Deputy Solicitor General Zach Viglianco presented opening statements in a civil trial challenging the validity of Nebraska’s recent vote to legalize medical marijuana.
The case, filed by former State Senator John Kuehn, aims to overturn the election results, citing alleged fraud and misconduct in the signature collection process.
Kuehn and Nebraska’s Attorney General’s Office, represented by Secretary of State Bob Evnen, claim that tens of thousands of petition signatures were compromised by fraudulent practices among petition circulators and notaries.
They argue that this misconduct should discredit the entire signature collection process, undermining the election’s legitimacy.
The trial focuses on allegations that notaries overlooked essential rules, self-notarized petitions, or notarized signatures without proper verification.
Attorneys for the medical marijuana campaign, however, argue that invalidating all signatures based on a few alleged frauds is unreasonable and could set a harmful precedent affecting other notarized documents.
During the trial, evidence included text messages from campaign manager Crista Eggers, who allegedly encouraged volunteers to ignore the rules.
Witnesses also admitted to forging signatures, which has raised concerns about the integrity of the petitions.
Despite widespread public support for the measures, with legalization passing by 71% and regulation by 67%, the AG’s Office argues that the election should be voided if fraud is proven. A ruling is expected soon, and appeals are likely regardless of the outcome.