Case: Mi Familia Vota v. Hobbs

2:20-cv-01903 | U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona

Filed Date: Sept. 30, 2020

Closed Date: Oct. 5, 2020

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case seeking an extended voter registration period in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.  On September 30, 2020, two nonprofit civic engagement groups and a resident of Arizona who engages in voter registration work, filed a complaint seeking declaratory judgment and emergency motion for a TRO against the Arizona Secretary of State to extend the voter registration deadline to October 27, 2020. Plaintiffs argued that the COVID-19 pandemic severely curtailed plaintiffs’ voter registration …

This is a case seeking an extended voter registration period in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On September 30, 2020, two nonprofit civic engagement groups and a resident of Arizona who engages in voter registration work, filed a complaint seeking declaratory judgment and emergency motion for a TRO against the Arizona Secretary of State to extend the voter registration deadline to October 27, 2020. Plaintiffs argued that the COVID-19 pandemic severely curtailed plaintiffs’ voter registration work. Many would-be voters across the state were unable to submit voter registrations earlier in the pandemic, and many were unable to register with an address that would be reliably maintained through the November election. Plaintiffs argued that enforcement of the voter registration cutoff thus severely burdened plaintiffs’ First and Fourteenth rights to register voters. The same day, plaintiffs filed a motion for temporary injunction. 

On October 2, 2020, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and Republican National Committee filed a motion to intervene. The motion was granted on October 5, 2020. 

On October 5, 2020, the court granted the motion for preliminary injunction. Defendant was preliminarily enjoined from enforcing the October 5, 2020 voter registration cutoff. Defendant was directed to accept all voter registration applications received by 5:00 p.m. on October 23, 2020 and process them in time for eligible voters to vote in the November 3, 2020 general election. 

On October 5, 2020, the intervenor-defendants filed an appeal of the order and judgment to the Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (docket no. 20-16932). They then filed a notice of voluntary dismissal on October 12. The Court of Appeals dismissed the case on February 2, 2021. 

The case is now closed. 

Summary Authors

Rebecca Dresner (10/27/2022)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/18493885/parties/mi-familia-vota-v-hobbs/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Abady, Jonathan S (Arizona)

Bendor, Joshua David (Arizona)

Bonifaz, John C (Arizona)

Attorney for Defendant

Basile, Thomas James (Arizona)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Ahler, Colin Patrick (Arizona)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

2:20-cv-01903

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Sept. 30, 2020

Sept. 30, 2020

Complaint
11

2:20-cv-01903

Status Conference; Order

Oct. 1, 2020

Oct. 1, 2020

Order/Opinion
13

2:20-cv-01903

Order

Oct. 2, 2020

Oct. 2, 2020

Order/Opinion
15

2:20-cv-01903

Motion to Intervene

Oct. 2, 2020

Oct. 2, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
16

2:20-cv-01903

Arizona Secretary of State's Response in Opposition to Emergency Motion For TRO and Preliminary Injunction

Oct. 2, 2020

Oct. 2, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
17

2:20-cv-01903

Declaration of Brian Seitchik in Support of Republican Committees' Motion to Intervene

Oct. 2, 2020

Oct. 2, 2020

Declaration/Affidavit
19

2:20-cv-01903

[Proposed] Intervenors' Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for TRO and Preliminary Injunction

Oct. 2, 2020

Oct. 2, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
20

2:20-cv-01903

[Proposed] Answer of the Intervenors to the Complaint

Oct. 2, 2020

Oct. 2, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
21

2:20-cv-01903

Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief in Support of Defendant

Oct. 2, 2020

Oct. 2, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
22

2:20-cv-01903

Brief of Amicus Curiae Governor Douglas A. Ducey in Support of Defendant

Oct. 2, 2020

Oct. 2, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/18493885/mi-familia-vota-v-hobbs/

Last updated July 3, 2026, 6:54 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Sept. 30, 2020

COMPLAINT (TRO Requested). Filing fee received: $400.00, receipt number 0970-18725028 filed by Ulises Ventura, Arizona Coalition for Change, Mi Familia Vota. (submitted by Zoe Salzman) (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (REK) (Entered: 09/30/2020)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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Clearinghouse
2 Sept. 30, 2020

