Case: Public Interest Legal Foundation v. Dunlap

1:20-cv-00061 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maine

Filed Date: Feb. 19, 2020

Closed Date: Aug. 14, 2024

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Case Summary

This is a case is about the preemption of a Maine voter registration law by the federal National Voter Registration Act ("NVRA"), which requires the public disclosure of voter registration information and records in order to assess and audit states' compliance with their NVRA obligations to maintain accurate voter registration lists. On February 19, 2020, the Public Interest Legal Foundation ("plaintiff") filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine (the "Court"). Pla…

This is a case is about the preemption of a Maine voter registration law by the federal National Voter Registration Act ("NVRA"), which requires the public disclosure of voter registration information and records in order to assess and audit states' compliance with their NVRA obligations to maintain accurate voter registration lists. On February 19, 2020, the Public Interest Legal Foundation ("plaintiff") filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine (the "Court"). Plaintiff sued the Secretary of State for the State of Maine (the "Secretary") under Section 8(i) of the NVRA, 52 U.S.C. § 20507(i), alleging that Title 21-A, Section 196-A of the Maine Revised Statutes (the "Maine law"), which limited access to data from Maine's voter registration system to certain permissible purposes, was preempted by the federal NVRA. Represented by private counsel and in-house counsel at the plaintiff, the plaintiff sought declaratory relief that the NVRA preempted and superseded the Maine law and sought injunctive relief to permanently enjoin the Secretary from denying requests to inspect Maine voter registration lists in the future.

Prior to the filing of this lawsuit, on October 17, 2019, the plaintiff requested from the Secretary an electronic copy of Maine's statewide voter registration list pursuant to the NVRA and acknowledged that the Maine law appeared to prohibit such request. In response, the Secretary denied the request because the plaintiff's stated purpose for requesting the information was not a permissible purpose under the Maine law, and confirmed the interpretation of the Maine law.

After filing this lawsuit, on March 19, 2021, the plaintiff filed a Motion for Summary Judgment for declaratory and injunctive relief. On April 9, 2021, the Secretary filed a Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment and Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment, arguing that the NVRA did not preempt Maine's voter privacy law, and that there were legitimate concerns that such public disclosure of voter registration information would deter Maine voters from registering to vote and could facilitate voter fraud.

On June 21, 2021, while the Cross-Motions were under the Court's advisement, the Maine Legislature amended the Maine law at issue to add a new exception to the general confidentiality regime prohibiting disclosure of the voter registration information, which became effective in October 2021. However, the amendment contained a use restriction which prohibited the sale, transfer, or use of the voter registration information for any purpose that was not directly related to evaluating a state's compliance with its voter list maintenance obligations under the federal NVRA, or that caused the voter information that identified, or that could be used with other information to identify, a specific voter.

On November 29, 2021, the plaintiff filed its First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief, arguing that the newly added use restriction continued to violate and conflict with the NVRA. On December 20, 2021, the Secretary filed a Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint, asserting that the privacy provisions of the Maine law were not preempted by the NVRA. On March 4, 2022, the Court, in pertinent part, denied the Secretary's Motion to Dismiss and concluded that the plaintiff had plausibly alleged that the Maine law stood as an obstacle to the accomplishment and execution of the full purposes and objectives of the NVRA to audit states' compliance with their NVRA obligations.

On October 19, 2022, the plaintiff filed a Motion for Summary Judgment seeking, in key part, declaratory judgment that the Maine law was preempted by the NVRA. On November 22, 2022, the Secretary filed a Motion for Summary Judgment on the basis that the newly added amendment to the Maine law was not preempted by the NVRA. On March 28, 2023, the Court filed a Court Order on Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment and concluded that the NVRA preempted the amendment adding the use restriction contained in the Maine law. Thus, the plaintiff was entitled to declaratory judgment that the NVRA preempted the Maine law.

