Case: Minnesota Voters Alliance v. City of Minneapolis

0:20-cv-02049 | U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Filed Date: Sept. 24, 2020

Closed Date: Jan. 5, 2021

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Case Summary

On September 24, 2020, Minnesota Voters Alliance and several of its members filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Plaintiffs alleged that the City of Minneapolis violated the United States Constitution’s Elections Clause and Supremacy Clause, National Voters Registration Act (NVRA), 52 U.S.C. §§ 20501-20511, Help America Vote Act, 52 USC §§ 20901-21145, and Minnesota Statutes § 609.42, by accepting funds from The Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) to aid in the administration of the 2020 federal election. Specifically, Plaintiffs argued that the aforementioned legal sources required states to implement federal elections and since Defendant was not a state, it had no legal authority to accept and use private funds for a federal election. Furthermore, Plaintiffs argued that because of CTCL’s history of donating to cities with democrat majorities, Defendant’s acceptance of these funds skewed the outcome of the election and created a public-private partnership. This case was assigned to the Honorable Michael J. Davis.

Several days later, on September 29, 2020, Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Temporary Restraining Order claiming that Defendants’ acceptance and use of the grant from CTCL would cause irreparable harm.

On October 16, 2020, the Court issued an order denying Plaintiffs’ motion on the basis that Plaintiffs lacked standing. The Court determined Plaintiffs could not show that they suffered an injury-in-fact because their claim that Defendant violated various statutes and constitutional provisions did personally or specifically harm the Plaintiffs. Further, the Court stated that the Plaintiffs did not have a private right to action under four of the five statutes and constitutional provisions they relied on. The Court then noted that Plaintiffs’ allegation that Defendant favored democrats was not persuasive because Defendant did not specifically target democrats to vote, but rather encouraged the public to vote. Plaintiffs alleged no injury to their right to vote.

On November 13, 2020, Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which generally presented the same allegations but altered the constitutional provisions they relied on. Here, Plaintiffs argued that United States Constitution’s Elections Clause, First Amendment, Ninth Amendment, and Fourteenth Amendment were violated because the Defendant’s private contract with CTCL interfered with voters’ fundamental right to vote and the United States had a compelling interest in the rights of voters and the integrity of federal elections.

Subsequently, Defendant filed a Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ Amended Complaint on November 25, 2020. Defendant argued that Plaintiffs still lacked standing, and the new claims were either moot since the election passed or not yet ripe in others. On January 4, 2021, Plaintiffs filed a Voluntary Dismissal Under Rule 41 Without Prejudice.

This case is now closed.

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Summary Authors

Deidre Fragapane (11/19/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/18479341/parties/minnesota-voters-alliance-v-city-of-minneapolis/

Judge(s)

Davis, Michael James (Minnesota)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Erickson, Gregory M (Minnesota)

Kaardal, Erick G (Minnesota)

Mohrman, William F (Minnesota)

Attorney for Defendant

Marttila, Kristen G (Minnesota)

Judge(s)

Davis, Michael James (Minnesota)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Erickson, Gregory M (Minnesota)

Kaardal, Erick G (Minnesota)

Mohrman, William F (Minnesota)

Attorney for Defendant

Marttila, Kristen G (Minnesota)

Nauen, Charles N (Minnesota)

Sautter, Gregory P (Minnesota)

Zoll, David J (Minnesota)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

	Document
1 0:20-cv-02049	Complaint Minnesota Voters Alliance, Et Al V. City of Minneapolis	Sept. 24, 2020	Sept. 24, 2020 Complaint
9 0:20-cv-02049	Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for TRO	Sept. 29, 2020	Sept. 29, 2020 Pleading / Motion / Brief
7 0:20-cv-02049	Motion for TRO	Sept. 29, 2020	Sept. 29, 2020 Pleading / Motion / Brief
25 0:20-cv-02049	Memorandum of Law and Order Minnesota Voters Alliance, Et Al V. City of Minneapolis	Oct. 16, 2020	Oct. 16, 2020 Order/Opinion 2020 WL 6119937
29 0:20-cv-02049	Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief Minnesota Voters Alliance, Et Al V. City of Minneapolis	Nov. 13, 2020	Nov. 13, 2020 Complaint
30 0:20-cv-02049	Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint Minnesota Voters Alliance, Et Al V. City of Minneapolis	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 25, 2020 Pleading / Motion / Brief
32 0:20-cv-02049	Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint Minnesota Voters Alliance, Et Al V. City of Minneapolis	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 25, 2020 Pleading / Motion / Brief
38 0:20-cv-02049	Voluntary Dismissal Under Rule 41 Without Prejudice	Jan. 4, 2021	Jan. 4, 2021 Pleading / Motion / Brief

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/18479341/minnesota-voters-alliance-v-city-of-minneapolis/

Last updated Aug. 9, 2025, 10:16 p.m.

