AGP Executive Report

Election Watch: Arkansas early voting is running 25% ahead of the same point in 2022, with gains among younger voters. Federal monitors are expected in Pulaski and Washington counties, though Washington County commissioners have barred them from polling sites; the NAACP is challenging the Justice Department’s monitoring plan. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Tim Griffin joined the FTC and 19 states in suing Dollar General, alleging customers were charged more at checkout than advertised prices. Prison Policy: The FCC plans a Nov. 19 vote on rules that would let state and local prisons jam contraband cellphones. Griffin and Sen. Tom Cotton backed the proposal at an Arkansas event; facilities would not be required to use the technology. Local Government: Pulaski County officials say a suspected email scam cost the county $1.9 million in payments to a jail vendor, and the FBI has been notified. Higher Education: National Park College trustees authorized negotiations for a merger with the University of Arkansas System; the system’s board is expected to consider the deal in December. Farm Economy: Arkansas recorded 32 Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings through the first three quarters of 2026, nearly matching 2025’s total of 33, the nation’s highest.

Prison Security: The FCC plans to vote Nov. 19 on rules allowing state and local prisons to jam cellphone signals. The announcement came in Little Rock with Sen. Tom Cotton and Attorney General Tim Griffin, who say contraband phones help inmates direct crimes. Election Oversight: Washington County’s election commission voted to keep Justice Department monitors out of polling sites on Election Day, despite a federal request. The DOJ also plans to send monitors to Pulaski County. County Finances: Pulaski County says about $1.9 million in jail medical-service payments was diverted after a scammer impersonated the vendor by email. The county recovered one recent payment and notified the FBI. Public Schools: Arkansas lawmakers pressed Education Department officials on falling enrollment across 203 of the state’s 265 public school districts and the proposed $70 million increase for Educational Freedom Accounts. Consumer Protection: Griffin joined the FTC and 19 other states in suing Dollar General, alleging stores routinely charged customers more at checkout than advertised prices. Voting: Early turnout is surging in parts of Arkansas; Saline County reported 21,132 ballots cast through Oct. 27, about 25% of registered voters and the state’s second-highest turnout rate.

Election 2026: Arkansas early voting is up 25% from the same point in 2022, with especially sharp gains among younger voters. The Justice Department plans monitors in Pulaski and Washington counties, but Washington County officials rejected federal access to polling sites. Local Oversight: The Pulaski County Quorum Court voted 10-4 to override Judge Barry Hyde’s veto and keep regulations on a proposed data center, including rules for noise, lighting, energy and water use. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Tim Griffin joined the FTC and 19 other states in suing Dollar General, alleging stores repeatedly charged customers more at checkout than advertised. The claims have not been proven in court. Farm Economy: Arkansas led the nation in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings in the third quarter, with 32 agricultural operations filing so far this year—nearly matching all of 2025. Jobs and Investment: Mountain Home medical-device maker Vantive plans to add about 175 technical and engineering jobs, alongside $100 million in planned investment.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway across Arkansas, but Washington County commissioners unanimously rejected the Justice Department’s request to place monitors inside polling sites; federal officials say monitors are also headed to Pulaski County. A poll shows Sen. Tom Cotton leading Democrat Hallie Shoffner in the U.S. Senate race. Governor’s Office: Sarah Huckabee Sanders plans an official “Capital for a Day” visit to Benton on Wednesday, six days before the general election. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Tim Griffin joined the FTC and 19 other states in suing Dollar General, alleging the retailer repeatedly charged customers more at checkout than advertised. Disaster Policy: FEMA’s administrator says states should prepare to cover more disaster recovery costs. Arkansas has received 14 weather-related major disaster declarations since 2016. Criminal Justice: A legislative panel is weighing home detention for some older inmates and automatic record sealing as Arkansas plans for a new prison.

Senate Race: A new Talk Business & Politics–Hendrix College poll gives Republican Tom Cotton a 50%-41% lead over Democrat Hallie Shoffner, reversing an August survey that had Shoffner ahead. Election Oversight: Washington County commissioners barred federal DOJ monitors from entering polling places on Election Day, citing late notice; Pulaski County officials are weighing a similar move. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Tim Griffin joined the FTC and a multistate coalition suing Dollar General, alleging it routinely charged shoppers more than advertised prices. Prison Policy: A bipartisan legislative panel is considering proposals including home detention for some inmates 60 and older and automatic sealing of old criminal records, as lawmakers seek alternatives to adding prison beds. Local Government: Pulaski County’s Quorum Court is set to consider overriding a veto of rules for proposed data centers, while Fayetteville’s proposed 2027 budget totals $291.9 million and adds 15 full-time positions. Youth Mental Health: Advocates told lawmakers Arkansas needs more intermediate care for children to prevent avoidable hospitalizations.

