Case: Disability Rights NC v. North Carolina Board of Elections

5:21-cv-00361 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina

Filed Date: Sept. 9, 2021

Closed Date: Nov. 4, 2022

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Case Summary

On September 9, 2021, Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) (the North Carolina protection and advocacy system) brought suit, as organizational plaintiff, against the North Carolina State Board of Elections to challenge state laws that 1) prohibited voters with disabilities living in congregate settings such as clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes from relying on persons associated with those facilities for assistance with any of the steps required to vote absentee, including requesting, com…

On September 9, 2021, Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) (the North Carolina protection and advocacy system) brought suit, as organizational plaintiff, against the North Carolina State Board of Elections to challenge state laws that 1) prohibited voters with disabilities living in congregate settings such as clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes from relying on persons associated with those facilities for assistance with any of the steps required to vote absentee, including requesting, completing, and returning absentee ballots; and 2) limited who can assist any voter to request and return an absentee ballot to a near relative or legal guardian.  The case was filed in federal district court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, raising claims under Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act and the Supremacy Clause. Judge Terrence W. Boyle was assigned to this case.

Defendants filed a motion to dismiss, and on May 4, 2022, the court denied defendants’ motion and found that plaintiff had plausibly stated a claim that the North Carolina provisions conflicted with federal law. Disability Rts. N. Carolina v. N. Carolina State Bd. of Elections, 602 F. Supp. 3d 872 (E.D.N.C. 2022).

On June 15, 2022, defendant filed a motion for summary judgment. On July 10, 2022, the court granted the motion for summary judgment. Disability Rts. N. Carolina v. N. Carolina State Bd. of Elections, No. 5:21-CV-361-BO, 2022 WL 2678884 (E.D.N.C. July 11, 2022). The court found that all voters with disabilities in North Carolina are constituents of DRNC and accordingly, granted associational and organizational standing to DRNC. The court found that the state laws at issue conflicted with and were therefore preempted by Section 208, and enjoined enforcement of the laws noting that “[t]he purpose [of Section 208] was to create a guaranteed right to the voting process that could not be narrowed or limited by state legislation.”  2022 WL 2678884 *4. 

The parties entered into an unreported settlement on attorney fees on November 4, 2022 and the case was closed.

Summary Authors

NDRN (9/4/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60372751/parties/disability-rights-nc-v-north-carolina-board-of-elections/


Judge(s)

Boyle, Terrence William (North Carolina)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Grafstein, Lisa (North Carolina)

Stiles, Holly Anne (North Carolina)

Attorney for Defendant

Steed, Terence (North Carolina)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

5:21-cv-00361

Complaint

Disability Rights North Carolina v. North Carolina Board of Elections

Sept. 9, 2021

Sept. 9, 2021

Complaint
29

5:21-cv-00361

Order

Disability Rights North Carolina v. North Carolina Board of Elections

May 4, 2022

May 4, 2022

Order/Opinion

602 F.Supp.3d 872

39

5:21-cv-00361

Order

Disability Rights North Carolina v. North Carolina Board of Elections

July 11, 2022

July 11, 2022

Order/Opinion

2022 WL 2678884

45

5:21-cv-00361

Notice of Settlement

Disability Rights North Carolina v. North Carolina Board of Elections

Nov. 4, 2022

Nov. 4, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60372751/disability-rights-nc-v-north-carolina-board-of-elections/

Last updated Oct. 31, 2025, 2:46 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT L65 5:21-cv-361 against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 402 receipt number 0417-6222766.), filed by Disability Rights NC. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Proposed Summons Summons for North Carolina State Board of Elections, # 3 Proposed Summons Summons For D. Circosta, # 4 Proposed Summons Summons for J. Cameron, # 5 Proposed Summons Summons for K.B. Bell, # 6 Proposed Summons Summons for S. Anderson, # 7 Proposed Summons Summons for S. Eggers, # 8 Proposed Summons Summons for T. Tucker) (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 09/09/2021)

1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Proposed Summons Summons for North Carolina State Board of Elections