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order, MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Arizona Coalition for Change, Mi Familia Vota, Ulises Ventura. (submitted by Zoe Salzman) (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Flavio Bravo, # 2 Declaration of Reginald Bolding, # 3 Declaration of Virginia Martin, # 4 Exhibit A to Declaration of Virginia Martin, # 5 Declaration of Joel Edman, # 6 Text of Proposed Order) (REK) (Entered: 09/30/2020)

1 Declaration of Flavio Bravo

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2 Declaration of Reginald Bolding

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3 Declaration of Virginia Martin

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4 Exhibit A to Declaration of Virginia Martin

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5 Declaration of Joel Edman

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6 Text of Proposed Order

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RECAP
3 Sept. 30, 2020

SUMMONS Submitted by Arizona Coalition for Change, Mi Familia Vota, Ulises Ventura. (submitted by Zoe Salzman) (REK) (Entered: 09/30/2020)

Clearinghouse
4 Sept. 30, 2020

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Mi Familia Vota. (submitted by Zoe Salzman) (REK) (Entered: 09/30/2020)

RECAP
5 Sept. 30, 2020

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Arizona Coalition for Change. (submitted by Zoe Salzman) (REK) (Entered: 09/30/2020)

RECAP
6 Sept. 30, 2020

Filing fee paid, receipt number 0970-18725028. This case has been assigned to the Honorable Steven P. Logan. All future pleadings or documents should bear the correct case number: CV-20-01903-PHX-SPL. Notice of Availability of Magistrate Judge to Exercise Jurisdiction form attached. (REK) (Entered: 09/30/2020)

RECAP
7 Sept. 30, 2020

Summons Issued as to Katie Hobbs. (REK). *** IMPORTANT: When printing the summons, select "Document and stamps" or "Document and comments" for the seal to appear on the document. (Entered: 09/30/2020)

RECAP
8 Oct. 1, 2020

ORDER that Plaintiffs shall provide Defendant with a copy of the summons, complaint, injunction motion, and copy of this order as soon as practicable, but by no later than October 1, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall participate in a Telephonic Status Conference on 10/1/2020 at 3:00 PM before Judge Steven P Logan. The purpose of the conference call will be to set a briefing and hearing schedule on Plaintiffs motion. The parties will be provided with call-in information via a separate email. Signed by Judge Steven P Logan on 10/1/2020. (LFIG) (Entered: 10/01/2020)

RECAP
9 Oct. 1, 2020

SERVICE EXECUTED filed by Arizona Coalition for Change, Mi Familia Vota, Ulises Ventura: Rule 4 Waiver of Service of Summons. Waiver sent on 10/1/2010 to Karla Karlson . (Salzman, Zoe) (Entered: 10/01/2020)

Clearinghouse
10 Oct. 1, 2020

NOTICE of Appearance by Kara Karlson on behalf of Katie Hobbs. (Karlson, Kara) (Entered: 10/01/2020)

RECAP
11 Oct. 1, 2020

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Steven P. Logan: Status Conference held on 10/1/2020. IT IS ORDERED entering the following briefing schedule: The defendant will have until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, 10/02/2020 to file a response, not to exceed 15 pages, to Plaintiffs' Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction. The plaintiffs shall have until noon on Monday, 10/05/2020 to file a reply, not to exceed 8 pages. To the extent parties wish to intervene, they must follow the same briefing schedule as stated. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED setting Oral Argument on 10/05/2020 at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Steven P. Logan. Each party will be allowed 15 minutes. (Court Reporter Elva Cruz-Lauer) Hearing held 3:01 PM to 3:26 PM. (ESG) (Entered: 10/01/2020)

Clearinghouse
Oct. 1, 2020

Remark re Pro Hac Vice Motion

Oct. 1, 2020

Remark: Pro hac vice motion(s) granted for Zoe Salzman, Matthew D Brinckerhoff, Jonathan S Abady, Nick Bourland on behalf of Plaintiffs Arizona Coalition for Change, Mi Familia Vota, Ulises Ventura. This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no PDF document associated with this entry. (BAS)