In response to the District Court's order, on April 14, 2023, the Secretary filed an appeal in the First Circuit Court of Appeals (USCA Case Number 23-1361). On June 7, 2023, the Court granted the Secretary's Motion for a Partial Stay Pending Appeal which prohibited the plaintiff from causing voter information that identified, or that could be used with other information to identify, a specific voter, to be made accessible to the public. 

On February 2, 2024, the Court of Appeals issued its judgment where it affirmed the lower court's opinion. 

This case appears closed. 

Summary Authors

Aileen Ng (11/21/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16980209/parties/public-interest-legal-foundation-inc-v-bellows/


Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:20-cv-00061

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Feb. 19, 2020

Feb. 19, 2020

Complaint
35

1:20-cv-00061

Plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation’s Motion for Summary Judgment and Memorandum of Law

March 19, 2021

March 19, 2021

Pleading / Motion / Brief
39

1:20-cv-00061

Secretary of State's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment and Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment

Public Interest Legal Foundation, INC v. Bellows

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

Pleading / Motion / Brief
55

1:20-cv-00061

First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Public Interest Legal Foundation v. Bellows

Nov. 29, 2021

Nov. 29, 2021

Complaint
58

1:20-cv-00061

Secretary of State's Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint

Dec. 20, 2021

Dec. 20, 2021

Pleading / Motion / Brief
61

1:20-cv-00061

Order on Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint

Public Interest Legal Foundation v. Bellows

March 4, 2022

March 4, 2022

Order/Opinion

588 F.Supp.3d 124

68

1:20-cv-00061

Procedural Order

May 2, 2022

May 2, 2022

Order/Opinion
74

1:20-cv-00061

Plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation's Motion for Summary Judgment and Memorandum of Law

Public Interest Legal Foundation v. Bellows

Oct. 19, 2022

Oct. 19, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
87

1:20-cv-00061

Order on Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment

Public Interest Legal Foundation v. Bellows

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Order/Opinion

664 F.Supp.3d 153

96

1:20-cv-00061

Order on Motion for Partial Stay Pending Appeal

June 7, 2023

June 7, 2023

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16980209/public-interest-legal-foundation-inc-v-bellows/

Last updated June 30, 2026, 6:41 a.m.

Docket for: PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC v. BELLOWS
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Feb. 19, 2020

COMPLAINT against MATTHEW DUNLAP PAYMENT OF FILING FEE DUE WITHIN 48 HOURS. IF FILING FEE IS BEING PAID WITH A CREDIT CARD COUNSEL ARE INSTRUCTED TO LOGIN TO CMECF AND DOCKET Case Opening Filing Fee Paid FOUND IN THE Complaints and Other Initiating Documents CATEGORY. CHECK PAYMENTS DUE WITHIN 48 HOURS., filed by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC. (Service of Process Deadline 5/19/2020) Fee due by 2/21/2020. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - PILFs 10-17-19 letter to Sec. Dunlap requesting records, # 2 Exhibit B - Muszynskis 10-17-19 e-mail denying PILFs request, # 3 Exhibit C - PILFs 10-29-19 letter to Sec. Dunlap notice of violation, # 4 Exhibit D - PILFs 1-29-20 letter to Sec. Dunlap clarifying violation, # 5 Exhibit E - Dep. Flynns 1-320 letter to PILF partially denying their request, # 6 Exhibit F - PILFs 2-3-20 letter to Dep. Flynn making final request for records, # 7 Exhibit G - Dep. Flynns 2-5-20 letter to PILF again partially denying their request)(bfa) (Entered: 02/19/2020)

1 Exhibit A - PILFs 10-17-19 letter to Sec. Dunlap requesting records

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2 Exhibit B - Muszynskis 10-17-19 e-mail denying PILFs request

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3 Exhibit C - PILFs 10-29-19 letter to Sec. Dunlap notice of violation

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4 Exhibit D - PILFs 1-29-20 letter to Sec. Dunlap clarifying violation

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5 Exhibit E - Dep. Flynns 1-320 letter to PILF partially denying their request

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6 Exhibit F - PILFs 2-3-20 letter to Dep. Flynn making final request for records

