Nye County Agrees Not to Limit Observers Based on Political Affiliation
LAS VEGAS — In a win for election transparency, Nye County has agreed to a settlement with the ACLU of Nevada in a lawsuit challenging the County's restrictions on poll observers based on political affiliation. The agreement ensures that no restrictions will be imposed on observers based on party affiliation if there is sufficient space to accommodate them, the relief sought by the ACLU of Nevada when it filed suit months ago.
The lawsuit, ACLU of Nevada v. Nye County, was brought after a nonpartisan observer and ACLU of Nevada staff member was barred from observing the election process in Nye despite there being adequate space. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization challenged the County's restrictions to protect the rights of all Nevadans to observe elections and ensure accountability and fairness in the voting process.
ACLU of Nevada executive director Athar Haseebullah said:
"This agreement is a win for democracy and transparency. The ability of individuals, regardless of their partisan affiliation, to observe elections is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. We are committed to ensuring that all Nevadans have the opportunity to participate in safeguarding democracy and will continue to fight to ensure that every eligible voter can participate in open, free, and fair elections."
ACLU of Nevada voting rights attorney Sadmira Ramic said:
"This is an important win for transparency in our elections. By removing these barriers on poll observers, we are sending a clear message that no Nevadan's right to observe the election should be restricted based on political beliefs. This agreement helps safeguard the integrity of our elections by allowing more eyes on the process, which is vital to maintaining public trust. We are grateful Nye County worked with us to resolve this issue."
