Desha County and Probate Clerk Valerie Donaldson has announced she is running for Re- Election on May 24, 2022.
I am announcing my candidacy for re-election as the Desha County Clerk. I have proudly served Desha County as County Clerk for the past 10 years. I am married to Jamie Donaldson of 28 years who is a Lieutenant with the Dumas Police Department. I have two adult children Nathan Donaldson and Paige Donaldson Armstrong who is married to Dale Armstrong. I graduated Dumas High School in 1989 and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
It has been an honor serving the citizens of Desha County over the past ten years, and it is my hope you will allow my experience and dedication to continue to serve.
During my tenure as the Desha County Clerk I have worked with others to create vote centers which allows citizens to vote at any polling place in the county as long as they are registered voters within Desha County. I have implemented electronic poll-books that inform the poll-workers in real time when and where a voter has voted. This is a security feature ensuring voters only vote once. The most trying election was in 2020 during the pandemic. My office worked very hard to keep the voters safe. We placed sanitizing stations in every polling site as well as masks, gloves, and stylus pens to cast ballots. Extra workers were hired to take temps and direct people where to go. It was the largest turn-out that I have seen to date, and the wait time was very minimal. I am proud of the fact that I and my dedicated staff worked many twelve hours days preparing and planning for the safety of our voters and poll-workers. I have also installed a voter photo ID system issued by the Secretary of State for those that don’t have an ID. A Desha County Citizen can bring proof and sign an affidavit in order to have an ID issued free of charge.
In my office I proudly wear many hats. I am responsible for payroll, accounts payable, and keeping the voter registration system current and up to date. I also issue marriage licenses and responsible for all probate court cases. Probate court consists of small estates, guardianships, wills, commitments, adoptions, and decedent estates. I issue DBA’s and file ministers licenses as well. I have always been a hard worker and that’s what it takes to run the county clerk’s office. It also takes dedication. I have proven my dedication by working weekends and late into the evenings to finish projects. As clerk, I have put the people first and will continue.
I am actively involved in the community. I am always willing to give back by setting up informational booths at many local events held within the county. I am the secretary of the of Desha Quorum Court, secretary of the Desha County Equalization Board, member of the Arkansas Association of County Clerks, member of the Apprentice Arkansas County Clerks, member of the Desha County Museum, Dumas Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce, and I attend the First Assembly of God Church in Dumas.
I have received several awards from the Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserves, Arkansas Martin Luther King,Jr Committee, and AR Counties Continuing Education program.
I understand that I work for the people, and I will continue to put our citizens first. I am proud of the people I serve and proud to call Desha County home. I am asking the parties to put their differences aside and vote for the most experienced and dedicated candidate, Valerie Donaldson. I will continue to work as hard for the citizens as the very first day I took office. Thank you for allowing me to serve and I would appreciate your vote once again on May 24, 2022.
