The ACLU of Nevada has initiated legal action against Nye County, alleging the county’s policies restrict the right to observe the election process. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, aims to uphold transparency in election procedures.
Nevada’s election laws mandate public monitoring of the voting process to maintain trust. However, during this year’s Presidential Preference Primary, an ACLU of Nevada staff member was barred from observing due to a policy limiting observers based on political affiliation, which the organization claims violates state law and the Nevada Constitution.
The case, titled ACLU of Nevada v. Nye County (Case No. CV24-0461), was filed in a Nye County court. This follows a 2022 lawsuit by the nonprofit against Nye County over issues related to hand-counting ballots and other procedural concerns.
ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Athar Haseebullah commented: “Election observers are essential to maintaining faith in our democracy. Nye County’s policy serves no legitimate purpose and severely undermines the public’s trust, particularly at a time when misinformation and conspiracy theories are widespread. Our goal is to ensure that every Nevadan, regardless of their political views, can participate in a transparent and fair election process free from arbitrary and dangerous restrictions.”
Sadmira Ramic, Voting Rights Attorney for ACLU of Nevada, added: “This lawsuit is about protecting transparency in our elections. When the government restricts observers based on political affiliation, they not only break the law but damage public confidence in the electoral process. These laws are in place to hold the government accountable and ensure that our elections are conducted fairly, and Nye County’s actions undermine this core value of our democracy.”
