Republican state Sen. Kim Hammer, Democratic candidate Kelly Grappe, and Libertarian contender Michael Pakko are vying to become Arkansas’ next secretary of state, focusing their campaigns on the electoral process and voter engagement. The race has drawn attention for its debate over changes to the state’s citizen initiative process and strategies to raise voter turnout in a state that lags behind national averages.
Hammer, a Republican serving in the Arkansas Legislature since 2011, has positioned himself as an advocate for stricter rules on ballot initiatives, highlighting his role in crafting laws requiring all canvassers for statewide petitions or referendums to be Arkansas residents. He argues such measures secure the process from potential exploitation by out-of-state organizations. However, federal courts have deemed several of these laws unconstitutional, including residency requirements for paid canvassers. Hammer has appealed the rulings.
“I think it’s time that they start explaining their position for why they want a weak process that’s been made evident by the flaws in previous attempts to put initiatives on the ballot,” Hammer stated, defending the legislation.
His opponents, however, have challenged these restrictions. Grappe called for better education and support for Arkansans working to bring ballot proposals forward. “I don’t think we need to protect ourselves from the people of Arkansas,” Grappe said. “I think we need to make sure that the people of Arkansas have good processes to use their constitutional rights.”
Libertarian candidate Pakko criticized Hammer’s legislative track record, saying it undermines the state’s motto, *Regnat Populus*, meaning "the people rule." He expressed his support for the court rulings overturning Hammer’s measures.
Beyond initiatives, the candidates identified Arkansas’ low voter turnout, among the worst in the nation, as a major challenge. Only 53.5% of registered voters participated in the 2024 presidential election, compared to the national average of about 64%. All three candidates vowed to resist federal control of state elections, a topic of growing national debate.
Hammer said Arkansas’ elections are already secure and described the state as “leading the pack” on election integrity. He emphasized a need for outreach efforts to motivate voters, proposing partnerships with schools, colleges, and civic organizations. “We’ve got to do a better job of utilizing the secretary of state’s office to be out in the state promoting the right to get out to vote,” Hammer said.
Grappe advocated for restoring trust in elections and expanding public education about the voting process. “We are failing at educating the public on how things work,” she said. Pakko, who chairs the state Libertarian Party, proposed structural changes such as ranked-choice voting, nonpartisan redistricting, and moving primary elections closer to the general election date. He argues these reforms would boost competitiveness and voter engagement.
Another topic gaining attention in the race is accessibility at the state Capitol. Hammer and Pakko both pointed to the need for expanded parking for visitors and employees, with Hammer suggesting a potential parking deck as a solution. Grappe, while supporting improved accessibility, proposed using the Capitol as a venue for facilitated civic-dialogue sessions on divisive issues. She cited Braver Angels, a national organization aiming to depolarize politics, as an inspiration.
Outgoing Secretary of State Cole Jester, also a Republican, is not seeking reelection but is instead running for land commissioner. The winner of this race will take on the responsibility of guiding Arkansas elections during a period of national scrutiny and ongoing debates over the balance between election accessibility and security.