Case: Daunt v. Benson

1:19-cv-00614 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Filed Date: July 30, 2019

Closed Date: May 27, 2021

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On November 6, 2018, Michigan voters approved Proposal 18-2, which amended the Michigan Constitution to create the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (“the Commission”). According to the constitutional amendment, the Commission would retain “exclusive authority to adopt district boundaries for the Michigan Senate, Michigan House of Representatives and U.S. Congress, every 10 years.” On July 30, 2019, Michigan citizens filed this lawsuit against the Michigan Secretary of Stat…

On November 6, 2018, Michigan voters approved Proposal 18-2, which amended the Michigan Constitution to create the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (“the Commission”). According to the constitutional amendment, the Commission would retain “exclusive authority to adopt district boundaries for the Michigan Senate, Michigan House of Representatives and U.S. Congress, every 10 years.”

On July 30, 2019, Michigan citizens filed this lawsuit against the Michigan Secretary of State pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for excluding Michigan citizens from serving on the Commission if they had engaged in certain categories of constitutionally protected activity deemed to be partisan in nature. The plaintiffs alleged that the creation of this eligibility criteria violated free speech and political association principles protected by the First Amendment, as well as their right to equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffs filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan seeking declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. That same day, the plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction to require the Michigan Secretary of State to cease implementation of all Michigan constitutional provisions that related to the Commission. This case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff and Magistrate Judge Ellen S. Carmody. Magistrate Judge Sally J. Berens later replaced Judge Ellen S. Carmody.

On August 12, 2019, Count MI Vote (d/b/a/ “Voters not Politicians”), a non-profit corporation that sponsored Proposal 18-2 and drafted the constitutional amendment, moved to intervene as a defendant in the case. The district court granted the motion later that month, finding that, among other things, Voters not Politicians had a defense that shared a common question of law or fact with the main action. 2019 WL 12050350.

The following month, on September 11, 2019, the Michigan Secretary of State moved to consolidate this case with a similar action brought by the Michigan Republican Party (MRP) that challenged the constitutionality of the creation and administration of the Commission. The District Court granted the motion that same day, consolidating the two cases. 

On September 19, 2019, both Voters not Politicians and the Michigan Secretary of State moved to dismiss. On November 25, 2019, the district court issued an opinion denying the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. The court reasoned that such injunctions constitute “extraordinary” and “drastic” relief not justified in this case. 425 F.Supp.3d 856. 

The plaintiffs subsequently filed an interlocutory appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit regarding the district court’s denial of a preliminary injunction. On April 15, 2020, the Sixth Circuit affirmed the district court’s judgment. First, the court found the eligibility criteria to be constitutional, finding, among other things, that Michigan had a compelling interest “in limiting the conflict of interest implicit in legislative control over redistricting.” Next, the court rejected MRP’s argument that the Michigan constitutional provision that required Commission applicants to self-identify as being affiliated with the Republican Party violated MRP’s freedom of association rights, partly because Commission applicants were prohibited from advocating for partisan ends. With respect to MRP’s claim that the Michigan constitutional amendment imposed a content-based regulation prohibiting political speech, the court found that “[a]lthough the provision does burden the commissioners’ freedom to speak openly about redistricting, this burden is outweighed by Michigan’s more-than-adequate justifications for limiting speech by commissioners on redistricting matters.” The court also found that MRP’s claim that the constitutional amendment favored applicants who did not identify with either major political party was unlikely to succeed on the merits, partly because a final decision of the Commission required a majority vote that included at least two commissioners who identified with each of the major political parties and at least two who did not. 956 F.3d 396. 

On July 6, 2020, the district court granted both Voters not Politicians’ and the Michigan Secretary of State’s motions to dismiss, agreeing with the court of appeals’ analysis regarding the constitutionality of the eligibility criteria. 2020 WL 8184334. The plaintiffs subsequently appealed, and the court of appeals affirmed the district court’s decision on May 27, 2021. While the court acknowledged that some of the partisan activities listed in the eligibility criteria were constitutionally protected, the court found that “Michigan’s compelling interest in cleansing its redistricting process of partisan influence justifies the limited burden that the [Michigan constitutional amendment] imposes.” 999 F.3d 299. 