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7 Exhibit G - Dep. Flynns 2-5-20 letter to PILF again partially denying their req

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Clearinghouse
2 Feb. 19, 2020

CIVIL COVER SHEET. (bfa) (Entered: 02/19/2020)

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3 Feb. 19, 2020

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC. (bfa) (Entered: 02/19/2020)

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4 Feb. 19, 2020

Summons Issued as to MATTHEW DUNLAP. Counsel shall print the embossed summons and effect service in the manner in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P.4. Note-If you are using Version 6 of Adobe Acrobat, be sure the PRINT WHAT field is set to DOCUMENTS AND COMMENTS (Click File, then Print to check this setting). (bfa) (Entered: 02/19/2020)

RECAP
Feb. 20, 2020

Filing Fee Received from PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC: Amount Paid: $400. Receipt Number: 220000621. Method of Payment: check. Purpose of Payment: filing fee. Date Paid: 2/20/2020 re 1 Complaint. (bfa)

5 Feb. 28, 2020

NOTICE of Appearance by PHYLLIS GARDINER on behalf of MATTHEW DUNLAP (GARDINER, PHYLLIS) (Entered: 02/28/2020)

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6 March 3, 2020

SUMMONS Returned Executed by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC. MATTHEW DUNLAP served on 2/25/2020. (WHITING, STEPHEN) (Entered: 03/03/2020)

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March 3, 2020

Set Answer Deadline for MATTHEW DUNLAP per Summons Returned Executed filed this date: Answer due by 3/17/2020. (lrc)

7 March 4, 2020

CERTIFICATION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Kaylan Phillips filed by STEPHEN C. WHITING on behalf of PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC (Total admission fee $ 100 receipt number AMEDC-2183582.) The District of Maine is a CM/ECF NextGen Court. If PHV counsel has not previously been granted electronic filing rights with the District of Maine, PHV counsel will now need to submit a PRO HAC VICE request in this District via PACER at www.pacer.gov (WHITING, STEPHEN) (Entered: 03/04/2020)

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8 March 5, 2020

CERTIFICATION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Noel Johnson filed by STEPHEN C. WHITING on behalf of PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC (Total admission fee $ 100 receipt number AMEDC-2184584.) The District of Maine is a CM/ECF NextGen Court. If PHV counsel has not previously been granted electronic filing rights with the District of Maine, PHV counsel will now need to submit a PRO HAC VICE request in this District via PACER at www.pacer.gov (WHITING, STEPHEN) (Entered: 03/05/2020)

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9 March 16, 2020

ANSWER to 1 Complaint,,,, by MATTHEW DUNLAP.(GARDINER, PHYLLIS) (Entered: 03/16/2020)

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10 March 16, 2020

SCHEDULING ORDER: Discovery due by 8/3/2020. Written Notice of Intent to File Summary Judgment Motion and Request for Pre-Filing Conference due by 8/10/2020. Motions due by 8/24/2020. Ready for Trial on 11/3/2020. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. (lrc) (Entered: 03/17/2020)

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11 May 1, 2020

Consent OBJECTION to 10 Scheduling Order, filed by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC. Responses due by 5/22/2020. (WHITING, STEPHEN) (Entered: 05/01/2020)

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12 May 3, 2020

ORDER granting without objection 11 Joint Objection to Scheduling Order. The court's scheduling order, ECF No. 10, is amended to extend the expected trial date to December 8, 2020 (the trial-ready date for Bangor for that month). By MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. (RICH III, JOHN) (Entered: 05/03/2020)

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May 3, 2020

Order on Objection to Scheduling Order

May 3, 2020

Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines - per Order No. 12: Ready for Trial on 12/8/2020. (lrc)

13 July 20, 2020

Joint MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order by MATTHEW DUNLAP Responses due by 8/10/2020. (GARDINER, PHYLLIS) (Entered: 07/20/2020)