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3 Proposed Summons Summons For D. Circosta

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4 Proposed Summons Summons for J. Cameron

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5 Proposed Summons Summons for K.B. Bell

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6 Proposed Summons Summons for S. Anderson

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7 Proposed Summons Summons for S. Eggers

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8 Proposed Summons Summons for T. Tucker

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Sept. 9, 2021

Sept. 9, 2021

Clearinghouse
2

Notice of Appearance filed by Lisa Grafstein on behalf of Disability Rights NC. (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 09/09/2021)

Sept. 9, 2021

Sept. 9, 2021

3

Financial Disclosure Statement by Disability Rights NC (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 09/09/2021)

Sept. 9, 2021

Sept. 9, 2021

Notice to Counsel - Counsel is reminded that when adding parties at case opening not to use all caps for names or party text information. (Rudd, D.)

Sept. 9, 2021

Sept. 9, 2021

Notice to Counsel - All Counsel should file a Notice of Appearance pursuant to Local Civil Rule 5.2(a). (Rudd, D.)

Sept. 9, 2021

Sept. 9, 2021

Notice to Counsel

Sept. 9, 2021

Sept. 9, 2021

4

Notice of Appearance filed by Holly Anne Stiles on behalf of Disability Rights NC. (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 09/10/2021)

Sept. 10, 2021

Sept. 10, 2021

5

Summonses Issued as to Stella Anderson, Karen Brinson Bell, Jeff Carmon, III, Damon Circosta, Stacy Eggers, IV, North Carolina Board of Elections, Tommy Tucker. (*NOTICE: Counsel shall print the attached summons and serve with other case opening documents in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4.*) (Sellers, N.) (Entered: 09/10/2021)

Sept. 10, 2021

Sept. 10, 2021

6

Affidavit of Service for Complaint, Summonses, Notices of Appearance, Corporate Disclosure filed by Disability Rights NC served on Defendants on 9/10/21. (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 09/10/2021)

Sept. 10, 2021

Sept. 10, 2021

10

Financial Disclosure Statement by North Carolina Board of Elections (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

Sept. 28, 2021

Sept. 28, 2021

11

Financial Disclosure Statement by Jeff Carmon, III (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

Sept. 28, 2021

Sept. 28, 2021

12

Financial Disclosure Statement by Damon Circosta (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

Sept. 28, 2021

Sept. 28, 2021

13

Financial Disclosure Statement by Damon Circosta (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

Sept. 28, 2021

Sept. 28, 2021

14

Financial Disclosure Statement by Stacy Eggers, IV (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

Sept. 28, 2021

Sept. 28, 2021

15

Financial Disclosure Statement by Tommy Tucker (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

Sept. 28, 2021

Sept. 28, 2021

7

Notice of Appearance filed by Terence Steed on behalf of Stella Anderson, Karen Brinson Bell, Jeff Carmon, III, Damon Circosta, Stacy Eggers, IV, North Carolina Board of Elections, Tommy Tucker. (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

Sept. 28, 2021

Sept. 28, 2021

8

Financial Disclosure Statement by Stella Anderson (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

Sept. 28, 2021

Sept. 28, 2021

9

Financial Disclosure Statement by Karen Brinson Bell (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

Sept. 28, 2021

Sept. 28, 2021

16

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer regarding 1 Complaint,, filed by Stella Anderson, Karen Brinson Bell, Jeff Carmon, III, Damon Circosta, Stacy Eggers, IV, North Carolina Board of Elections, Tommy Tucker. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 10/01/2021)

Oct. 1, 2021

Oct. 1, 2021

Motion Referred to Peter A. Moore, Jr., Clerk of Court regarding 16 Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer regarding 1 Complaint. (Sellers, N.)

Oct. 1, 2021

Oct. 1, 2021

TEXT ORDER granting Defendants' Motion for Extension of Time 16 . For good cause shown, it is ordered that Defendants have up to and including November 1, 2021, within which to answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint 1 . Signed by Peter A. Moore, Jr., Clerk of Court on 10/1/2021. (Hockaday, A.)