This case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Saba Khan (5/19/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/15985065/parties/daunt-v-benson/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Bursch, John J. (Michigan)

Doster, Eric E. (Michigan)

Attorney for Defendant

Grill, Erik Alexander (Michigan)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Crabtree, Graham K. (Michigan)

Gaber, Mark (Michigan)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:19-cv-00614

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

Complaint
23

1:19-cv-00614

Opinion and Order

Aug. 28, 2019

Aug. 28, 2019

Order/Opinion
67

1:19-cv-00614

Opinion

Nov. 25, 2019

Nov. 25, 2019

Order/Opinion

425 F.Supp.3d 425

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/15985065/daunt-v-benson/

Last updated March 10, 2024, 4:05 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Anthony Daunt, Linda Lee Tarver, Clint Tarver, Norm Shinkle, Mary Shinkle, Paul Sheridan, Maria Sheridan, Patrick Meyers, Gary Koutsoubos, Gerry Hildenbrand, Stephen Daunt, Kathy Berden, Aaron Beauchine, Bridget Beard, Tom Barrett (Attachments: # 1 Appendix A, # 2 Appendix B) (Bursch, John) Modified text and filers on 7/30/2019 (ems). (Entered: 07/30/2019)

1 Appendix A

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2 Appendix B

View on PACER

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

Clearinghouse

Filing Fee (Civil Case) - Credit Card Payment

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

PACER
2

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Anthony Daunt, Linda Lee Tarver, Clint Tarver, Norm Shinkle, Mary Shinkle, Paul Sheridan, Maria Sheridan, Patrick Meyers, Gary Koutsoubos, Gerry Hildenbrand, Stephen Daunt, Kathy Berden, Aaron Beauchine, Bridget Beard, Tom Barrett (Bursch, John) Modified text and filers on 7/30/2019 (ems). (Entered: 07/30/2019)

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

RECAP
3

PROPOSED SUMMONS to be issued re 1 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 07/30/2019)

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

PACER
4

MOTION for preliminary injunction by plaintiff Anthony Daunt, Linda Lee Tarver, Clint Tarver, Norm Shinkle, Mary Shinkle, Paul Sheridan, Maria Sheridan, Patrick Meyers, Gary Koutsoubos, Gerry Hildenbrand, Stephen Daunt, Kathy Berden, Aaron Beauchine, Bridget Beard, Tom Barrett (Attachments: # 1 Appendix A, # 2 Appendix B, # 3 Exhibit 1) (Bursch, John) Modified text and filers on 7/30/2019 (ems). (Entered: 07/30/2019)

1 Appendix A

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2 Appendix B

View on PACER

3 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

PACER
5

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION for preliminary injunction 4 filed by Anthony Daunt, Linda Lee Tarver, Clint Tarver, Norm Shinkle, Mary Shinkle, Paul Sheridan, Maria Sheridan, Patrick Meyers, Gary Koutsoubos, Gerry Hildenbrand, Stephen Daunt, Kathy Berden, Aaron Beauchine, Bridget Beard, Tom Barrett (Bursch, John) Modified text and filers on 7/30/2019 (ems). (Entered: 07/30/2019)

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

PACER
6

MOTION for leave to file excess pages by plaintiff Anthony Daunt, Linda Lee Tarver, Clint Tarver, Norm Shinkle, Mary Shinkle, Paul Sheridan, Maria Sheridan, Patrick Meyers, Gary Koutsoubos, Gerry Hildenbrand, Stephen Daunt, Kathy Berden, Aaron Beauchine, Bridget Beard, Tom Barrett (Bursch, John) Modified text and filers on 7/30/2019 (ems). (Entered: 07/30/2019)

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

PACER
7

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION for leave to file excess pages 6 filed by Anthony Daunt, Linda Lee Tarver, Clint Tarver, Norm Shinkle, Mary Shinkle, Paul Sheridan, Maria Sheridan, Patrick Meyers, Gary Koutsoubos, Gerry Hildenbrand, Stephen Daunt, Kathy Berden, Aaron Beauchine, Bridget Beard, Tom Barrett (Bursch, John) Modified text and filers on 7/30/2019 (ems). (Entered: 07/30/2019)

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

PACER
8

AMENDED CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Anthony Daunt, Linda Lee Tarver, Clint Tarver, Norm Shinkle, Mary Shinkle, Paul Sheridan, Maria Sheridan, Patrick Meyers, Gary Koutsoubos, Gerry Hildenbrand, Stephen Daunt, Kathy Berden, Aaron Beauchine, Bridget Beard, Tom Barrett (Bursch, John) Modified text and filers on 7/30/2019; this entry replaces 2 (ems). (Entered: 07/30/2019)