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14 July 21, 2020

ORDER granting without objection 13 Joint Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. On the showing made, the court's scheduling order, ECF No. 10, as amended, is further amended as follows: discovery shall be completed by September 11, 2020; the plaintiff's demand and the defendant's response shall be served by August 28 and September 11, 2020, respectively; any L.R. 56(h) notice shall be filed by September 18, 2020; and dispositive/Daubert/Kumho motions shall be filed by October 1, 2020. All other limitations and deadlines in the court's scheduling order shall remain in effect, including the trial-ready date of November 3, 2020. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. (RICH III, JOHN) (Entered: 07/21/2020)

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July 21, 2020

Order on Motion to Amend Scheduling Order

15 July 22, 2020

AMENDED ORDER granting without objection 13 Joint Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. On the showing made, the court's scheduling order, ECF No. 10, as amended, is further amended as follows: discovery shall be completed by September 11, 2020; the plaintiff's demand and the defendant's response shall be served by August 28 and September 11, 2020, respectively; any L.R. 56(h) notice shall be filed by September 18, 2020; and dispositive/Daubert/Kumho motions shall be filed by October 1, 2020. All other limitations and deadlines in the court's scheduling order shall remain in effect, including the trial-ready date of December 8, 2020. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. (RICH III, JOHN) (Entered: 07/22/2020)

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July 22, 2020

Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines - per Order No. 15: Discovery due by 9/11/2020. Written Notice of Intent to File Summary Judgment Motion and Request for Pre-Filing Conference due by 9/18/2020. Motions due by 10/1/2020. (lrt)

July 22, 2020

Order

16 Sept. 10, 2020

Consent MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order by MATTHEW DUNLAP Responses due by 10/1/2020. (GARDINER, PHYLLIS) (Entered: 09/10/2020)

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17 Sept. 10, 2020

Amended MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order by MATTHEW DUNLAP Responses due by 10/1/2020. (GARDINER, PHYLLIS) (Entered: 09/10/2020)

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18 Sept. 11, 2020

ORDER granting without objection 17 Joint Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. On the parties' joint motion, the court's scheduling order is further amended as follows: discovery shall be completed by December 15, 2020; the defendant's written settlement response shall be served by October 13, 2020; any L.R. 56(h) notice shall be filed by December 15, 2020; dispositive/Daubert/Kumho motions shall be filed by January 29, 2021; and the case shall be ready for trial on February 2, 2021, to allow for the possibility that no L.R. 56(h) notice is filed by the new December 15 deadline. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. (RICH III, JOHN) (Entered: 09/11/2020)

RECAP
Sept. 11, 2020

Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines - per Order No. 18: Discovery due by 12/15/2020. Written Notice of Intent to File Summary Judgment Motion and Request for Pre-Filing Conference due by 12/15/2020. Motions due by 1/29/2021. Ready for Trial on 2/2/2021. (lrt)

Sept. 11, 2020

Order on Motion to Amend Scheduling Order

Nov. 13, 2020

Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines - Per Judge Singal: Ready for Trial on 3/2/2021. (lrt)

19 Dec. 4, 2020

Joint MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC Responses due by 12/28/2020. (WHITING, STEPHEN) (Entered: 12/04/2020)

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20 Dec. 8, 2020

ORDER granting in part 19 Joint Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. In order to allow the parties to focus on settlement negotiations, the court's scheduling order is further amended as follows: discovery shall be completed by January 15, 2021; any L.R. 56(h) notice shall be filed by January 15, 2021; dispositive/Daubert/Kumho motions shall be filed by February 5, 2021 (the customary three weeks after the close of discovery); and the case shall be ready for trial on March 2, 2021, to allow for the possibility that no L.R. 56(h) notice is filed by the new January 15 deadline. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. (RICH III, JOHN) (Entered: 12/08/2020)

RECAP
Dec. 8, 2020

Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines - per Order No. 20: Discovery due by 1/15/2021. Written Notice of Intent to File Summary Judgment Motion and Request for Pre-Filing Conference due by 1/15/2021. Motions due by 2/5/2021. (lrt)

Dec. 8, 2020

Order on Motion to Amend Scheduling Order

Dec. 14, 2020

Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines - Per General Order 2020-14: Ready for Trial on 4/6/2021. (lrt)

