Washoe County resident Robert Beadles has secured a change of venue for his election lawsuit against Washoe County, a decision handed down by Judge Kathleen Drakulich.
The case will now be heard in Carson City First Judicial District Court, diverging from his request for Lyon County. The judge determined that a venue change was necessary due to extensive media coverage and the likelihood that jurors would be familiar with the involved parties, all of whom hold public positions, including Washoe County Registrar of Voters Jamie Rodriguez, Manager Eric Brown, and Commission Chair Alexis Hill.
Beadles alleges insufficient responses from the defendants regarding his concerns about Washoe County election practices, violated his rights, and Nevada law. The suit includes the removal of Rodriguez, Brown, and Hill from their positions, returning to paper ballots for all elections, and punitive damages, among other relief claims.
Beadles submitted approximately 150 exhibits for court review to support his assertions. The exhibits, he argues, provide evidence of “gross inaccuracies and improper maintenance of voter rolls,” as well as voting machines that allegedly tampered with intended votes, improper signature verification, and other irregularities, all of which he claims compromised the fairness of county elections.
Earlier this year, the Washoe County District Attorney’s office dismissed the case, calling it a “conspiracy theorist’s wishlist,” claiming the objectives involve removing dissenting voices, exerting control over election procedures, and challenging election laws inconsistent with the Nevada legal system. The D.A. also sought sanctions against Beadles, condemning his use of the judicial system for what it deemed as unfounded claims and harassment tactics.
Beadles pursued a change of venue because obtaining an impartial trial in Washoe County was improbable, arguing that the D.A. and the media created an environment that suggested a potential “trial by ambush.” He further contended that judges and court clerks had professional and personal affiliations with the defendants, raising concerns about impartiality.
Drakulich applied a five-factor test and concluded that two factors, pretrial publicity, and familiarity, were applicable. Ultimately, Drakulich selected the Carson City court for convenience to all parties, including potential witnesses.
The courts in Carson City have twice decided against or denied Petioner’s claims of malfeasance in November and December 2020, saying there was no evidence of voter fraud both times, meaning Drakulich has assigned it to failure even before the judge’s hammer drops.
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