(Washington, D.C.) — Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (SC) reported pressuring of election officials in Georgia, Nevada and Arizona raises grave concerns about possible violations of ethical rules and federal election law. The following is a statement from Kristen Clarke, president, and executive director for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law:
“It is critical that the Justice Department open an investigation to determine whether Senator Graham’s conduct violates any federal criminal election law offenses. We also urge the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to determine whether Graham’s conduct runs afoul of rules and restrictions. A public official using his office to potentially pressure a state official to discard ballots cast by eligible voters is deeply troubling conduct that should not be tolerated in our democracy. Voters across Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona overcame tremendous obstacles in order to have their voices heard this season. A potential attempt made by one of our nation’s most senior officials to disenfranchise them after the fact should not be taken lightly.”
Background: The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is involved in several of the post-election lawsuits that have been filed by President Trump and his allies challenging the final outcome of the 2020 election.
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About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law – The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of voting rights, criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and hate crimes. For more information, please visit https://lawyerscommittee.org.