21 Dec. 31, 2020

Joint MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order by MATTHEW DUNLAP Responses due by 1/21/2021. (GARDINER, PHYLLIS) (Entered: 12/31/2020)

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22 Jan. 3, 2021

ORDER granting without objection 21 Joint Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. On the showing made, the court's scheduling order is further amended as follows: discovery shall be completed by January 29, 2021; any L.R. 56(h) notice shall be filed by February 5, 2021; dispositive/Daubert/Kumho motions shall be filed by February 19, 2021 (the customary three weeks after the close of discovery); and the case shall be ready for trial on April 6, 2021, to allow for the possibility that no L.R. 56(h) notice is filed by the new February 5 deadline. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. (RICH III, JOHN) (Entered: 01/03/2021)

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Jan. 3, 2021

Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines - per Order No. 22: Discovery due by 1/29/2021. Written Notice of Intent to File Summary Judgment Motion and Request for Pre-Filing Conference due by 2/5/2021. Motions due by 2/19/2021. Ready for Trial on 4/6/2021. (lrt)

Jan. 3, 2021

Order on Motion to Amend Scheduling Order

23 Jan. 26, 2021

Unopposed MOTION to Substitute Party by MATTHEW DUNLAP Responses due by 2/16/2021. (GARDINER, PHYLLIS) (Entered: 01/26/2021)

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24 Jan. 26, 2021

Unopposed MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order by MATTHEW DUNLAP Responses due by 2/16/2021. (GARDINER, PHYLLIS) (Entered: 01/26/2021)

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25 Jan. 26, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by JONATHAN R. BOLTON on behalf of MATTHEW DUNLAP (BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 01/26/2021)

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26 Jan. 26, 2021

ORDER granting without objection 23 Motion to Substitute Party. Shenna Bellows, in her official capacity as Maine's Secretary of State, is hereby substituted for Matthew Dunlap as a defendant. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. (RICH III, JOHN) (Entered: 01/26/2021)

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27 Jan. 26, 2021

ORDER granting without objection 24 Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. On the most recent showing made, the court's scheduling order is further amended as follows: discovery shall be completed by February 8, 2021; any L.R. 56(h) notice shall be filed by February 12, 2021; dispositive/Daubert/Kumho motions shall be filed by March 5, 2021; and the case shall remain trial-ready by April 6, 2021, to allow for the possibility that no L.R. 56(h) notice is filed by the new February 12 deadline (the court acknowledges that both parties intend to file L.R. 56(h) notices). By MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. (RICH III, JOHN) (Entered: 01/26/2021)

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Jan. 26, 2021

Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines - per Order No. 27: Discovery due by 2/8/2021. Written Notice of Intent to File Summary Judgment Motion and Request for Pre-Filing Conference due by 2/12/2021. Motions due by 3/5/2021. Ready for Trial to remain 4/6/2021. (lrt)

Jan. 26, 2021

Order on Motion to Substitute Party

Jan. 26, 2021

Order on Motion to Amend Scheduling Order

28 Jan. 29, 2021

TRIAL LIST:. On Trial List for 4/6/2021. Telephonic Final Pretrial Conference set for 3/4/2021 01:00 PM before MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. Final Pretrial Memo due by 2/25/2021.(jwr) (Entered: 01/29/2021)

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29 Feb. 12, 2021

JOINT MOTION for Approval of Local Rule 56(h) Schedule by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC (WHITING, STEPHEN) (Entered: 02/12/2021)

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30 Feb. 12, 2021

ORDER granting 29 Motion for Approval of Local Rule 56(h) Schedule. By JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. (lrt) (Entered: 02/12/2021)

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31 Feb. 12, 2021

NOTICE - please be advised that this case has been removed from the April trial list. This case will be placed on the next available trial list following resolution of the motions for summary judgment that will be filed. (lrt) (Entered: 02/12/2021)

