A group of activists is asking a federal court to order a new primary for Baltimore voters, alleging that a series of irregularities and a “vote-buying scheme” marred the election’s outcome. Members of Voters Organized for the Integrity of City Elections, or VOICE, joined two candidates and an ex-offender as plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court moments before midnight Wednesday against the city and state elections boards. They are asking the court to declare the results of the primary “null and void,” order a new vote at the earliest date possible and appoint federal observers to oversee the election and “systemic changes in practices, procedures and personnel.” The filing also alleges that the administration of the election disenfranchised African-Americans, who make up the majority of Baltimore’s population. No hearing date has been set.
J. Wyndal Gordon, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, said voters deserve a chance to have a judge consider the problems uncovered during a state investigation and decide on the proper recourse. “What we are seeking, ultimately, is a redo,” Gordon said. “We want a do-over.”
State Sen. Catherine E. Pugh was declared the Democratic nominee for mayor after the April 26 primary. Former Mayor Sheila Dixon, who finished second, announced Wednesday that she would not file a lawsuit challenging the outcome. Dara Lindenbaum, an attorney for Pugh, said it is “time to move on to the general election.” She noted that the state’s review found that Pugh won by about 2,400 votes.
“The issues raised in the complaint, even if taken as true, could not have changed the outcome of the mayoral primary,” Lindenbaum said in a statement.
Full Article: Activists file federal lawsuit to challenge Baltimore primary – Baltimore Sun.