The ACLU of Nevada has submitted an amicus brief to the Nevada Supreme Court in support of an emergency petition filed by Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar and Attorney General Aaron Ford. The petition challenges the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners' refusal to certify the results of the 2024 Primary Election.
The Secretary of State's filing against Washoe County seeks to ensure that the voices of Nevada voters are heard. It urges the court to compel the Washoe County Commission to promptly certify the recount results in accordance with state law and encourages the Nevada Supreme Court to set a precedent on this issue before November’s General Election.
In its brief, the ACLU of Nevada argues that under Nevada law, certifying election results must be completed within a fixed timeline, including when a recount occurs, and is a mandatory duty for county commissions. Refusing to certify these results violates state law.
ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Athar Haseebullah stated: "The refusal of the Washoe County Commission to fulfill its mandatory duty to certify election results threatens the integrity of our electoral process. Individual county commissioners should not have the authority to delay or disrupt an entire election cycle as they circumvent Nevada law, which is precisely what they are doing. The Secretary of State and Attorney General bringing this matter to the Nevada Supreme Court was a bold, important move that was necessary in advance of November when election deniers are likely to use this tactic and others to perpetuate absurd conspiracy theories in an effort to undermine our democracy."
ACLU of Nevada Voting Rights Attorney Sadmira Ramic added: "The integrity of our electoral process is at stake here. It's not just about following the law; it's about ensuring every Nevadan's vote counts. By refusing to certify the results, the County Commission is undermining the very foundation of our democracy. The court must support the voices of Nevada voters and demand that the County Commission do its duty to certify the recount results of the 2024 Primary Election."