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Feb. 12, 2021

Set Deadlines per Order No. 30: Stipulations of Material Fact due by 3/12/2021. Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment due by 3/19/2021. Defendant's response and cross Motion for Summary Judgment due by 4/9/2021. Plaintiff's response to defendant's motion and reply to their motion due by 4/30/2021. Defendant's reply due by 5/14/2021. (lrt)

Feb. 12, 2021

Order on Motion for Approval of Local Rule 56(h) Schedule

32 March 2, 2021

MOTION by Attorney Phyllis Gardiner to Withdraw as Attorney by SHENNA BELLOWS, Responses due by 3/23/2021. (GARDINER, PHYLLIS) Modified on 3/2/2021 to remove Matthew Dunlap as a filer because he is a terminated party (lrt). (Entered: 03/02/2021)

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33 March 2, 2021

ORDER granting 32 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Gardiner's representation of the defendant is hereby terminated; the defendant continues to be represented by Attorney Bolton. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III. (RICH III, JOHN) (Entered: 03/02/2021)

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March 2, 2021

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

34 March 12, 2021

Joint Stipulation of Material Facts by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC. (JOHNSON, NOEL) Modified on 3/15/2021 to clarify docket text (lrt). (Entered: 03/12/2021)

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35 March 19, 2021

MOTION for Summary Judgment by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC Responses due by 4/9/2021. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Statement of Material Facts, # 2 Affidavit of Noel H. Johnson, # 3 Exhibit A to Johnson Affidavit, # 4 Exhibit B to Johnson Affidavit, # 5 Exhibit C to Johnson Affidavit, # 6 Exhibit D to Johnson Affidavit)(JOHNSON, NOEL) Modified on 3/22/2021 to remove duplicative docket text (lrt). (Entered: 03/19/2021)

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March 19, 2021

Reset Deadlines as to 35 MOTION for Summary Judgment per Order No. 30: Response and Cross Motion for Summary Judgment due by 4/9/2021. (lrt)

36 April 9, 2021

AFFIDAVIT of Julie L. Flynn in Support of the Secretary's Motion for Summary Judgment and Opposition to PILF's Motion for Summary Judgment filed by SHENNA BELLOWS. (BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 04/09/2021)

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37 April 9, 2021

DEPOSITION of N. Christian Adams (30(b)(6) Deponent for PILF) taken on February 8, 2021 filed by SHENNA BELLOWS. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 11 - Calm Before the Storm, # 2 Exhibit 12 - Alien Invasion II)(BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 04/09/2021)

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38 April 9, 2021

DEFENDANT'S COMBINED STATEMENT OF MATERIAL FACTS OPPOSING PLAINTIFF'S SUMMARY JUDGMENT MOTION AND SUPPORTING DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT filed by SHENNA BELLOWS. (BOLTON, JONATHAN) Modified on 4/11/2021 to clarify docket text (lrt). (Entered: 04/09/2021)

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39 April 9, 2021

RESPONSE in Opposition re 35 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment filed by SHENNA BELLOWS. Reply due by 4/23/2021. (BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 04/09/2021)

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40 April 9, 2021

Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment - No PDF Document is attached. To view the motion, see ECF No. 39 by SHENNA BELLOWS Responses due by 4/30/2021. (lrt) (Entered: 04/11/2021)

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April 9, 2021

Reset Deadlines as to 35 MOTION for Summary Judgment Per Order No. 30: Reply due by 4/30/2021. (lrt)

41 April 16, 2021

Unopposed MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC Responses due by 5/7/2021. (WHITING, STEPHEN) (Entered: 04/16/2021)

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42 April 19, 2021

ORDER granting 41 Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. Plaintiff's request for a 14-day enlargement of time for the remaining deadlines relating to the pending motions for summary judgment is Granted. By JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. (mnd) (Entered: 04/19/2021)

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April 19, 2021

Reset Deadlines as to 35 MOTION for Summary Judgment - Per Order #42: Reply due by 5/14/2021. (mnd)

April 19, 2021

Reset Deadlines as to 40 MOTION for Summary Judgment - Per Order #42: Response due by 5/14/2021. (mnd)