Oct. 1, 2020

Remark: Pro hac vice motion(s) granted for Gillian Cassell-Stiga on behalf of Plaintiffs Arizona Coalition for Change, Mi Familia Vota, Ulises Ventura. This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no PDF document associated with this entry. (BAS)

12 Oct. 2, 2020

ORDER that the Oral Argument set for October 5, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. shall be held telephonically. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the participating parties shall jointly email Logan_Chambers@azd.uscourts.gov by end of day on October 2, 2020 to obtain the call-in information. Signed by Judge Steven P Logan on 10/2/2020. (CLB) (Entered: 10/02/2020)

RECAP
13 Oct. 2, 2020

ORDER: Public access to the October 5, 2020 telephonic Oral Argument will be permitted. Members of the public and the media seeking access are directed to email AZD-PIO@azd.uscourts.gov to obtain dial-in instructions. Pursuant to Local Rule 43.1, participants are reminded that audiotaping court proceedings is prohibited. See attachment for further details. Signed by Judge Steven P Logan on 10/2/2020. (CLB) (Entered: 10/02/2020)

Clearinghouse
14 Oct. 2, 2020

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas James Basile on behalf of Republican National Committee, National Republican Senatorial Committee. (Basile, Thomas) (Entered: 10/02/2020)

Clearinghouse
15 Oct. 2, 2020

MOTION to Intervene by National Republican Senatorial Committee, Republican National Committee. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Basile, Thomas) (Entered: 10/02/2020)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Clearinghouse
16 Oct. 2, 2020

RESPONSE in Opposition re: 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Katie Hobbs. (Wilson, Linley) (Entered: 10/02/2020)

Clearinghouse
17 Oct. 2, 2020

Additional Attachments to Main Document re: 15 MOTION to Intervene Declaration of Brian Seitchik by Intervenor Defendants National Republican Senatorial Committee, Republican National Committee. (Basile, Thomas) (Entered: 10/02/2020)

Clearinghouse
18 Oct. 2, 2020

DECLARATION of Linley Wilson re: 16 Response in Opposition to Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction by Defendant Katie Hobbs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit C)(Wilson, Linley) (Entered: 10/02/2020)

1 Exhibit Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit Exhibit C

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RECAP
19 Oct. 2, 2020

* (Filed at Doc. 26 ) LODGED Proposed Intervenors' Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction re: 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, 15 MOTION to Intervene . Document to be filed by Clerk if Motion or Stipulation for Leave to File or Amend is granted. Filed by National Republican Senatorial Committee, Republican National Committee. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Zack Alcyone, # 2 Affidavit Declaration of Nathan Sproul)(Basile, Thomas) Modified on 10/5/2020 (LAD). (Entered: 10/02/2020)

1 Affidavit Declaration of Zack Alcyone

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2 Affidavit Declaration of Nathan Sproul

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Clearinghouse
20 Oct. 2, 2020

* (Filed at Doc. 27 ) LODGED Proposed Intervenors' Answer to the Complaint re: 15 MOTION to Intervene . Document to be filed by Clerk if Motion or Stipulation for Leave to File or Amend is granted. Filed by National Republican Senatorial Committee, Republican National Committee. (Basile, Thomas) Modified on 10/5/2020 (LAD). (Entered: 10/02/2020)

Clearinghouse
21 Oct. 2, 2020

MOTION to File Amicus Curiae by Douglas A. Ducey, Governor of the State of Arizona. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Johnson, Brett) (Entered: 10/02/2020)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Clearinghouse
22 Oct. 2, 2020

* (Filed at Doc. 29 ) LODGED Proposed Amicus Brief. Document to be filed by Clerk if Motion or Stipulation to Seal is granted. Filed by Douglas A. Ducey, Governor of the State of Arizona. (Johnson, Brett) *Modified to change restriction, document not to be sealed pursuant to counsel on 10/2/2020 (MAP). Modified on 10/5/2020 (LAD). (Entered: 10/02/2020)

