FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Laura Ladd Bierman, Executive Director
June 4, 2024 E: Laura@lwvny.org, Tel: 518-727-0350

League calls for New York courts to reverse the Supreme Court’s judgment and declare the action to be barred by the doctrine of laches as a result of the significant and immeasurable prejudice it is causing to New York voters and voting rights organizations.

League says Constitutional Amendment approved by the Legislature should remain on the ballot in November.

(Albany, New York – May 31, 2024) The League of Women Voters of New York State filed a proposed amicus brief with the Appellate Division, Fourth Department in the case Byrnes v. Senate of the State of N.Y. concerning the Livingston County Supreme Court’s Decision and Order throwing the NYS ERA Constitutional Amendment ballot proposal off the ballot in November.

Laura Ladd Bierman, Executive Director of the League, stated: “The court’s decision is creating confusion among both voters and the organizations that seek to educate voters. The people are entitled to see this measure on the ballot. As constitutionally required, the matter has passed twice through both chambers of the New York State legislature.”

Bierman continued, “This untimely action may cause voters to distrust the process, to distrust information relating to the ERA provided in the past, and to distrust voters’ abilities to rely on the accuracy of information provided by voting rights organizations in the future.”

The League respectfully submits that the Livingston County Supreme Court’s Order was erroneous and will have significant, immeasurable, and detrimental impacts on the community’s interest in securing equal rights for all New Yorkers. The proposed amicus brief will assist the Court in evaluating the significant and immeasurable prejudice to voters, who are confused as to the existing ballot measure’s status.

The League of Women Voters of New York State, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

See amicus brief here.

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