Lawyer Nicholas Hicks of New York explains that no decision was made in the WFP and Conservative Fusion Voting Lawsuits.
Currently, there are two similar but separate lawsuits from the State of New York’s Working Families’ Party and the Conservative Party. The judge heard both suits at the same time, even though they are not joined. Lawyer Nicholas Hicks explains that these lawsuits are focused on protecting fusion voting in New York.
The challenges against the State’s public campaign finance commission could have a significant impact on voting in New York in the future. However, after the last lengthy hearing, no final decision was made. Lawyer Nicholas Hicks notes that approximately 15 different attorneys made their arguments to a State Supreme Court Justice in Niagara Falls.
Fusion voting is the process that allows candidates to run on multiple party lines at once and aggregate votes. By doing this, minor parties have the opportunity to have more influence in their state. Lawyer Nicholas Hicks explains that some state entities believe the commission did not make recommendations about fusion however, meaning the lawsuits should be moot.
On the other side, plaintiffs argue that recommendations to change the parties’ vote threshold for ballots were intended to interfere with fusion. Additionally, plaintiffs believe that the commission should not have the right to make laws, only the Legislature. The practice has been used often by the commission in Albany, which means this vital decision could halt processes immediately.
According to legislation, commission recommendations become law unless the Legislature votes against them before December 22nd, 2019. Lawyer Nicholas Hicks notes that the Judge might issue a summary judgment beforehand, but that remains unclear.
Despite having very different political stances, the Conservative Party and the Working Families’ Party will continue to work closely together on the issue. The parties have shared tables in court with former Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, who represents the WFP. Lawyer Nicholas Hicks notes that Richard Brodsky made many opinionated arguments, including the recommendation to raise the vote threshold to “shooting the groom” opposed to “banning the marriage” of parties.
“(The State) is trying to turn a political monopoly into a financial monopoly and it’s inexcusable,” said Richard Brodsky to a Judge.
The proceeding lasted more than three hours due to all of the attorneys making arguments in the court. Lawyer Nicholas Hicks explains that the State Attorney General rescued herself, meaning each body was contracted out to firms on the taxpayers’ expense, including the Governor’s office and Assembly and Senate majorities and minorities.
About Lawyer Nicholas Hicks:
Nicholas Hicks was rescued from NYC foster care at the age of 5 years old. Lawyer Nicholas Hicks attended both public and private schools where he eventually graduated from ECC, UB & UB Law School. He practices in various areas of law, including injury cases, debt elimination, criminal defense, divorce, child support, child custody, and more.