Oct. 1, 2021

Oct. 1, 2021

Motion Referred to Clerk

Oct. 1, 2021

Oct. 1, 2021

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

Oct. 1, 2021

Oct. 1, 2021

Case Selected for Mediation - A printable list of certified mediators for the Eastern District of North Carolina is available on the court's Website, http://www.nced.uscourts.gov/attorney/mediators.aspx. Please serve this list on all parties. (Sellers, N.)

Oct. 14, 2021

Oct. 14, 2021

Case Selected for Mediation

Oct. 14, 2021

Oct. 14, 2021

17

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Stella Anderson, Karen Brinson Bell, Jeff Carmon, III, Damon Circosta, Stacy Eggers, IV, North Carolina Board of Elections, Tommy Tucker. (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 11/01/2021)

Nov. 1, 2021

Nov. 1, 2021

18

Memorandum in Support regarding 17 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Stella Anderson, Karen Brinson Bell, Jeff Carmon, III, Damon Circosta, Stacy Eggers, IV, North Carolina Board of Elections, Tommy Tucker. (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 11/01/2021)

Nov. 1, 2021

Nov. 1, 2021

19

ORDER FOR DISCOVERY PLAN sent to all parties. Signed by Peter A. Moore, Jr., Clerk of Court on 11/2/2021. (Stouch, L.) (Entered: 11/02/2021)

Nov. 2, 2021

Nov. 2, 2021

REMINDER TO COUNSEL. Pursuant to Judge Boyle's Practice Preferences located on the court's website, counsel shall provide a courtesy copy of all documents over 20 pages, by mailing or delivering to the clerk's office in Raleigh. (Stouch, L.)

Nov. 2, 2021

Nov. 2, 2021

Reminder to Counsel - Judge Boyle

Nov. 2, 2021

Nov. 2, 2021

20

First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 17 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Disability Rights NC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 11/15/2021)

Nov. 15, 2021

Nov. 15, 2021

Motion Referred to Peter A. Moore, Jr., Clerk of Court regarding 20 First MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response as to 17 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM (Stouch, L.)

Nov. 15, 2021

Nov. 15, 2021

Motion Referred to Clerk

Nov. 15, 2021

Nov. 15, 2021

TEXT ORDER granting Plaintiff's Motion for Extension of Time 20 . For good cause shown, it is ordered that Plaintiff has up to and including December 6, 2021, within which to respond to the Motion to Dismiss 17 . Signed by Peter A. Moore, Jr., Clerk of Court on 11/16/2021. (Hockaday, A.)

Nov. 16, 2021

Nov. 16, 2021

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

Nov. 16, 2021

Nov. 16, 2021

21

RESPONSE in Opposition regarding 17 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Disability Rights NC. (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 12/06/2021)

Dec. 6, 2021

Dec. 6, 2021

22

Rule 26(f) Report (joint) filed by Disability Rights NC. (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 12/07/2021)

Dec. 7, 2021

Dec. 7, 2021

Remark - 22 Rule 26(f) Report referred to US Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank for the entry of a scheduling order. (Stouch, L.)

Dec. 7, 2021

Dec. 7, 2021

Remark

Dec. 7, 2021

Dec. 7, 2021

23

SCHEDULING ORDER: Discovery due by 6/1/2022. Mediation Deadline set for 5/16/2022. Motions due by 7/1/2022. Signed by Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank on 12/13/2021. Counsel should read the order in its entirety for critical deadlines and information. (Stouch, L.) (Entered: 12/13/2021)

Dec. 13, 2021

Dec. 13, 2021

NOTICE TO COUNSEL - Pursuant to Local ADR Rule 101.1c(a), counsel is reminded that the parties must file a written statement identifying an agreed upon mediator within twenty one (21) days of the entry of the Scheduling Order. If a statement is not timely filed, the Clerk of Court will appoint a mediator from the list of court certified mediators. Selection of Mediator must be electronically filed on or before 1/3/2022. (Stouch, L.)

