Official Account. Arkansas's 35th Secretary of State. Husband. Father. Attorney. Outdoorsman.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Joined August 2009
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Cole Jester retweeted
Today marks twenty-five years since the tragedies of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and it is critical we never forget what we lost that day. My office is featuring a special exhibit sharing the firsthand experience of Arkansas native Major Keith Dover, U.S. Army (Ret.), who was dispatched to the Pentagon in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
The display includes items documented that day by Major Dover, along with a flag bearing the names of the known 9/11 victims. It was generously loaned by Capitol Police Officer George Morehead.
We will never forget.
Cole Jester retweeted
Partnering with nine other Secretaries of State from around the country, I have filed an amicus brief at the United States Supreme Court urging the Court to affirm states’ authority to require proof of citizenship as part of their voter registration processes.
Requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote is a basic safeguard that has been impeded by bad federal caselaw. This case is our best chance in a generation to begin fixing it.
The Arkansas State Capitol is now more secure than ever.
Under Secretary Jester’s leadership, our office is completing a $3.1 million security upgrade to better protect the Capitol, the people who work here, and every Arkansan who walks through its doors.
RT @Cole_Jester: Honored to unveil a new display recognizing Arkansas hero and Medal of Honor winner Maurice “Footsie” Britt at the State C…
Cole Jester retweeted
Today marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the birth date of our nation. God’s hand was providentially with our nation in its founding. Let us rededicate ourselves to remembering our proud and noble history. America is a land of pioneers, warriors, scientists, business, art, and faith in God. We have much to celebrate.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Capitol to celebrate Liberty Day! It was a great opportunity to honor our nation’s founding and the enduring principles of liberty.
190 years strong. Today we celebrate Arkansas’ rich history, enduring spirit, and the people who continue to shape the Natural State. Happy 190th birthday, Arkansas! 🎉
Join us June 30th at the Arkansas State Capitol for Liberty Day as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and reflect on the freedoms that continue to shape our nation. We look forward to welcoming Arkansans for a day of history, education, and civic pride.
Cole Jester retweeted
Today we honor the Americans who gave their lives in service to our country. May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America.
Cole Jester retweeted
America’s 250th Anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to teach the next generation what it means to be an American. I am proud to open the first exhibit of America 250 at the Arkansas State Capitol: Founding Fathers.
Cole Jester retweeted
Great speaking with the members of the Cabot Rotary Club today about the important work happening across Arkansas — from protecting election integrity and improving business services to preserving and enhancing our State Capitol for future generations. Appreciate the invitation and the opportunity to share what we’re working on for the people of Arkansas.
Remember to go vote today! It is election day, and voting is not just a right, it is a duty. If you don’t know where your polling place is, it is easy to find with this link: voterview.ar-nova.org/VoterV…
Cole Jester retweeted
We are thankful for Attorney General Tim Griffin and his team for demonstrating a matchless commitment to protecting the integrity of Arkansas elections. The investigation and arrests of eight individuals on voter registration fraud charges make clear that unlawful activity will not be tolerated.
Eight people in Phillips County recently turned themselves in after agents in my Special Investigations Division obtained warrants for their arrest on felony charges related to a runoff election for the Phillips County Justice of the Peace seat for District 9. Lita Moore Johnson, 62, a teacher at Marvell School District who won the runoff election for the Justice of the Peace seat, was one of the individuals arrested after evidence was submitted that she told multiple voters to illegally change the address on their voter registration so that they could vote for her in the runoff. Johnson was charged with two counts of solicitation to commit perjury, a class D felony.
Seven other individuals were charged with perjury, a class C felony, for fraudulently changing their address on an Arkansas Voter Registration Application. Each of them voted in the precinct corresponding with the District 9 Justice of the Peace runoff despite their actual address dictating that they vote elsewhere.
They are:
• Mearion Armstrong, 68, retired
• Cordelia Foster, 60, an elementary teacher at KIPP Public School in Helena
• Shirley Hicks, 56, a custodian at Barton School District
• Jasean Smith, 30, a teacher at Central High School in Helena and the pastor of Galilee Church
• Adam Swopes, 26, a lieutenant with the Arkansas Department of Corrections
• Rachel Gamble Sykes, 56, Arkansas Crime Information Center coordinator for the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office
• Jocelyn Washington, 39, who works at the Phillips County Development Center
Keeping Arkansas’s elections the most secure in the country requires vigilance and perseverance, and I am pleased to see these individuals held accountable for their actions. tinyurl.com/nbbxv2ct #arnews
The first K9 officer in Arkansas State Capitol Police history is now on duty — another step forward in protecting the Capitol from potential threats while keeping it accessible to the people it belongs to.
Our office always enjoys educating young voters and emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. Thanks to the great kids who attended our Young Voter Workshop this year and our incredible staff who helped put on the successful event.
Cole Jester retweeted
Arkansas’s best days are ahead of it. Today was a small but meaningful symbol that we are not interested in managing a slow decline of our state, city, or our nation. Instead, we are going to build, expand and maintain the good, the true, and the beautiful. The State Capitol’s bronze doors are the birthright of every Arkansan, and I was proud to open them today.
For the first time in 25 years, the State Capitol’s iconic bronze doors will welcome the public again — beginning this Friday from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. What once closed after 9/11 is now reopening thanks to modern security and a renewed commitment to access.
Cole Jester retweeted
In Arkansas, we believe our government should exist to benefit Arkansans, never foreign governments.
Today, we are announcing the Combating Hostile Foreign Influence Rule. It is in effect, and we are accepting reports online.
This rule wouldn’t exist if not for the incredible work of Mindy McAlindon and Matt McKee to get legislation to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who has fought every single day to protect Arkansans from foreign influence.
Working for Governor Sanders to fight China buying our farmland was the honor of a lifetime, and I will carry that spirit into every policy I shape.
Cole Jester retweeted
Thankful for everyone who’s stepping up to help during this winter storm, but especially our Capitol Police!
Shoutout to the Capitol Police that helped us get unstuck today @KARK4News @FOX16News
Please be careful when driving!!!