06 Oct Brennan Center for Justice, Nevada Voting Rights Groups, Brief Media on 2022 Election Process, Legal Challenges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2022
CONTACT: Will Pregman, wpregman@battlebornprogress.org, 702.752.0656
**AUDIO & VIDEO INCLUDED**
Brennan Center for Justice, Nevada Voting Rights Groups, Brief Media on 2022 Election Process, Legal Challenges
*Audio Recordings of Speakers*
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NEVADA – As Election Day approaches, Nevada community organizations dedicated to nonpartisan voter registration, education, and outreach were joined by representatives of the Brennan Center for Justice for a press briefing on the subject of Nevada’s relatively new voting laws and what members of the press can expect and be prepared for going into November. Each speaker will cover a different dimension of the topic, including voter education efforts, election protection hotline, legal and physical threats to the election process, and the post-Election Day timeline for ballot tabulation and certification. The panel also discussed the recent legal filings concerning Nye County’s hand-counting proposal, and other state and national trends.
Emily Persaud-Zamora, Executive Director of Silver State Voices, said:
“Every election is a critical election, but the 2022 midterm marks the first general election after Nevada’s 2021 legislative session, during which the Legislature passed multiple pro-voting rights policies. Most notable of these policies is AB321, which, among other things, automatically sends mail ballots with pre-paid postage to all voters (unless voters have opted out). It is crucial that voters complete and return their mail ballot appropriately, signing the envelope and placing it in a drop box or ensuring it is postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. On occasion, voters need to address an issue with their ballot, such as a missing signature, so it is critical that voters look out for communications from their election department via a physical letter during this time. Voting is not only a right; it is a tool that allows Nevadans to voice their opinion on issues that affect their daily lives. The LNV coalition is committed to ensuring that Nevada voters, especially BIPOC and underrepresented voters, have the access, information, and ability to vote.”
Gowri Ramachandran, with the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law:
“Nevada voters should know that many laws, procedures, and safeguards are in place to protect their votes. It’s unfortunate that lies about our elections continue to spread, but those lies don’t change reality, which is that Nevada’s elections are accurate and secure. For example, votes in Nevada are backed up by paper records, which allows election officials to verify the voting machines’ tallies. These and other practices keep Nevada’s elections free, fair, and safe.”
Athar Haseebullah, Esq., ACLU of Nevada Executive Director, said:
“What we are witnessing in much of Nevada should alarm anyone who cares about our democracy. Disinformation campaigns and conspiracy theories have created an environment that is hostile to the freedom to vote, but the ACLU of Nevada has devoted more resources than ever before to protecting access to our elections. Led by our dedicated voting rights attorney, our new Voter Protection Alliance program is going to mobilize volunteer attorneys to observe polling sites across the state, and they will be ready to jump into action should the need arise, just like we did when we filed a case against Nye County earlier this week to block them from moving forward with an illegal hand-counting scheme.”
Kerry Durmick, Executive Director of All Voting is Local NV, said:
“Bad actors will undoubtedly spread misinformation and disinformation ahead of the midterm elections, specifically around the certification process on and after election day. To combat this, All Voting is Local focuses on assuring voters that their ballots will be counted safely and providing accurate, up-to-date voting information. We are committed to protecting the democratic process and ensuring voters’ voices are heard in Nevada.”
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