Prosecutors will review case of man casting two ballots

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

— A Benton County man may soon find himself in legal hot water for apparently voting twice in the recent runoff election.

Benton County Election Commission Chairman E.J. Miller wanted guidance on how to handle the situation during Friday’s commission meeting. The man apparently voted early in Siloam Springs, then voted again at his polling site on Tuesday.

“It looks to me that we have no choice but to turn it over to the prosecutor’s office,” said Commissioner Bill Williams.

Williams said he would forward the information to the prosecuting attorney’s office.

Violation of the law is considered a class A misdemeanor. It is punishable with a fine up to $1,000, up to a year in jail or both.

Prosecutor Van Stone said Friday he remembered an elderly man who, several years ago, early voted and also voted on election day.

“I think the gentleman was in his early 90s, and it was apparent he just forgot he had early voted,” Stone said.

Stone said his office did not proceed with the case.

Stone said his office will review the latest case once its receives information from the Election Commission.

Commissioners on Friday also discussed the upcoming election for NorthWest Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees.

Three spots will be on the ballot. Position 4 is vacant, Position 5 is held by Coleman Peterson and Position 6 is held by Linda Bisbee. Trustee positions are six-year terms. Elected members will take office Jan. 1, 2011.

The filing time, by petition, will be 8 a.m. July 16 through noon July 23. The filing time for write-in candidates will be 8 a.m. July 21 through noon July 28. The election is Sept. 16.

News, Pages 3 on 06/16/2010