AG issues cease/desist order on Dems letter calling NH primary 'meaningless'

CONCORD - New Hampshire Attorney General's Office on Monday issued a cease-and-desist order to the National Democratic Committee ("NDC") Rules & Bylaws Committee ("RBC") related to a Friday letter the RBC sent to the New Hampshire Democratic Party ("NHDP"). In this letter, the RBC stated that it had previously instructed the NHDP to "educate the public" that the upcoming Jan. 23 New Hampshire democratic Presidential Primary Election is "meaningless."

The New Hampshire Secretary of State scheduled the New Hampshire democratic Presidential Primary Election for Jan. 23 to precede the "date on which any other state shall hold a similar election," as required by State law. RSA 653:9.

Regardless of whether the DNC refuses to award delegates to the party's national convention based on the results of the Jan. 23 New Hampshire democratic Presidential Primary Election, this New Hampshire election is not "meaningless." RBC's statements to the contrary are false, deceptive, and misleading, according to a statement sent by New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella.

"Telling any person qualified to register to vote or vote in New Hampshire that the January 23, 2024, New Hampshire democratic Presidential Primary Election is "meaningless," or soliciting NHDP or any other party to make such statements, constitutes an attempt to prevent or deter New Hampshire voters from participating in the January 23, 2024, New Hampshire democratic Presidential Primary Election, in violation of RSA 659:40, III," the statement from Formella read.

The Attorney General's Office ordered the RBC to immediately cease and desist from engaging in any conduct that violates RSA 659:40, III, RSA 629:2, or any other State election law, including but not limited to repeating false, deceptive, or misleading statements that the Jan. 23, 2024, New Hampshire democratic Presidential Primary Election is "meaningless."

The Attorney General's Office's review of the RBC's actions remains open.