Simone Leeper

Simone litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at Campaign Legal Center, challenging gerrymanders and advocating for election systems that guarantee all voters an equal opportunity to influence our democracy.

At CLC, Simone has represented litigants in both federal and state-level voting rights act cases, including Aguilar v. Yakima County, the first case brought under the Washington Voting Rights Act, which successfully challenged the at-large system of election for Yakima County Commission. Simone was counsel in League of Women Voters of the U.S. v. Kosinski and Common Cause Rhode Island v. Gorbea, cases challenging signature, witness and/or notary requirements for New York and Rhode Island mail-in ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also counsel in Sinner v Jaeger, a case challenging signature requirements for a North Dakota redistricting ballot initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Simone has been quoted on redistricting matters in various publications, including CNN and CNBC, and she has appeared on CNN India, Daily Kos’ The Brief, and ABC affiliate KAPP-KVEW.  

Prior to arriving at CLC, Simone was a law clerk in the office of Senator Ed Markey and at the Library of Congress, Office of General Counsel. Simone received her J.D. cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 2019 and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Columbia University in 2016. Simone is admitted to practice as an attorney in the District of Columbia and Florida. She is a member of the bar of the Western District of Wisconsin.

Simone can speak on a variety of topics including:

• Money in politics
• Voting rights and election systems
• Redistricting and gerrymandering
  

Lawsuit claims state political maps illegally ‘cracked’ Yakima Valley to dilute Latino votes

Available for listening from YAKTRINEWS

Gerrymandering could limit minority voters’ power even though Census shows population gains

Available for listening from CNBC

"Uses plain language to explain complex issues in a way regular people can understand. Host Simone Leeper is great. Really enjoyed the podcast! Can’t wait for more episodes.”‍‍

"Presents information in a straightforward manner that gives listeners a critical look into the forces fueling our elections. Host Simone Leeper is A++!"‍