NYSBA President Calls for Peaceful Transfer of Power

NYSBA President Calls for Peaceful Transfer of Power

11.7.2020

By Christian Nolan

Scott M. Karson, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement on the election of former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., as the 46^th U.S. president; and the historic election of Sen. Kamala Harris as the first woman and first woman of color to serve as vice president:

“The New York State Bar Association congratulates President-Elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. Their victory is a testament the strength and resiliency of our democratic process. Our country voted in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, which created significant challenges and uncertainty. But we stayed the course, and despite the record number of mail-in ballots, succeeded in declaring a winner just a few days after Election Day.

NYSBA is deeply committed to the rule of law, and nowhere is the rule of law more critical than in the transfer of power from one president to the next. Our Constitution and laws lay out a procedure for an orderly and peaceful transition that distinguishes our democracy and makes it unique.

This process has been called into question by the current President’s unfounded allegations of fraud.  NYSBA decries such tactics and calls for a lawful transition that respects the rule of law. We hope for a return to civility in Washington, D.C., and to a time when lawmakers work together in a bipartisan manner for the good of the country.”

About the New York State Bar Association
The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, NYSBA has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities.

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Contact: Susan DeSantis
sdesantis@nysba.org
518-487-5780