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

PACER

FILING FEE PAID re 1 by plaintiff Anthony Daunt in the amount of $400, receipt number 0646-4494588 (Bursch, John)

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

PACER
9

NOTICE that this case has been assigned Janet T. Neff (ems) (Entered: 07/30/2019)

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

PACER
10

SUMMONS ISSUED as to defendant Jocelyn Benson (ems) (Entered: 07/30/2019)

July 30, 2019

July 30, 2019

RECAP

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Jason Torchinsky on behalf of plaintiffs Tom Barrett, Bridget Beard, Aaron Beauchine, Kathy Berden, Anthony Daunt, Stephen Daunt, Gerry Hildenbrand, Gary Koutsoubos, Patrick Meyers, Marian Sheridan, Paul Sheridan, Mary Shinkle, Norm Shinkle, Clint Tarver, Linda Lee Tarver (Torchinsky, Jason)

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

PACER

Attorney Appearance

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Heather S. Meingast on behalf of defendant Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather)

Aug. 2, 2019

Aug. 2, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Erik Alexander Grill on behalf of defendant Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik)

Aug. 2, 2019

Aug. 2, 2019

PACER

Attorney Appearance

Aug. 2, 2019

Aug. 2, 2019

PACER
11

PROPOSED MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians by intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians; (Kauffman, Ryan) (Entered: 08/12/2019)

Aug. 12, 2019

Aug. 12, 2019

RECAP
12

BRIEF in support of PROPOSED MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians 11 filed by Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Kauffman, Ryan) (Entered: 08/12/2019)

1 Exhibit A

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Aug. 12, 2019

Aug. 12, 2019

PACER
13

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re PROPOSED MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians 11 filed by Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians (Kauffman, Ryan) (Entered: 08/12/2019)

Aug. 12, 2019

Aug. 12, 2019

PACER
14

SUMMONS returned executed; Jocelyn Benson served on 7/30/2019, answer due 8/20/2019 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 7/3/19 POS (Complaint and PI Motion) on Michigan Attorney General) (Bursch, John) Modified text on 8/15/2019 (clw). (Entered: 08/14/2019)

Aug. 14, 2019

Aug. 14, 2019

PACER
15

NOTICE to attorney John Bursch regarding recent filing 14 (clw) (Entered: 08/15/2019)

Aug. 15, 2019

Aug. 15, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Tom Barrett (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Bridget Beard (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Aaron Beauchine (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Kathy Berden (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Anthony Daunt (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Stephen Daunt (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Gerry Hildenbrand (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Gary Koutsoubos (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Patrick Meyers (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Marian Sheridan (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Paul Sheridan (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Mary Shinkle (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Norm Shinkle (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Clint Tarver (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Eric E. Doster on behalf of plaintiff Linda Lee Tarver (Doster, Eric)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER

Attorney Appearance

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

PACER
16

REQUEST for pre-motion conference by defendant Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 08/19/2019)

Aug. 19, 2019

Aug. 19, 2019

RECAP
17

MOTION for extension of time to File Responsive Pleading by defendant Jocelyn Benson; (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 08/20/2019)

Aug. 20, 2019

Aug. 20, 2019

RECAP
18

RESPONSE TO MOTION for extension of time to File Responsive Pleading 17 filed by Anthony Daunt (Bursch, John) (Entered: 08/20/2019)

Aug. 20, 2019

Aug. 20, 2019

RECAP
19

ORDER granting 17 motion for extension of time; granting 6 motion for leave to file excess pages; Plaintiffs and Defendant Benson shall not later than August 26, 2019, file their responses to Count MI Vote's motion to intervene 11 ; Plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction 4 and Defendant Benson's request for a pre-motion conference 16 are HELD IN ABEYANCE; signed by Judge Janet T. Neff (Judge Janet T. Neff, clb) (Entered: 08/22/2019)

Aug. 22, 2019

Aug. 22, 2019

PACER
20

RESPONSE TO PROPOSED MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians 11 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 08/23/2019)

Aug. 23, 2019

Aug. 23, 2019

RECAP
21

RESPONSE in opposition to REQUEST for pre-motion conference by defendant Jocelyn Benson 16 filed by Anthony Daunt (Bursch, John) (Entered: 08/26/2019)