Dec. 13, 2021

Dec. 13, 2021

Notice to Counsel - Selection of Mediator

Dec. 13, 2021

Dec. 13, 2021

24

REPLY to Response to Motion regarding 17 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Stella Anderson, Karen Brinson Bell, Jeff Carmon, III, Damon Circosta, Stacy Eggers, IV, North Carolina Board of Elections, Tommy Tucker. (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 12/20/2021)

Dec. 20, 2021

Dec. 20, 2021

25

Selection of Asa Bell as mediator filed by Disability Rights NC. (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 12/23/2021)

Dec. 23, 2021

Dec. 23, 2021

26

ORDER Appointing Mediator. Signed by Peter A. Moore, Jr., Clerk of Court on 12/27/2021. (Stouch, L.) (Entered: 12/27/2021)

Dec. 27, 2021

Dec. 27, 2021

Motion Submitted to District Judge Terrence W. Boyle regarding 17 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM. (Stouch, L.)

Dec. 28, 2021

Dec. 28, 2021

Motion Submitted

Dec. 28, 2021

Dec. 28, 2021

27

Joint MOTION to Expedite Consideration of Motion to Dismiss and Modify Discovery Plan filed by Disability Rights NC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 04/26/2022)

April 26, 2022

April 26, 2022

Motion Submitted to District Judge Terrence W. Boyle regarding 27 Joint MOTION to Expedite Consideration of Motion to Dismiss and Modify Discovery Plan. (Stouch, L.)

April 26, 2022

April 26, 2022

Motion Submitted

April 26, 2022

April 26, 2022

28

ORDER granting 27 Motion to Modify the Discovery Plan. The Parties shall have up to 30 days following a ruling on the Motion to Dismiss to hold mediation. Signed by District Judge Terrence W. Boyle on 4/28/2022. (Stouch, L.) (Entered: 04/29/2022)

April 29, 2022

April 29, 2022

29

ORDER denying 17 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim. Signed by District Judge Terrence W. Boyle on 5/4/2022. (Stouch, L.)

May 4, 2022

May 4, 2022

Clearinghouse
30

Consent MOTION for Exemption from Mediation (Local ADR Rule 101.1a(3)) filed by Stella Anderson, Karen Brinson Bell, Jeff Carmon, III, Damon Circosta, Stacy Eggers, IV, North Carolina Board of Elections, Tommy Tucker. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 05/19/2022)

May 19, 2022

May 19, 2022

31

ANSWER to 1 Complaint,, by Stella Anderson, Karen Brinson Bell, Jeff Carmon, III, Damon Circosta, Stacy Eggers, IV, North Carolina Board of Elections, Tommy Tucker. (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 05/20/2022)

May 20, 2022

May 20, 2022

Motion Submitted to District Judge Terrence W. Boyle regarding 30 Consent MOTION for Exemption from Mediation (Local ADR Rule 101.1a(3)). (Stouch, L.)

May 24, 2022

May 24, 2022

Motion Submitted

May 24, 2022

May 24, 2022

32

ORDER granting 30 Motion for Exemption from Mediation (Local ADR Rule 101.1a(3)). Signed by District Judge Terrence W. Boyle on 5/24/2022. (Stouch, L.) (Entered: 05/25/2022)

May 25, 2022

May 25, 2022

33

MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Disability Rights NC. (Attachments: # 1 Supplement, # 2 Appendix) (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 06/15/2022)

1 Supplement

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2 Appendix

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June 15, 2022

June 15, 2022

RECAP
34

Memorandum in Support regarding 33 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Disability Rights NC. (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 06/15/2022)

June 15, 2022

June 15, 2022

RECAP
35

RESPONSE in Opposition regarding 33 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Stella Anderson, Karen Brinson Bell, Jeff Carmon, III, Damon Circosta, Stacy Eggers, IV, North Carolina Board of Elections, Tommy Tucker. (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 06/24/2022)

