In 2024, citizens of Independence County, Arkansas launched an initiative petition to require paper ballots in county elections. What should have been a straightforward democratic process became a prolonged battle against coordinated government resistance. This page documents what happened, supported by FOIA records and court filings.
March 2024
Initiative Petition Process Begins
Citizens begin collecting signatures for a county ordinance requiring paper ballots. Under Arkansas law, 1,433 or more valid signatures are needed to place the measure on the ballot.
Spring – Summer 2024
Signature Collection
Volunteers across Independence County gather signatures from registered voters. The petition exceeds the required threshold.
Summer 2024
AAC Coordinates Statewide Rejection Strategy
FOIA records later reveal that the Association of Arkansas Counties (AAC) coordinated with county attorneys across the state to develop strategies for rejecting paper ballot petitions. County Attorney Daniel Haney and AAC attorney Colin Jorgensen exchanged communications about this effort.
August 2024
Tracey Mitchell Rejects Petition
Independence County Clerk Tracey Mitchell declares the petition “insufficient” and refuses to certify it. A FOIA request filed August 16 seeks records related to the petition, election commission communications, and AAC coordination. The Clerk fulfills this request on August 21 via jump drive pickup.
August – September 2024
Bryan Norris Files Suit: Norris v. Mitchell
Bryan Norris files a lawsuit in Independence County Circuit Court seeking a writ of mandamus to compel the Clerk to certify the petition.
August 26, 2024
Circuit Court Orders Certification
Circuit Court Judge Holly Meyer rules in favor of Norris and issues a writ of mandamus ordering Tracey Mitchell to certify the petition and place the paper ballot ordinance on the November ballot.
October 2024
Arkansas Supreme Court Affirms
The Arkansas Supreme Court affirms the circuit court ruling in Mitchell v. Norris, 2024 Ark. 148. The paper ballot ordinance will appear on the November ballot as ordered.
November 2024
Paper Ballot Ordinance Passes
Independence County voters approve the paper ballot ordinance at the November 2024 general election. The ordinance requires the county to use paper ballots in future elections.
November 2024
FOIA Stonewalling Intensifies
Multiple FOIA requests filed in November 2024 reveal coordinated resistance. County Attorney Daniel Haney pushes back on request specificity. Attorney Clint Lancaster sends a “FINAL WARNING FOR FOIA VIOLATION” letter on November 8. A formal AG complaint is filed on November 18. County officials provide incomplete responses or claim they have “nothing else to provide.”
January 2026
Federal Lawsuit Filed
Norris et al v. Griffin et al (Case 5:26-cv-05005-SOH) is filed in the Western District of Arkansas before Judge Susan Hickey. The lawsuit challenges the broader pattern of obstruction and seeks federal relief.
February 2026
Records Still Being Withheld
FOIA requests filed in February 2026 by attorney Clint Lancaster for paper ballot implementation records and AAC communications receive incomplete responses. The Clerk provides meeting minutes and ordinances but no emails or text messages. The County Judge claims there is “nothing else to provide.” The pattern of selective disclosure continues.
Key Documents and Court Cases
- Norris v. Mitchell (Independence County Circuit Court, 2024): Writ of mandamus ordering petition certification
- Mitchell v. Norris, 2024 Ark. 148 (Arkansas Supreme Court): Affirmed circuit court ruling
- Norris et al v. Griffin et al, Case 5:26-cv-05005-SOH (W.D. Ark.): Federal lawsuit, Judge Susan Hickey
- FOIA Tracker: View all FOIA requests and their status
What You Can Do
Transparency requires vigilance. Here is how you can help:
- File your own FOIA requests with county officials
- Attend Quorum Court and Election Commission meetings
- Submit anonymous tips about government misconduct
- Share this page with other Independence County residents