Two men charged with violating Arkansas election law in Independence County pleaded not guilty Wednesday as dozens of supporters gathered outside the courthouse holding signs and showing support, K8 News reported.
Colonel Conrad Reynolds and Dustin Black face Class A misdemeanor charges filed by Attorney General Tim Griffin. The case stems from allegations that they asked voters questions near the entrance of a Batesville polling site on Election Day in 2024.
An arrest warrant alleges the two were within 30 feet of the polling place — well inside the 100-foot boundary where electioneering is prohibited.
“Arkansas Code § 7-1-103 prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of the primary entrance used by voters,” Griffin said. “This case is about one thing: following the law.”
Reynolds’ attorney, Mike Gableman, argued his client was conducting legal exit polling, not electioneering.
Supporters outside the Independence County District Court building held signs backing paper ballots — a measure Reynolds and Black supported last year.
Reynolds told the crowd the case is politically motivated and vowed to fight the charges. His next court date is Dec. 31, according to K8 News.
Click here for the full report from K8 News.
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