 | Libertarian Party of NY -- Press Release -- Libertarian Wins Election Law Fight |
Libertarian Wins Election Law Fight
Brooklyn, NY 10/03/05-- NYC Board of Elections tried to keep Gary Popkin off the ballot as the Libertarian Party’s candidate for Brooklyn Borough President. He would not give in, and triumphed in court. The retired computer science professor needed 4000 signatures from Brooklyn voters to qualify. The NYC Libertarians presented a consolidated multi-candidate petition with the mayoral candidate Audrey Silk, the other citywide candidates and candidates for Brooklyn and Queens Borough president. The Board of Elections not only deemed Popkin’s signature total insufficient but his petitions fraudulent. Judge Joseph S. Levine decided that Popkin had earned a place on the Libertarian line in November with 6083 signatures, rejecting the Board of Elections claim that Popkin’s petitions were fraudulent.
Former Libertarian Party of New York State Chair Richard Cooper discovered the Election Law’s explicit provisions for multi-candidate petitions making it easier for the group to run more candidates. Cooper said “Popkin struck a blow for all New Yorkers dissatisfied with the Republicans and Democrats who have ruined New York, by making it easier for independent candidates to get on the ballot, thus giving the voters a choice.” Previously, the Libertarian Party gained the right through a Green Party case to have voters register Libertarian if they choose. Popkin was represented in court by Gary Sinawski and advised by Libertarian attorney Gary Donoyan.
“My petition contained 6,083 unchallenged signatures from residents of Brooklyn,” said Popkin. “I am pleased that the judge agreed, and I can now devote my time to spreading the libertarian message of personal freedom and personal responsibility.” Popkin is campaigning against the Brooklyn Nets Arena and smoking bans. –30-
http://www.garypopkinforbrooklynbp.150m.com/
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