Nebraska Secretary of State Questions Medical Marijuana Petitions, Citing Fraud and Irregularities
Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has filed a court document stating that he believes there is evidence of fraud, malfeasance, and irregularities in the collection of signatures for medical marijuana petitions. The petitions, which aim to put the issue on the ballot, are now in question, with Evnen citing concerns about the validity of 49,000 signatures.
In his filing, Evnen claims that there is “tangible evidence” of wrongdoing, including alleged notary mistakes and irregularities in the submission of circulator’s oath signatures. He is seeking the court’s intervention to either remove the issue from the ballot or declare the petitions void.
The Nebraska Families for Medical Cannabis organization has responded to the allegations, calling them “sickening and wrong.” The group claims that the secretary of state is targeting patients and caregivers who have been fighting for medical cannabis access for over a decade.
The attorney general’s office is conducting an investigation into the matter, which has already resulted in two criminal complaints. Evnen’s filing suggests that more than 10 other individuals could face criminal charges.
The secretary of state’s office has stated that the petitions will remain on the ballot, and it will be up to the court to determine whether the organizers properly collected signatures and whether the votes should be counted. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the future of medical marijuana in Nebraska.