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
1	COMPLAINT against City of Minneapolis (filing fee $ 400, receipt number AMNDC-8085001) filed by Minnesota Voters Alliance, Ronald Moey, Marissa Skaja, Charles R. Halverson, Blair L. Johnson . Filer requests summons issued. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Ex. A, # 2 Exhibit(s) Ex. B, # 3 Civil Cover Sheet) (Kaardal, Erick) Modified text on 9/24/2020 (MTP). (Entered: 09/24/2020) 1 Exhibit(s) A View on RECAP 2 Exhibit(s) B View on RECAP 3 Civil Cover Sheet View on RECAP	Sept. 24, 2020	Sept. 24, 2020 RECAP
2	TEXT ONLY ENTRY: CLERK'S NOTICE OF INITIAL CASE ASSIGNMENT. Case assigned to Judge Michael J. Davis per 3rd/4th Civil Rights list, referred to Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung. Please use case number 20-cv-02049 MJD/TNL. (MTP) (Entered: 09/24/2020)	Sept. 24, 2020	Sept. 24, 2020 PACER
3	Summons Issued as to City of Minneapolis. (MTP) (Entered: 09/24/2020)	Sept. 24, 2020	Sept. 24, 2020 RECAP
4	DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR-WILL REFILE. MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Minnesota Voters Alliance. ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE - (Attachments: ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE # 1 Errata Notice of Hearing, ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE # 2 Errata TRO Memorandum, ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE # 3 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate,ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE # 4 Errata Declaration of Erick G. Kaardal,ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE # 5 Exhibit(s) Ex A, ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE # 6 Exhibit(s) Ex B, ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE # 7 Exhibit(s) Ex C, ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE # 8 Exhibit(s) Ex D, ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE # 9 Exhibit(s) Ex E)(Kaardal, Erick) Modified text on 9/25/2020 (MMP). Modified text on 9/29/2020 (MKB). (Entered: 09/24/2020) 1 ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE Errata Notice of Hearing View on PACER 2 ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE Errata TRO Memorandum View on PACER 3 ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate View on PACER 4 ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE Errata Declaration of Erick G. Kaardal View on PACER 5 ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE Exhibit(s) Ex A View on PACER 6 ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE Exhibit(s) Ex B View on PACER 7 ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE Exhibit(s) Ex C View on PACER 8 ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE Exhibit(s) Ex D View on PACER 9 ATTACHMENTS FILED IN ERROR - WILL REFILE Exhibit(s) Ex E View on PACER	Sept. 24, 2020	Sept. 24, 2020 RECAP
5	DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR-WILL REFILE. Declaration of Erick G. Kaardal in Support of 4 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Charles R. Halverson, Blair L. Johnson, Minnesota Voters Alliance, Ronald Moey, Marissa Skaja. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Ex. A, # 2 Exhibit(s) Ex. B, # 3 Exhibit(s) Ex C, # 4 Exhibit(s) Ex D)(Kaardal, Erick) Modified text on 9/29/2020 (MKB). (Entered: 09/25/2020) 1 Exhibit(s) Ex. A View on PACER 2 Exhibit(s) Ex. B View on PACER 3 Exhibit(s) Ex C View on PACER 4 Exhibit(s) Ex D View on PACER	Sept. 25, 2020	Sept. 25, 2020 RECAP
6	NOTICE of Appearance by Gregory P Sautter on behalf of City of Minneapolis. (Sautter, Gregory) (Entered: 09/28/2020)	Sept. 28, 2020	Sept. 28, 2020 RECAP
7	MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Charles R. Halverson, Blair L. Johnson, Minnesota Voters Alliance, Ronald Moey, Marissa Skaja. (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 09/29/2020)	Sept. 29, 2020	Sept. 29, 2020 RECAP
8	NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 7 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested : Date and time to be determined. (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 09/29/2020)	Sept. 29, 2020	Sept. 29, 2020 RECAP
