hammer expressed confidence the ruling would be overturned.
Pakko argued the restrictions violated constitutional protections and made what was already a hard process even more difficult.
“I know that all the burdens and obstacles that were put in the way by those provisions would really slow down the process, make it more expensive, put it really out of the reach of the hands of ordinary citizens to initiate legislation or constitutional amendments,” Pakko said.
Arkansas’ secretary of state candidates participated in Thursday’s debate at Arkansas TV in Conway. (Photo courtesy of Arkansas TV)
The candidates also disagreed over Issue 1, a proposed constitutional amendment voters will consider next month specifying that only U.S. citizens can vote in Arkansas elections.
Hammer supported the measure, saying it would close potential loopholes and provide stronger constitutional guarantees.
“This brings clarity because one thing has made Arkansas a leader in election security and integrity is that we have observed what has happened in other states,” Hammer said.
Grappe opposed the amendment, arguing that existing laws already prohibit noncitizens from voting.
“I don’t think that this provides any additional security that is necessary right now,” Grappe said. “I know there is concern in making sure only citizens can vote but we are already protected.”
Pakko similarly questioned the need for the amendment.
“I’m really kind of skeptical about its relevance. It is certainly already illegal for noncitizens to vote,” he said, suggesting Republicans were using the measure as “a PR campaign to kind of rouse their base and to get the voters out.”
Another disagreement involved 240 voter registration records that raised questions about eligibility.
Hammer stressed the importance of identifying ineligible voters, saying improper votes could effectively cancel out legitimate ballots. Pakko questioned whether the records actually represented noncitizens or administrative errors, and whether any of those individuals had voted.
Grappe said illegal voting should be prosecuted, but cautioned against improperly removing eligible voters from registration rolls.
The candidates also addressed Arkansas’ low voter registration and turnout rates.
Grappe advocated for allowing online voter registration, noting that 42 states provide it. She said Arkansas’ reliance on paper forms creates unnecessary obstacles, particularly for younger voters.
Pakko also supported modernizing registration but argued that low turnout reflects a lack of competitive elections. With many candidates running unopposed, he said voters often have little incentive to participate.
Hammer emphasized voter education, advocating year-round outreach rather than concentrating efforts immediately before elections.
Asked whether they could envision refusing to certify an election, Pakko said he could not, although credible allegations of fraud might warrant further examination.
Grappe said withholding certification would require extraordinary circumstances. She proposed creating an election advisory commission involving county election officials and other experts to identify problems and recommend improvements.
Hammer defended Arkansas’ existing safeguards, citing his experience with recounts and the reliability of the state’s election procedures.
The candidates also differed over absentee voting. Grappe criticized changes to ballot deadlines that she said have confused voters, while Hammer defended additional safeguards to prevent abuse. Pakko argued that voting by mail should not automatically be considered a threat to election integrity.
On voting equipment, Hammer supported the state’s existing electronic voting system, noting that voters can review printed selections before casting their ballots. Pakko favored allowing counties greater flexibility, including the option of hand-marked paper ballots. Grappe called for a broader review of election procedures.
The three found common ground on the need to modernize the secretary of state’s business registration services.
Pakko described the office’s technology as outdated, while Grappe said her experience as a business owner demonstrated how difficult the registration process can be. Hammer supported continued modernization and proposed having counselors who could help business owners navigate state requirements.
In closing statements, Hammer emphasized his 16 years in the Legislature and his commitment to election security. His Senate term ends in January.
Grappe, making her first bid for a major elected office, emphasized her experience organizing citizen-led ballot efforts and called for greater trust in Arkansas voters.
Pakko, who has previously sought elected office, urged voters dissatisfied with the two major political parties to consider supporting a Libertarian candidate, rejecting the argument that voting for a third-party candidate is a wasted vote.
Veteran reporter, editor and manager at newspapers, radio and television stations. I’m also a photographer, historian and author, having written the 2017 book Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas.
