The complaint filed yesterday states:

“Allowing a self-interested mayor and City Council to dismiss the results of two recent referenda undermines the integrity of the voting process, effectively nullifies the constitutionally protected right to vote, and perniciously chills political speech by sending the unavoidable message that the democratic exercises of initiatives and referenda can be disregarded by public officials.”

Councilmember Bill de Blasio released the following statement on Monday about the filing of a lawsuit challenging the newly enacted law to extend term limits to three consecutive terms for New York City elected officials:

“One week ago, the Mayor enacted his term limits bill into law, officially signing away the votes and voices of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Public outrage at this move, made by a handful of politicians to circumvent the democratic process, has been blatantly disregarded. The people will long remember the events of the past few weeks, and they will be rightfully unforgiving.

“Today marks an important next step in our fight to restore democracy in New York City. All voters have a constitutional right to have a meaningful vote on term limits; one that cannot be overturned at the drop of a hat by a self-interested few. I have pledged to my constituents and to all New Yorkers to continue fighting to restore public participation in this process. Today we took this matter to court to ensure that the voices of the people are heard.”