9	MEMORANDUM in Support re 7 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Charles R. Halverson, Blair L. Johnson, Minnesota Voters Alliance, Ronald Moey, Marissa Skaja. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 09/29/2020) 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate View on PACER	Sept. 29, 2020	Sept. 29, 2020 RECAP
10	Declaration of Erick G. Kaardal in Support of 7 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Charles R. Halverson, Blair L. Johnson, Minnesota Voters Alliance, Ronald Moey, Marissa Skaja. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A-D)(Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 09/29/2020) 1 Exhibit(s) A-D View on PACER	Sept. 29, 2020	Sept. 29, 2020 RECAP
11	PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re Motion for Temporary Restraining Order 7 Motion for TRO. (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 09/29/2020)	Sept. 29, 2020	Sept. 29, 2020 RECAP
12	NOTICE of Appearance by Charles N Nauen on behalf of City of Minneapolis. (Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 10/01/2020)	Oct. 1, 2020	Oct. 1, 2020 RECAP
13	NOTICE of Appearance by David J Zoll on behalf of City of Minneapolis. (Zoll, David) (Entered: 10/01/2020)	Oct. 1, 2020	Oct. 1, 2020 RECAP
14	NOTICE of Appearance by Kristen G Marttila on behalf of City of Minneapolis. (Marttila, Kristen) (Entered: 10/01/2020)	Oct. 1, 2020	Oct. 1, 2020 RECAP
15	AMENDED NOTICE of Hearing on Motion: 7 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested : Motion Hearing set for 10/15/2020 at 01:00 PM in Video Conference (no courtroom) before Judge Michael J. Davis. (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 10/06/2020)	Oct. 6, 2020	Oct. 6, 2020 RECAP
16	NOTICE: Remote Public Access to 15 Motion Hearing on 10/15/2020 at 1:00 PM. To obtain the dial-in instructions, contact Gerri Rishel at 612-664-5070. (GRR) (Entered: 10/07/2020)	Oct. 7, 2020	Oct. 7, 2020 PACER
17	MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 7 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by City of Minneapolis. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 10/09/2020) 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate View on PACER	Oct. 9, 2020	Oct. 9, 2020 RECAP
18	DECLARATION of Kristen G. Marttila in Opposition to 7 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by City of Minneapolis. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A, # 2 Exhibit(s) B, # 3 Exhibit(s) C, # 4 Exhibit(s) D, # 5 Exhibit(s) E, # 6 Exhibit(s) F, # 7 Exhibit(s) G, # 8 Exhibit(s) H, # 9 Exhibit(s) I, # 10 Exhibit(s) J)(Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 10/09/2020) 1 Exhibit(s) A View on PACER 2 Exhibit(s) B View on PACER 3 Exhibit(s) C View on PACER 4 Exhibit(s) D View on PACER 5 Exhibit(s) E View on PACER 6 Exhibit(s) F View on PACER 7 Exhibit(s) G View on PACER 8 Exhibit(s) H View on PACER 9 Exhibit(s) I View on PACER 10 Exhibit(s) J View on PACER	Oct. 9, 2020	Oct. 9, 2020 RECAP
19	DECLARATION of Grace Wachlarowicz in Opposition to 7 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by City of Minneapolis. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) 1, # 2 Exhibit(s) 2, # 3 Exhibit(s) 3, # 4 Exhibit(s) 4, # 5 Exhibit(s) 5, # 6 Exhibit(s) 6)(Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 10/09/2020) 1 Exhibit(s) 1 View on PACER 2 Exhibit(s) 2 View on PACER 3 Exhibit(s) 3 View on PACER 4 Exhibit(s) 4 View on PACER 5 Exhibit(s) 5 View on PACER 6 Exhibit(s) 6 View on PACER	Oct. 9, 2020	Oct. 9, 2020 RECAP
20	Reply to Response to Motion re 7 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Charles R. Halverson, Blair L. Johnson, Minnesota Voters Alliance, Ronald Moey, Marissa Skaja. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 10/12/2020) 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate View on PACER	Oct. 12, 2020	Oct. 12, 2020 RECAP
21	Declaration of Erick G. Kaardal in Support of 7 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Charles R. Halverson, Blair L. Johnson, Minnesota Voters Alliance, Ronald Moey, Marissa Skaja. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A, # 2 Exhibit(s) B (part 1), # 3 Exhibit(s) B (part 2), # 4 Exhibit(s) C)(Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 10/12/2020) 1 Exhibit(s) A View on PACER 2 Exhibit(s) B (part 1) View on PACER 3 Exhibit(s) B (part 2) View on PACER 4 Exhibit(s) C View on PACER	Oct. 12, 2020	Oct. 12, 2020 RECAP
