JUDGE SAYS POLLS IN PULASKI COUNTY OPEN UNTIL 9:00 P.M.

judge has ordered the polls to remain open until 9 p.m. in Pulaski County, issuing the order after Democrats complained that precincts in the state's most populous county ran short of ballots.

State Democratic chairman Ron Oliver had asked that the polls remain open until 10 p.m. Oliver says problems in Crittenden County could lead the party to attempt a similar action there.

Judge Collins Kilgore extended the voting 90 minutes beyond the official end of voting throughout Arkansas.

Oliver says the party's aim is to allow all people who wanted to vote to get the opportunity. He says he is happy with the 9 p.m. ruling by the judge.

Before tonight's problems, Pulaski County prosecutor Larry Jegley said he intended to ask for a grand jury to look at problems with county clerk Carolyn Staley's office.

Jegley says the grand jury could look into how the voter registration and the election system in the county could be improved. Months of snags have plagued the office.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2002

Answers

STATE SUPREME COURT VOIDS ORDER TO KEEP POLLS OPEN.

The Arkansas Supreme Court last night voided an order keeping the Pulaski County polls open until 9 p.m.

The order came down at the nine o'clock hour so its effect is to be determined.

The state Republican Party had its poll watchers challenge all ballots cast in the county after 7:30 p.m.

The GOP went before the high court to protest an earlier order by Judge Collins Kilgore. Kilgore granted a request by Democrats and extended Pulaski County poll hours 90 minutes to 9 p.m.

Republican Party lawyer Kevin Crass says party attorneys made their case on a conference call with Arkansas Supreme Court justices.

Democrats asked for the initial order because some precincts in Pulaski County ran out of ballots.

Republican officials accused Democrats of trying to steal the election.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2002

had to happen somewhere, I guess.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2002