April 19, 2021

Order on Motion to Amend Scheduling Order

43 May 14, 2021

RESPONSE to Statement of Fact filed by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC. (PHILLIPS, KAYLAN) (Entered: 05/14/2021)

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44 May 14, 2021

RESPONSE in Opposition re 40 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Reply in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment filed by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC. Reply due by 5/28/2021. (PHILLIPS, KAYLAN) (Entered: 05/14/2021)

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45 May 28, 2021

REPLY to Response to Motion re 40 MOTION for Summary Judgment, 35 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by SHENNA BELLOWS. (BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 05/28/2021)

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46 June 8, 2021

NOTICE/CORRESPONDENCE Re: Supplemental Authority by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ill. Conservative Union v. Illinois)(PHILLIPS, KAYLAN) (Entered: 06/08/2021)

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47 June 24, 2021

NOTICE/CORRESPONDENCE Re: Newly Enacted Legislation Relevant to the Pending Summary Judgment Motions by SHENNA BELLOWS (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - P.L. 2021, ch. 310)(BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 06/24/2021)

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48 July 19, 2021

NOTICE of Hearing: Telephonic Status Conference set for 8/30/2021 02:30 PM before JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. All parties have been provided with the call-in information. (lrt) (Entered: 07/19/2021)

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49 Aug. 30, 2021

Minute Entry for proceedings held before JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL: Telephone Conference held. Order to issue. (Court Reporter: Lori Dunbar) (lrt) (Entered: 08/30/2021)

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50 Aug. 31, 2021

PROCEDURAL ORDER & REPORT OF CONFERENCE - further motions or other relevant filings shall be filed by 11/1/2021 By JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. (lrt) (Entered: 08/31/2021)

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51 Nov. 1, 2021

First MOTION for Leave to File Amended Complaint by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC Responses due by 11/22/2021. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Amended Complaint, # 2 Exhibit A - Records Request, # 3 Exhibit B - Email Denying Request, # 4 Exhibit C - Notice of NVRA Violation, # 5 Exhibit D - Final Letter, # 6 Exhibit E - Letter from Deputy SOS, # 7 Exhibit F - Clarification Letter, # 8 Exhibit G - 2nd Letter from Deputy SOS)(JOHNSON, NOEL) Modified on 11/29/2021 to change event type to motion to amend (lrt). (Entered: 11/01/2021)

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52 Nov. 22, 2021

RESPONSE to Motion re 51 First MOTION for Leave to File Amended Complaint filed by SHENNA BELLOWS. Reply due by 12/6/2021. (BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 11/22/2021)

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53 Nov. 29, 2021

ORDER granting without objection 51 Motion to Amend the Complaint. REMINDER: After entry of this Order, if Amending a COMPLAINT, counsel are REQUIRED to separately file the AMENDED COMPLAINT Document. By JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. (lrt) (Entered: 11/29/2021)

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54 Nov. 29, 2021

ORDER re 35 Motion for Summary Judgment; 40 Motion for Summary Judgment. DENIED AS MOOT. In light of Plaintiff's Amended Complaint and Defendant's expressed intention to seek dismissal of the amended complaint, the cross-motions for summary judgment based on a prior complaint and prior version of the underlying statute are moot. This ruling is made without prejudice to either side renewing its request for summary judgment after the Court resolves Defendant's anticipated motion to dismiss the amended complaint. SO ORDERED. By JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. (lrt) (Entered: 11/29/2021)

RECAP
55 Nov. 29, 2021

First AMENDED COMPLAINT against SHENNA BELLOWS, filed by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC. (Service of Process Deadline 2/28/2022) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Records Request, # 2 Exhibit B - Email Denying Request, # 3 Exhibit C - Notice of NVRA Violation, # 4 Exhibit D - Final Letter, # 5 Exhibit E - Letter from Deputy SOS, # 6 Exhibit F - Clarification Letter, # 7 Exhibit G - 2nd Letter from Deputy SOS)(JOHNSON, NOEL) (Entered: 11/29/2021)

