News & Announcements

The law firm of Abrams Fensterman LLP has started a lawsuit against the Town of Newburgh alleging violation of the New York Voting Rights Act (“NYVRA”), a brand-new state law never interpreted by the courts of New York State. The lawsuit, representing six Newburgh residents, claims that the Town’s at large voting system violates the NYVRA. The suit claims that the Town’s electoral system impairs the ability of minority voters to elect candidates of their choice. Using undisclosed statistical analysis, the lawsuit alleges that the Town’s elections are polarized racially and that the at-large system for electing Town Councilmen impairs the ability of minorities to elect candidates of their choice or influence the outcome of elections.

The suit against the Town appears to be part of a wave of lawsuits brought under this untested statute, which creates a right to sue and demand remedies never previously existing under New York Law.

The Newburgh Town Board is assembling a team of experts in the field – lawyers, election experts, and possibly others -- to review the factual and legal allegations in the lawsuit and respond appropriately. Much of the lawsuit rests upon untested statistical analyses and legal theories. The lawsuit goes further, however, and -- citing actions the Town has taken on recent issues having nothing to do with race -- claims that the electoral system in the Town of Newburgh represents intentional racial bias by the government of the Town.  Those allegations are false.

The Town will not litigate this case in the media but will speak through its legal filings.

Gil Piaquadio, Supervisor  Town of Newburgh