Clearinghouse
23 Oct. 2, 2020

* NOTICE of Lodging 22 Amicus Brif by Douglas A. Ducey, Governor of the State of Arizona . (Johnson, Brett) * Modified to add document linkage on 10/5/2020 (LAD). (Entered: 10/02/2020)

Clearinghouse
24 Oct. 3, 2020

NOTICE re: Supplemental Authority by Katie Hobbs . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Supplemental Authority)(Karlson, Kara) (Entered: 10/03/2020)

RECAP
25 Oct. 5, 2020

ORDER - IT IS ORDERED that the Motion to Intervene (Doc. 15 ) is granted. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of Court shall file the lodged Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction (lodged at Doc. 19 ). IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of Court shall file the lodged Answer to the Complaint (lodged at Doc. 20 ). Signed by Judge Steven P Logan on 10/2/2020. (LAD) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

Clearinghouse
26 Oct. 5, 2020

RESPONSE in Opposition to 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by National Republican Senatorial Committee, Republican National Committee. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Declaration, # 2 Exhibit B-Declaration) (LAD) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

RECAP
27 Oct. 5, 2020

ANSWER to 1 Complaint by National Republican Senatorial Committee, Republican National Committee.(LAD) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

RECAP
28 Oct. 5, 2020

ORDER - IT IS ORDERED that the Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief in Support of Defendant (Doc. 21 ) is granted. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of Court shall file the lodged Proposed Amicus Brief (lodged at Doc. 22 ). Signed by Judge Steven P Logan on 10/2/2020. (LAD) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

RECAP
29 Oct. 5, 2020

BRIEF of Amicus Curiae Governor Douglas A Ducey in Support of Defendant by Amicus Douglas A Ducey. (LAD) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

Clearinghouse
30 Oct. 5, 2020

REPLY to Response to Motion re: 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, 15 MOTION to Intervene filed by Arizona Coalition for Change, Mi Familia Vota, Ulises Ventura. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Zoe Salzman, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C, # 5 Exhibit D, # 6 Exhibit E, # 7 Exhibit F, # 8 Exhibit G, # 9 Exhibit H, # 10 Exhibit I, # 11 Supplemental Declaration of Flavio Bravo, # 12 Supplemental Declaration of Reginald Bolding)(Salzman, Zoe) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

1 Declaration of Zoe Salzman

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2 Exhibit A

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3 Exhibit B

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4 Exhibit C

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5 Exhibit D

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6 Exhibit E

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7 Exhibit F

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8 Exhibit G

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9 Exhibit H

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10 Exhibit I

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11 Supplemental Declaration of Flavio Bravo

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12 Supplemental Declaration of Reginald Bolding

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Clearinghouse
31 Oct. 5, 2020

MOTION for Leave to Submit Amicus Brief: Transparency, Separation of Powers by Martin Lynch. (LAD) (2 pages) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

Clearinghouse
32 Oct. 5, 2020

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Steven P. Logan: Motion Hearing held on 10/5/2020. Oral argument is held on Plaintffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction 2 . Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction 2 is taken under advisement. See attached minutes. (Court Reporter Elva Cruz-Lauer.) Hearing held 3:35 PM to 4:43 PM.(LMR) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

Clearinghouse
33 Oct. 5, 2020

NOTICE re: Supplemental Authority by Katie Hobbs . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Supplemental Authority)(Karlson, Kara) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

1 Exhibit Supplemental Authority

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Clearinghouse
34 Oct. 5, 2020

ORDER: Martin Lynch's Motion for Leave to Submit Amicus Brief 31 is denied. Signed by Judge Steven P. Logan on 10/5/2020. (LMR) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

Clearinghouse
35 Oct. 5, 2020

ORDER: Plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction 2 is granted as modified. Defendant is preliminarily enjoined from enforcing the A.R.S. ยง 16-120 October 5, 2020 voter registration cutoff. Defendant shall direct the County Recorders to accept all voter registration applications received by 5:00 p.m. on October 23, 2020 and process them in time for eligible voters to vote in the November 3, 2020 general election. The Court exercises its discretion and waives the requirement of a security bond accompanying this preliminary injunction. This case is dismissed. The Clerk of Court shall terminate this action. See order for details. Signed by Judge Steven P. Logan on 10/5/2020. (LMR) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

