The injunction’s brief summary of events states, “For nearly sixty years, Defendants and their predecessors have operated a “hand-me-down governance” system in the town of Newbern. Under this system, Defendants have generally either refused to hold elections at all or failed to provide meaningful notice about upcoming elections.”
Furthermore, Newbern has maintained a system of two mayors, according to the lawsuit. Some town residents were unaware that they even had the right to participate in elections.
“They’re] so stuck in their ways and don’t want nothing else for the town. They just want it to stay the same,” Braxton said. “I hope they break, and just go ahead and release everything to me. If not, we’ll just go to court.”
The LDF provided a statement from Braxton, which emphasized that citizens’ inability to vote in elections violates the democratic process.
“For decades, officials in my town have excluded me and other voters from participating in elections and having a say in what happens here,” Braxton said. “Voting is not a privilege; it is a responsibility in helping to shape the direction and priorities of our community. We want to ensure our voices are heard, and votes are counted. We ask the courts to enforce elections in Newbern this November so that we can cast our ballots and actively participate in the democratic process.”
Richard Rouco, a partner at the Alabama firm that joined the motion for an injunction, said in a press release that the town effectively has been depriving its citizens of their constitutional rights. “In failing to hold or give notice to residents for municipal elections, Newbern officials have continually prevented residents from electing representatives and holding office. It is imperative that the courts step in to ensure Newbern residents can fairly and fully exercise their fundamental right to vote.”
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Source: Black Enterprise