Aug. 26, 2019

Aug. 26, 2019

RECAP
22

RESPONSE in opposition to PROPOSED MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians 11 filed by Anthony Daunt (Bursch, John) (Entered: 08/26/2019)

Aug. 26, 2019

Aug. 26, 2019

RECAP
23

OPINION AND ORDER granting 11 motion to intervene; the Clerk's Office shall add Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians as a party defendant; Defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians shall, not later than September 5, 2019, file its response to Defendant Benson's Request for a Pre-Motion Conference 16 ; signed by Judge Janet T. Neff (Judge Janet T. Neff, clb) (Entered: 08/28/2019)

Aug. 28, 2019

Aug. 28, 2019

Clearinghouse
24

ANSWER to complaint, 1 with affirmative defenses by Count MI Vote (Kauffman, Ryan) (Entered: 08/29/2019)

Aug. 29, 2019

Aug. 29, 2019

PACER
25

RESPONSE TO REQUEST for pre-motion conference by defendant Jocelyn Benson 16 ; filed by Count MI Vote (Kauffman, Ryan) (Entered: 09/04/2019)

Sept. 4, 2019

Sept. 4, 2019

RECAP

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Graham K. Crabtree on behalf of defendant Count MI Vote (Crabtree, Graham)

Sept. 5, 2019

Sept. 5, 2019

PACER

Attorney Appearance

Sept. 5, 2019

Sept. 5, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Mark Gaber on behalf of defendant Count MI Vote (Gaber, Mark)

Sept. 6, 2019

Sept. 6, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Annabelle Harless on behalf of defendant Count MI Vote (Harless, Annabelle)

Sept. 6, 2019

Sept. 6, 2019

PACER

Attorney Appearance

Sept. 6, 2019

Sept. 6, 2019

PACER
26

ORDER setting forth briefing schedule regarding motion for preliminary injunction 4 ; setting forth briefing schedule regarding Defendants' anticipated motions to dismiss; signed by Judge Janet T. Neff (Judge Janet T. Neff, rmw) (Entered: 09/09/2019)

Sept. 9, 2019

Sept. 9, 2019

RECAP

Attorney Appearance

Sept. 9, 2019

Sept. 9, 2019

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Paul M. Smith on behalf of defendant Count MI Vote (Smith, Paul)

Sept. 9, 2019

Sept. 9, 2019

PACER
27

MOTION to consolidate cases by defendant Jocelyn Benson; (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 09/11/2019)

Sept. 11, 2019

Sept. 11, 2019

PACER
28

BRIEF in support of MOTION to consolidate cases 27 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 09/11/2019)

Sept. 11, 2019

Sept. 11, 2019

PACER
29

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to consolidate cases 27 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 09/11/2019)

Sept. 11, 2019

Sept. 11, 2019

PACER
30

ORDER granting 27 motion to consolidate cases; consolidating cases 1:19-cv-614 and 1:19-cv-669; signed by Judge Janet T. Neff (Judge Janet T. Neff, rmw) (Entered: 09/11/2019)

Sept. 11, 2019

Sept. 11, 2019

RECAP
31

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction (4 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC) filed by Count MI Vote ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Crabtree, Graham) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
32

BRIEF by intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote In opposition to motion for preliminary injunction ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Crabtree, Graham) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
33

MOTION for order of dismissal and judgment by intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote; ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Crabtree, Graham) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
34

BRIEF in support of MOTION for order of dismissal and judgment(33 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 25 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC) filed by Count MI Vote; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Crabtree, Graham) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
35

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction (2 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC) filed by Count MI Vote ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Crabtree, Graham) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
36

BRIEF by intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote In opposition to motion for preliminary injunction in Case 19-cv-00669 ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Crabtree, Graham) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
37

MOTION for order of dismissal and judgment in Case 19-cv-00669 by intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote; ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Crabtree, Graham) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
38

BRIEF in support of MOTION for order of dismissal and judgment in Case 19-cv-00669(37 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 29 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC) filed by Count MI Vote; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Crabtree, Graham) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
39

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction (4 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC) filed by Jocelyn Benson (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A. Affidavit of Sally Marsh); this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

1 Exhibit A. Affidavit of Sally Marsh

View on PACER

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
40

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Response in Opposition, (39 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 31 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC) filed by Jocelyn Benson; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
41

MOTION for leave to file excess pages by defendant Jocelyn Benson; ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
42

MOTION to dismiss by defendant Jocelyn Benson; ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
43

