Memphis sues Shelby County Election Commission over gun-restriction referendums

The Memphis City Council filed suit Friday against the Shelby County Election Commission for refusing to place gun-restriction questions on the November ballot after Republican leaders threatened to cut the city’s state sales tax share.

“We won’t back down, and we damn sure won’t be bullied,” said Memphis City Council Chairman JB Smiley, who announced the city filed the lawsuit in Shelby County Chancery Court earlier Friday.

The court filing claims the election commission overstepped the city’s authority to hold the non-binding referendums for charter amendments on three gun-related restrictions. Smiley noted the election commission “made a direct attack” against the council by reacting to a letter from state Election Administrator Mark Goins that said state law preempts local governments from adopting gun laws.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett responded Friday, saying, “Cities do not get to pick and choose which state laws they will or won’t follow.”



https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/08/30/memphis-sues-shelby-county-election-commission-over-gun-restriction-referendums/