Above: Bryan Norris / Image submitted
Political announcement
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Bryan Norris, an Independence County election reform advocate known for championing ballot integrity, officially announced his candidacy for Arkansas Secretary of State.
Norris gained statewide recognition as the lead petitioner behind a successful Independence County initiative to adopt a paper‑ballot voting system. The measure—intended to supplement electronic tabulation with a hand‑counted paper trail—was certified by the county board and upheld by the Arkansas Supreme Court in October 2024. He emphasized that the initiative would “create a checks and balances system for the existing electronic tabulator count,” ensuring a transparent chain of custody and improving voter confidence.
“Arkansans deserve elections that are secure, transparent, and trusted,” said Norris. “I launched our paper‑ballot petition because I believe in giving voters the tools to verify their voices at the ballot box. Now, as Secretary of State, I will build on that success to restore faith in our electoral system across the state.”
Key Campaign Priorities:
1. Election Integrity & Transparency
- Expand paper‑ballot safeguards statewide
- Mandate post‑election audits and robust chain‑of‑custody procedures
2. Voter Access & Participation
- Simplify voter registration (e.g., in‑person, mail, and accessible forms)
- Improve polling‑place resources, especially in rural areas
- Enhance education on election rights and procedures
3. Nonpartisan Administration
- Insulate the Secretary of State’s office from political influence
- Promote consistent, impartial enforcement of election law
4. Modernization & Efficiency
- Update platform and filing systems for businesses and lobbyists
- Strengthen cybersecurity protocols for election infrastructure
“As Secretary of State, I will bring transparency, accountability, and integrity back to state government,” Norris added. “We owe it to every Arkansan to run elections that are not only fair, but seen to be fair.”
About Bryan Norris
A Batesville native and community activist, Norris first stepped into the public spotlight in 2024 when he spearheaded the Independence County paper‑ballot initiative. The proposal, inviting hand‑marked ballots that are also machine‑counted, was viewed by many as a cost-saving, voter‑friendly reform.
He remains deeply connected to local voters and election officials, advocating for policies that improve both confidence in and the reliability of our democratic process.
Norris is officially filing as a Republican for the 2026 election cycle. Further campaign details, bios, and upcoming events will soon be available at BryanNorris.org.
Political announcement
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