Election Oversight: Washington County election commissioners unanimously rejected the Justice Department’s request to place monitors inside polling sites, citing late notice and no clear reason for selecting the county. Arkansas officials say federal observers can still watch from at least 100 feet away. Voter Access: Arkansas Democrats launched a statewide hotline for voters who face challenges, intimidation or questions at the polls. The party says early voting is running 30% ahead of 2022, though that figure comes from party officials. Courts and State Power: The Arkansas Supreme Court declined to fast-track Attorney General Tim Griffin’s request to block payments to lawyers who successfully challenged Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ control over Board of Corrections hiring and firing. The 4-1 decision did not address the merits; the firm says it is owed more than $307,000. Economic Development: U.S. Steel is set to begin construction on a $1.9 billion direct-reduced-iron facility in Osceola, with about 2,000 construction jobs expected and roughly 200 permanent positions tied to the project.

Census and Federal Funding: Advocates warn proposed 2030 Census changes could deepen Arkansas’ undercount. The state already had the nation’s largest undercount in 2020, which may have cost billions in federal aid. Election 2026: Arkansas Democrats say early voting is up 30%; Columbia County added 113 ballots Saturday. Federal monitors are expected in Washington and Pulaski counties on Election Day. Voting Rules: Arkansas is asking the state Supreme Court to revive a restrictive voter-registration rule, a closely watched legal fight as November voting approaches. Abortion Law: Arkansas has joined Louisiana and Alabama in suing states that shield providers of mail-order abortion pills.

Election Watch: Early voting is gaining pace across Arkansas: Columbia County reached 1,835 ballots Saturday, while Democrats say statewide turnout is up 30% and River Valley counties report a 21% rise over 2022. Federal monitors will be in Washington and Pulaski counties on Election Day. Voting Rules: Arkansas is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to revive a restrictive voter-registration rule, putting access to the ballot back before the justices as the midterms approach. Ballot Debate: Issue 3, which would allow local economic development districts, is drawing competing arguments over whether it can deliver growth. Public Accountability: A Pulaski County jail deputy received a two-day unpaid suspension after reportedly watching a movie while an inmate on suicide watch suffered a fatal medical emergency, renewing questions about monitoring and oversight. Abortion Litigation: Arkansas, Louisiana and Alabama are suing states that shield providers who mail abortion pills, escalating a legal fight over state protections and access.

Voting Rules: Arkansas has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to restore a requirement for handwritten signatures on voter registrations, which an appeals court blocked. The state says the rule ensures uniform procedures; voting groups argue it unlawfully burdens access. The request is unlikely to affect this year’s midterms. Early Voting: Turnout is running ahead of 2022: statewide ballots were up 26% through the first four days, and Sebastian County was up 21%. Federal monitors are also expected in Pulaski and Washington counties on Election Day. Abortion Litigation: Arkansas, Louisiana and Alabama are challenging shield laws in New York, Massachusetts and California, seeking to limit protections for providers who mail abortion pills across state lines. The cases raise a dispute over how far one state’s laws can reach into another.

Early Voting: Turnout is running well ahead of 2022 in parts of Arkansas. Sebastian County is up 21%, while statewide early and absentee ballots reached 210,285 through Thursday — 26% above the same point in the last midterm. Columbia County had counted 1,722 ballots by Friday. Election Oversight: Federal monitors are set to observe voting in Washington and Pulaski counties on Election Day. Attorney General Tim Griffin also reminded voters that his office operates an election-law hotline. Ballot Measures: Issue 3 would let local governments create economic development districts, but critics and supporters differ over its potential costs and benefits. Voters also face a crowded November ballot, with Arkansas among 36 states choosing a governor. State Government: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ review identified 344 regulatory changes aimed at speeding business activity and cutting red tape.

Election 2026: Early voting is running ahead of 2022 in parts of Arkansas, including Sebastian County, where first-day turnout rose by 740 votes. Federal monitors are also expected in Pulaski and Washington counties on Election Day; Washington County officials will decide whether to allow them inside polling places. Bella Vista Race: A watchdog group has accused mayoral candidate Benjamin Hunt of omitting more than $400,000 in court judgments from a financial disclosure. The complaint is pending review, and no violation has been found. School Funding: Two Stone County districts that split from Mountain View sued the county treasurer, alleging tax revenue for their communities was wrongly sent to Mountain View. Ballot Measure: Voters will decide Issue 3, a proposed amendment to allow local economic development districts, as supporters and critics make competing cases. Farm Economy: Arkansas led the nation in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings in the third quarter, with filings rising significantly. Disaster Readiness: At a Little Rock conference, FEMA’s administrator urged states to build capacity to respond without waiting for federal disaster declarations, even as reports cited staffing and funding gaps at state and local agencies.

