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Athar Haseebullah

Executive Director

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Sadmira Ramic

Senior Staff Attorney

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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."

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During the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary, a nonpartisan observer who is also an ACLU of Nevada staff member was denied access to observe the election process by the Nye County Clerk's Office. The county implemented a policy that limited only one election observer per political affiliation, even when there was space available, violating Nevada law and the Nevada Constitution, which protects individuals’ right to observe voting, handling, and processing ballots. The ACLU of Nevada filed a lawsuit against Nye County for violating these rights by prohibiting them from observing the voting process. Our Nevada Constitution protects the right to access to information and access to observe government activities, ensuring there is transparency in our democratic processes. This case seeks to affirm the rights of Nevadans to uphold election transparency and prevent viewpoint discrimination in our democracy.