June 24, 2022

June 24, 2022

36

Statement of Material Facts regarding 33 MOTION for Summary Judgment in Response filed by Stella Anderson, Karen Brinson Bell, Jeff Carmon, III, Damon Circosta, Stacy Eggers, IV, North Carolina Board of Elections, Tommy Tucker. (Steed, Terence) (Entered: 06/24/2022)

June 24, 2022

June 24, 2022

37

REPLY to Response to Motion regarding 33 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Disability Rights NC. (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 06/30/2022)

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2022

38

Joint MOTION to Expedite Consideration of Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment filed by Disability Rights NC. (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 07/01/2022)

July 1, 2022

July 1, 2022

Motion Submitted to District Judge Terrence W. Boyle regarding 38 Joint MOTION to Expedite Consideration of Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment. (Stouch, L.)

July 1, 2022

July 1, 2022

Motion Submitted to District Judge Terrence W. Boyle regarding 33 MOTION for Summary Judgment. (Stouch, L.)

July 1, 2022

July 1, 2022

Motion Submitted

July 5, 2022

July 5, 2022

Motion Submitted

July 7, 2022

July 7, 2022

39

ORDER granting 33 Motion for Summary Judgment; granting 38 Motion to Expedite. Signed by District Judge Terrence W. Boyle on 7/10/2022. (Stouch, L.) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

July 11, 2022

July 11, 2022

RECAP
40

JUDGMENT - IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED that plaintiff's motion for summary judgement [DE 33) is GRANTED. The parties' motion to expedite consideration [DE 38] is GRANTED. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 163-226.3, 230.1, 230.2, 230.3, and 163- 23 l(b)(l), as applied to voters with disabilities who need assistance with voting, conflict with federal law and are preempted by the Voting Rights Act. Defendants are enjoined from enforcing such provisions against voters with disabilities in North Carolina. Signed by deputy clerk for Peter A. Moore, Jr., Clerk of Court on 7/11/2022. (Stouch, L.) (Entered: 07/11/2022)

July 11, 2022

July 11, 2022

41

MOTION for Extension of Time to file Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Costs filed by Disability Rights NC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 07/18/2022)

July 18, 2022

July 18, 2022

Motion Submitted to District Judge Terrence W. Boyle regarding 41 MOTION for Extension of Time to file Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Costs. (Stouch, L.)

July 20, 2022

July 20, 2022

Motion Submitted

July 20, 2022

July 20, 2022

42

ORDER granting 41 Motion for Extension of Time to file Motion for Attorneys' Fees and Costs. Signed by District Judge Terrence W. Boyle on 7/22/2022. (Stouch, L.) (Entered: 07/25/2022)

July 25, 2022

July 25, 2022

43

Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to file Motion for Attorney's Fees and Costs filed by Disability Rights NC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Stiles, Holly) (Entered: 10/11/2022)

Oct. 11, 2022

Oct. 11, 2022

Motion Submitted to District Judge Terrence W. Boyle regarding 43 Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to file Motion for Attorney's Fees and Costs. (Stouch, L.)

Oct. 24, 2022

Oct. 24, 2022

Motion Submitted

Oct. 24, 2022

Oct. 24, 2022

44

ORDER granting 43 Motion for Extension of Time to file Motion for Attorney's Fees and Costs. Signed by District Judge Terrence W. Boyle on 10/27/2022. (Reznick, Debra) (Entered: 10/28/2022)

Oct. 28, 2022

Oct. 28, 2022

45

NOTICE of Settlement by Disability Rights NC (Grafstein, Lisa) (Entered: 11/04/2022)

Nov. 4, 2022

Nov. 4, 2022

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

North Carolina

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Election/Voting Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 9, 2021

Closing Date: Nov. 4, 2022

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

protection and advocacy system

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

North Carolina Board of Elections, School District

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Voting Rights Act, section 208 (assistance for disabled persons), 52 U.S.C. § 10508 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 1973aa-6)

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of North Carolina 5:21-cv-00361

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Relief Granted:

Attorneys fees

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Issues

Voting:

Election administration

Voter qualifications