LWV Files Amicus Brief in Voter Intimidation Case Before SCOTUS
NEW YORK STATE RIFLE & PISTOL ASSOCIATION V. BRUEN THREATENS TO ELIMINATE LAWS REGULATING GUNS IN PUBLIC PLACES
WASHINGTON — Late Monday, the League of Women Voters of the United States, along with the Leagues of Women Voters of New York and Florida, filed an amicus brief in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, a US Supreme Court case examining New York laws regulating the right of individuals to carry guns in public places. The Leagues join this case in support of current New York laws requiring New Yorkers to show proper cause before allowing them to carry concealed weapons in certain public places, including polling places. Without such restrictions, the threat of intimidation at polling places, during registration, and as votes are counted could imperil the electoral process.
“Allowing private citizens to carry guns inside polling places and at other election-related events poses a threat to the electoral process. Voter intimidation must not be tolerated,” said Dr. Deborah Ann Turner, board president of the League of Women Voters of the United States. “Voters have a right to safe access to their polling place, and these laws protect that constitutional right. They must be upheld.”
“New York’s laws protect New York voters from threats of violence as they exercise their freedom to vote,” said Laura Bierman, executive director of the League of Women Voters of New York State. “Weakening New York’s gun regulation laws would weaken the right to vote safely. These laws must remain in place to protect New York voters.”
The League of Women Voters of Florida joins the brief in interest of protecting their efforts to allow counties to place reasonable protective regulations on concealed firearms, in order to prevent voter intimidation and maintain the public’s confidence in its ability to safely participate in elections.
“The League of Women Voters of Florida is strongly advocating for protections against voter intimidation in our state,” said Cecile Scoon, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “Florida voters have the same rights to go to the polls without fear or intimidation as the voters in New York do. These laws prohibiting voter intimidation must remain in place so that our counties can protect Florida voters from intimidation at the polls.”
The League of Women Voters is represented by Cooley LLP.
“Cooley is proud to partner with the League of Women Voters to ensure that all citizens can safely participate in the electoral process,” said Cooley partner Adam Gershenson. “No citizen should face intimidation or have their fundamental right to vote undermined, especially at a time when we have seen a disturbing increase in armed intimidation at the polls and at political activities more broadly.”
New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen is expected to be heard before the court later this fall.