Clearinghouse
Nov. 29, 2021

Order on Motion to Amend

Nov. 29, 2021

Order on Motion for Summary Judgment AND Order on Motion for Summary Judgment

56 Dec. 7, 2021

Unopposed MOTION to Extend Time to File Answer to First Amended Complaint by SHENNA BELLOWS Responses due by 12/28/2021. (BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 12/07/2021)

RECAP
57 Dec. 8, 2021

ORDER granting without objection 56 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer. SO ORDERED. By JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. (tcs) (Entered: 12/08/2021)

RECAP
Dec. 8, 2021

Reset Answer Deadline for SHENNA BELLOWS: Answer to Amended Complaint or Motion to Dismiss due by 12/20/2021. (tcs)

Dec. 8, 2021

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

58 Dec. 20, 2021

MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim and Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction by SHENNA BELLOWS Responses due by 1/10/2022. (BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 12/20/2021)

Clearinghouse
Dec. 20, 2021

Reset Deadlines as to 58 MOTION to Dismiss - per Order No. 57: Responses due by 1/24/2022. (lrt)

59 Jan. 24, 2022

RESPONSE in Opposition re 58 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim and Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction filed by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC. Reply due by 2/7/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - CVR Data Request Form)(JOHNSON, NOEL) (Entered: 01/24/2022)

RECAP
60 Feb. 7, 2022

REPLY to Response to Motion re 58 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim and Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction filed by SHENNA BELLOWS. (BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 02/07/2022)

RECAP
61 March 4, 2022

ORDER ON MOTION TO DISMISS AMENDED COMPLAINT granting in part and denying in part 58 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim By JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. (lrt) (Entered: 03/04/2022)

Clearinghouse
March 4, 2022

Set Answer Deadline for SHENNA BELLOWS : Answer to Amended Complaint due by 3/25/2022. (lrt)

62 March 25, 2022

ANSWER to 55 Amended Complaint, by SHENNA BELLOWS.(BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 03/25/2022)

RECAP
63 March 28, 2022

NOTICE of Hearing: Telephonic Status Conference set for 4/11/2022 01:00 PM before JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. All parties have been provided with the call-in information. (lrt) (Entered: 03/28/2022)

RECAP
April 4, 2022

Case Referral Reassigned to MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. MAGISTRATE JUDGE JOHN H. RICH III no longer assigned to the case. (jwr)

64 April 11, 2022

Minute Entry for proceedings held before JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL: Telephonic Status Conference held. Order to issue. (Court Reporter: Dennis Ford) (slg) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

RECAP
65 April 11, 2022

PROCEDURAL ORDER & REPORT OF CONFERENCE - Set Deadlines: Joint Proposed Discovery Schedule due by 4/27/2022. By JUDGE GEORGE Z. SINGAL. (mnd) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

RECAP
66 April 27, 2022

MOTION for Order Setting Discovery Schedule by PUBLIC INTEREST LEGAL FOUNDATION INC Responses due by 5/18/2022. (JOHNSON, NOEL) (Entered: 04/27/2022)

RECAP
67 April 27, 2022

Cross MOTION for Order to Set a Discovery Schedule by SHENNA BELLOWS Responses due by 5/18/2022. (BOLTON, JONATHAN) (Entered: 04/27/2022)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Maine

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 19, 2020

Closing Date: Aug. 14, 2024

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Public Interest legal Foundation is a non-profit organization that regularly utilizes the federal National Voter Registration Act to obtain voter registration information.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

Secretary of State for the State of Maine

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

National Voter Registration Act ("Motor Voter law"), 52 U.S.C. § 20501 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 1973gg)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Federalism (including 10th Amendment)

Other Dockets:

District of Maine 1:20-cv-00061

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit 23-01361

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory Judgment

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Required disclosure

State Statute Struck Down

Voter Registration

Amount Defendant Pays: $153,000.00

Issues

General/Misc.:

Records Disclosure

Voting:

Voter ID

Voter registration rules

Voting: General & Misc.

Voting: Physical/Effective Access

Recommended Citation