Midterm Turnout: Early voting is drawing strong numbers across Arkansas. Columbia County reported 1,371 ballots cast in the first four days, while Jefferson County’s turnout has doubled its previous early-voting total. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge reminded voters that her office has an election-law hotline. Issue 3: Voters will decide whether to let lawmakers create local economic development districts and use public funds for business incentives. Supporters say the measure could help Arkansas compete for projects; opponents warn it grants broad powers before the program’s rules are clear. The measure’s campaign has raised more than $2.2 million. Legislative Race: Democrat Alex Holladay is defending the North Little Rock-area seat he flipped in March, with Republicans aiming to reclaim it and PAC money flowing to his challenger. Holladay says Democrats should not assume the seat is safe.

Overseas Voting: The Pentagon says U.S. citizens born abroad who have never lived in the country no longer qualify for special federal absentee-voting protections, leaving states to decide whether they may vote. Arkansas Elections: Secretary of state candidates Kim Hammer, Kelly Grappe and Michael Pakko clashed over the citizen-initiative process, after courts struck down several rules Hammer backed. Attorney General Tim Griffin also reminded voters that his election-law hotline is open during early voting. Early Turnout: Washington County had 16,811 early ballots cast through Thursday, 46% more than at the same point in 2022; Benton County recorded 23,330. Farm Finances: Arkansas led the nation with 12 Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies in the third quarter, and 32 so far this year, as agricultural costs rise. Disaster Aid: FEMA awarded Izard County $1.1 million to repair the storm-damaged Antioch Bridge and Arkansas $539,000 for hazard-mitigation planning.

Election Watch: With early voting underway, Arkansas races are drawing attention: Texarkana voters will pick a new mayor Nov. 3, and Democrats are targeting gains in fast-changing Washington County. Pro Arkansas Women PAC has issued its endorsements, while Gov. Sarah Sanders holds a commanding lead in recent polling. Ballot Measures: Voters will decide Issue 3, a major focus of competing campaigns, alongside a proposed constitutional amendment barring noncitizens from voting. State Government: Sanders says her administration identified 344 regulatory changes to cut red tape and speed business activity. Economic Pressures: Arkansas led the nation in farm bankruptcies in the third quarter, with 12 filings; 32 farms have sought Chapter 12 protection so far this year. Meanwhile, Entergy has expanded its West Memphis data-center proposal, amid local scrutiny of the project and its power demands. Public Accountability: The Arkansas AG announced $18.4 million in lease forgiveness from a Snap Finance settlement, while a North Little Rock strip club is appealing a $1.16 million verdict tied to a patron’s death.

Midterm Voting: Arkansas saw more than 56,000 voters on the first day of early voting, with Pulaski County turnout far exceeding its previous midterm mark. Candidates are making their cases in forums and debates as voters weigh contested races and ballot Issue 3; Secretary of State candidates also differ on election security, voter access and ballot initiatives. State Politics: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says her review found 344 regulatory changes aimed at cutting red tape. Polling shows her with a commanding lead in the governor’s race, while Democratic challenger Chris Jones is building momentum in the 2nd Congressional District. Government Accountability: Tontitown will require officials and relevant staff to take FOIA training after a $28,000 settlement over public-records requests. Attorney General Tim Griffin says a multistate settlement will cancel $18.4 million in Snap Finance lease payments owed by more than 9,300 Arkansans. Legal Fight: An appeals court is weighing Arkansas’ defense of restrictions on foreign-owned cryptocurrency mining after a lower court blocked the state law.

Election 2026: Arkansas saw more than 56,000 early votes on the first day, with Pulaski County turnout far above its previous midterm pace. Democratic Senate challenger Hallie Shoffner raised nearly $1.4 million in the third quarter, almost triple Sen. Tom Cotton’s total, though Cotton holds a much larger cash reserve. Ballot Measure: Voters will decide Issue 3 on Nov. 3. The amendment would let lawmakers create economic development districts with authority to issue bonds and collect taxes, fees and assessments to finance projects; critics question effects on existing revenue and school funding. State Government: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says agencies identified 344 regulatory changes to speed permits and cut paperwork; 51 are already in place. Data Centers: Little Rock’s board again failed to pass a data center moratorium as Entergy filed a heavily redacted application for Google’s proposed West Memphis project. Disaster Response: FEMA’s chief told state officials at a Little Rock conference that states should build reserves and prepare to handle more disasters with less federal aid.