BRIEF in support of MOTION to dismiss (34 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC, 42 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC) filed by Jocelyn Benson; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
44

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to dismiss (34 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC, 42 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC), CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Brief in Support of a Motion, (35 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC) filed by Jocelyn Benson; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 09/19/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
45

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction filed by Jocelyn Benson in case number 1:19-cv-669, document number 37 (response to document number 2 that was filed prior to consolidation) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A. Affidavit of Sally Marsh) (clw) (Entered: 09/20/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
46

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Response in Opposition (38 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC, 45 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC) filed by Jocelyn Benson (clw) (Entered: 09/20/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
47

MOTION for leave to file excess pages (filed in case number 1:19-cv-669, document number 39) by defendant Jocelyn Benson; (clw) (Entered: 09/20/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
48

MOTION to dismiss (filed in case number 1:19-cv-669, document number 40) by defendant Jocelyn Benson; (clw) (Entered: 09/20/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
49

BRIEF in support of MOTION to dismiss (40 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC, 48 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC) filed by Jocelyn Benson (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A. Affidavit of Sally Marsh) (clw) Modified text on 9/20/2019 (clw). (Entered: 09/20/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
50

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Brief in Support of a Motion (41 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC, 49 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC) filed by Jocelyn Benson (clw) Modified text on 9/20/2019 (clw). (Entered: 09/20/2019)

Sept. 19, 2019

Sept. 19, 2019

PACER
51

ORDER granting (41), (47) motions for leave to file excess pages; signed by Judge Janet T. Neff; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Judge Janet T. Neff, rmw) (Entered: 09/23/2019)

Sept. 23, 2019

Sept. 23, 2019

PACER
52

PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER Substitution of Counsel by plaintiffs Laura Cox, Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Republican Party, Savina Alexandra Zoe Mucci, Dorian Thompson, Hank Vaupel ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Avers, Robert) (Entered: 09/25/2019)

Sept. 25, 2019

Sept. 25, 2019

PACER
53

ORDER granting stipulated proposed order (52) in case 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC and (46) in case 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC; Dickinson Wright PLLC is substituted in place of Clark Hill PLC as attorneys of record for Plaintiffs Michigan Republican Party, Laura Cox, Terri Lynn Land, Savina Alexandra Zoe Mucci, Dorian Thompson, and Hank Vaupel; signed by Judge Janet T. Neff; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Judge Janet T. Neff, rmw) (Entered: 09/26/2019)

Sept. 26, 2019

Sept. 26, 2019

RECAP
54

RESPONSE TO MOTION to dismiss (filed in case number 1:19-cv-669, document number 40)(48 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC), MOTION to dismiss (34 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC), MOTION for order of dismissal and judgment in Case 19-cv-00669(37 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 29 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC) and Reply to Defendants' Responses to Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Laura Cox, Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Republican Party, Savina Alexandra Zoe Mucci, Dorian Thompson, Hank Vaupel (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Griffin et al v Padilla et al); this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Gordon, Gary) (Entered: 10/03/2019)

1 Exhibit A - Griffin et al v Padilla et al

View on PACER

Oct. 3, 2019

Oct. 3, 2019

PACER
55

MOTION for leave to file excess pages by plaintiffs Laura Cox, Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Republican Party, Savina Alexandra Zoe Mucci, Dorian Thompson, Hank Vaupel; ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Gordon, Gary) (Entered: 10/03/2019)

Oct. 3, 2019

Oct. 3, 2019

RECAP
56

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Response to Motion,, (48 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC) filed by Laura Cox, Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Republican Party, Savina Alexandra Zoe Mucci, Dorian Thompson, Hank Vaupel; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Gordon, Gary) (Entered: 10/03/2019)

Oct. 3, 2019

Oct. 3, 2019

RECAP
57

RESPONSE TO MOTION to dismiss (34 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC, 42 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC), MOTION for order of dismissal and judgment(33 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 25 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC) and Plaintiffs' Consolidated Reply in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Anthony Daunt (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Compliance); this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Bursch, John) (Entered: 10/03/2019)

Oct. 3, 2019

Oct. 3, 2019

PACER
58

ORDER granting (55) motion for leave to file excess pages in case 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC; granting (49) motion for leave to file excess pages in case 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC; signed by Judge Janet T. Neff; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Judge Janet T. Neff, rmw) (Entered: 10/04/2019)

