ACLU-TN Cooperating Attorney: Paul Ambrosius of Trauger & Tuke.

Plaintiffs: City of Lakewood, et al.

Defendants: Davidson County Election Commission, et al.

In August 2010, voters in Lakewood chose to dissolve their city charter and become a part of Metro Nashville. In a lawsuit contesting the one-vote margin in the election, the City of Lakewood subpoenaed multiple voters as witnesses, challenged the legitimacy of their votes, and tried to force them to disclose how they had voted. Numerous voters contacted ACLU-TN for assistance.

ACLU-TN filed a motion for protective order on September 20, 2010 to prevent the City of Lakewood from forcing voters to disclose the substance of their votes. The protective order was granted by the court and we monitored the proceedings to ensure that it was enforced and that the secrecy of our clients’ ballots was preserved.

Related Documents

Press Releases

ACLU of Tennessee Successfully Protects Voters from Being Forced to Reveal Votes (October 5, 2010)

Legal Documents

Witnesses’ Motion for Protective Order and Supporting Brief (September 20, 2010)