Clearinghouse
36 Oct. 5, 2020

NOTICE OF APPEAL to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals re: 35 Order Dismissing Case by National Republican Senatorial Committee, Republican National Committee. Filing fee received: $ 505.00, receipt number 0970-18742299. (Basile, Thomas) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

Clearinghouse
38 Oct. 5, 2020

Mail Returned as Undeliverable. Mail sent to John Bonifaz. Reason for return: Forward Time Expired. Document number 6 and 7 . (Attachments: # 1 Mail Returned Order 8 )(LAD) (Entered: 10/07/2020)

RECAP
39 Oct. 5, 2020

Mail Returned as Undeliverable. Mail sent to Ben Clements. Reason for return: Forward Time Expired. Document number 6 and 7 . (Attachments: # 1 Mail Returned Order 8, # 2 Mail Returned Orders 12 and 13 )(LAD) (Entered: 10/07/2020)

RECAP
41 Oct. 5, 2020

Mail Returned as Undeliverable. Mail sent to Gillian Cassell-Stiga. Reason for return: Forward Time Expired Return to Sender. Document number 6 and 7 . (LAD) (Entered: 10/07/2020)

RECAP
Oct. 5, 2020

Remark re Pro Hac Vice Motion

Oct. 5, 2020

Remark: Pro hac vice motion(s) granted for Ronald A Fein on behalf of Plaintiffs Arizona Coalition for Change, Mi Familia Vota. This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no PDF document associated with this entry. (BAS)

37 Oct. 6, 2020

USCA Case Number re: 36 Notice of Appeal. Case number 20-16932, Ninth Circuit. (EJA) (Entered: 10/06/2020)

Clearinghouse
40 Oct. 7, 2020

EX PARTE MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Katie Hobbs. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order Granting Application to Withdraw)(Karlson, Kara) (Entered: 10/07/2020)

RECAP
42 Oct. 9, 2020

ORDER: The Application to Withdraw as Counsel 40 is granted.Kara Karlson and Linley Wilson are withdrawn as counsel for Defendant Katie Hobbs in this action. Signed by Judge Steven P. Logan on 10/9/2020. (LMR) (Entered: 10/09/2020)

RECAP
43 Oct. 12, 2020

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Roopali H. Desai appearing for Katie Hobbs. . (Desai, Roopali) (Entered: 10/12/2020)

Clearinghouse
44 Oct. 12, 2020

NOTICE OF APPEAL to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals re: 35 Order Dismissing Case by Katie Hobbs. Filing fee received: $ 505.00, receipt number 0970-18763341. (Desai, Roopali) (Entered: 10/12/2020)

Clearinghouse
45 Oct. 13, 2020

USCA Case Number re: 44 Notice of Appeal. Case number 20-17000, Ninth Circuit. (LAD) (Entered: 10/13/2020)

Clearinghouse
46 Feb. 2, 2021

MANDATE of USCA (20-16932, 20-17000) granting unopposed motions to dismiss re: 36 Notice of Appeal filed by Republican National Committee, National Republican Senatorial Committee, 44 Notice of Appeal filed by Katie Hobbs. This order served on the district court shall act as and for the mandate of this court. (LAD) (Entered: 02/02/2021)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Arizona

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 30, 2020

Closing Date: Oct. 5, 2020

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Mi Familia Vota (MFV) is a non-profit engagement organization that encourages voter registration and participation. Arizona Coalition for Change is a non-profit organization that empowers people to build civic engagement. Ulises Ventura is a resident of Pheonix and is an employee of MFA who works on voter registration.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: Unknown

Class Action Sought: Unknown

Class Action Outcome: Unknown

Defendants

State

Arizona Secretary of State

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Other Dockets:

District of Arizona 2:20-cv-01903

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Unknown

Issues

Voting:

Voting: General & Misc.

Voting: Physical/Effective Access

Recommended Citation