Oct. 4, 2019

Oct. 4, 2019

PACER
59

REPLY to response to motion (33 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 25 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC) filed by Count MI Vote ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Crabtree, Graham) (Entered: 10/10/2019)

Oct. 10, 2019

Oct. 10, 2019

PACER
60

REPLY to response to motion (37 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 29 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC) filed by Count MI Vote ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Crabtree, Graham) (Entered: 10/10/2019)

Oct. 10, 2019

Oct. 10, 2019

PACER
61

REPLY to response to motion (48 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC), (42 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC) filed by Jocelyn Benson, Jocelyn Benson ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 10/10/2019)

Oct. 10, 2019

Oct. 10, 2019

PACER
62

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Reply to Response to Motion, (55 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC, 61 in 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC) filed by Jocelyn Benson, Jocelyn Benson; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-ESC, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-ESC (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 10/10/2019)

Oct. 10, 2019

Oct. 10, 2019

PACER
63

NOTICE that this case is reassigned to Sally J. Berens under Administrative Order No. 19-CA-093, Magistrate Judge Ellen S. Carmody is no longer assigned to the case (sjc) (Entered: 11/04/2019)

Nov. 2, 2019

Nov. 2, 2019

PACER
64

MOTION for hearing (Status Conference) by plaintiffs Tom Barrett, Bridget Beard, Aaron Beauchine, Kathy Berden, Anthony Daunt, Stephen Daunt, Gerry Hildenbrand, Gary Koutsoubos, Patrick Meyers, Marian Sheridan, Paul Sheridan, Mary Shinkle, Norm Shinkle, Clint Tarver, Linda Lee Tarver; ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-SJB, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-SJB (Bursch, John) (Entered: 11/07/2019)

Nov. 7, 2019

Nov. 7, 2019

RECAP
65

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION for hearing (Status Conference)(58 in 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-SJB) filed by Tom Barrett, Bridget Beard, Aaron Beauchine, Kathy Berden, Anthony Daunt, Stephen Daunt, Gerry Hildenbrand, Gary Koutsoubos, Patrick Meyers, Marian Sheridan, Paul Sheridan, Mary Shinkle, Norm Shinkle, Clint Tarver, Linda Lee Tarver; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-SJB, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-SJB (Bursch, John) (Entered: 11/07/2019)

Nov. 7, 2019

Nov. 7, 2019

PACER
66

NOTICE of Joinder by plaintiffs Laura Cox, Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Republican Party, Savina Alexandra Zoe Mucci, Dorian Thompson, Hank Vaupel ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-SJB, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-SJB (Avers, Robert) (Entered: 11/13/2019)

Nov. 13, 2019

Nov. 13, 2019

PACER
67

OPINION; Order to issue; signed by Judge Janet T. Neff; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-SJB, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-SJB (Judge Janet T. Neff, rmw) (Entered: 11/25/2019)

Nov. 25, 2019

Nov. 25, 2019

Clearinghouse
68

ORDER denying (4) motion for preliminary injunction in case 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-SJB; denying (2) motion for preliminary injunction in case 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-SJB; denying (64) motion for hearing in case 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-SJB; denying (58) motion for hearing in case 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-SJB; signed by Judge Janet T. Neff; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-SJB, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-SJB (Judge Janet T. Neff, rmw) (Entered: 11/25/2019)

Nov. 25, 2019

Nov. 25, 2019

PACER
69

NOTICE OF INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL by plaintiffs Tom Barrett, Bridget Beard, Aaron Beauchine, Kathy Berden, Anthony Daunt, Stephen Daunt, Gerry Hildenbrand, Gary Koutsoubos, Patrick Meyers, Marian Sheridan, Paul Sheridan, Mary Shinkle, Norm Shinkle, Clint Tarver, Linda Lee Tarver ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-SJB, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-SJB (Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 11/26/2019)

Nov. 26, 2019

Nov. 26, 2019

RECAP
70

LETTER FROM CCA regarding indicating that appeal has been docketed ; this document appears in the following associated cases: 1:19-cv-00614-JTN-SJB, 1:19-cv-00669-JTN-SJB (ns) (Entered: 11/27/2019)

Nov. 27, 2019

Nov. 27, 2019

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Michigan

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: July 30, 2019

Closing Date: May 27, 2021

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Fifteen individuals who alleged that they were excluded from serving on the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Michigan Department of State, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

Equal Protection

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Voting:

Voting: General & Misc.

Redistricting/district composition