22	(Text-Only) AMENDED NOTICE of Hearing on Motion: Motion Hearing set for 10/15/2020 at 01:00 PM via Video Conference (no courtroom) before Judge Michael J. Davis is CANCELLED. The Motion for Temporary Restraining Order will be ruled on the papers. (GRR) (Entered: 10/12/2020)	Oct. 12, 2020	Oct. 12, 2020 PACER
23	LETTER TO DISTRICT JUDGE by City of Minneapolis . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A - Supplemental Authority)(Marttila, Kristen) (Entered: 10/12/2020) 1 Exhibit(s) A - Supplemental Authority View on PACER	Oct. 12, 2020	Oct. 12, 2020 RECAP
24	LETTER TO DISTRICT JUDGE by City of Minneapolis . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A - Supplemental Authority)(Marttila, Kristen) (Entered: 10/14/2020) 1 Exhibit(s) A - Supplemental Authority View on PACER	Oct. 14, 2020	Oct. 14, 2020 RECAP
25	MEMORANDUM OF LAW &ORDER. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED: Plaintiffs' Motion for Temporary Restraining Order 7 is DENIED. (Written Opinion) Signed by Judge Michael J. Davis on 10/16/2020. (GRR)	Oct. 16, 2020	Oct. 16, 2020 RECAP
26	STIPULATION for Extension of Time to Answer Plaintiffs' Complaint by City of Minneapolis. Jointly Signed by Minnesota Voters Alliance, Ronald Moey, Marissa Skaja, Charles R. Halverson, and Blair L. Johnson. (Marttila, Kristen) (Entered: 10/26/2020)	Oct. 26, 2020	Oct. 26, 2020 RECAP
27	PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 26 Stipulation. (Marttila, Kristen) (Entered: 10/26/2020)	Oct. 26, 2020	Oct. 26, 2020 RECAP
28	ORDER on 26 Stipulation. City of Minneapolis answer due 11/17/2020. Signed by Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung on 10/27/2020. (HAM) (Entered: 10/27/2020)	Oct. 27, 2020	Oct. 27, 2020 RECAP
29	AMENDED COMPLAINT for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief - Jury Trial Demanded against City of Minneapolis. filed by Minnesota Voters Alliance, Charles R. Halverson, Marissa Skaja, Ronald Moey, Blair L. Johnson. No summons requested. (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 11/13/2020)	Nov. 13, 2020	Nov. 13, 2020 RECAP
30	MOTION to Dismiss/General Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint filed by City of Minneapolis. (Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 11/25/2020)	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 25, 2020 RECAP
31	NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 30 MOTION to Dismiss/General Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint : Date and time to be determined. (Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 11/25/2020)	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 25, 2020 RECAP
32	MEMORANDUM in Support re 30 MOTION to Dismiss/General Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint filed by City of Minneapolis. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 11/25/2020) 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate View on PACER	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 25, 2020 RECAP
33	AFFIDAVIT of Kristen G. Marttila in SUPPORT OF 30 MOTION to Dismiss/General Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint filed by City of Minneapolis. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A, # 2 Exhibit(s) B, # 3 Exhibit(s) C)(Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 11/25/2020) 1 Exhibit(s) A View on PACER 2 Exhibit(s) B View on PACER 3 Exhibit(s) C View on PACER	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 25, 2020 RECAP
34	MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 30 Motion to Dismiss/General filed by City of Minneapolis.(Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 11/25/2020)	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 25, 2020 RECAP
35	PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 30 MOTION to Dismiss/General Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint filed by City of Minneapolis.(Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 11/25/2020)	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 25, 2020 RECAP
36	ORDER FOR PARTY TO FILE DOCUMENT/RESPOND TO COURT re 30 MOTION to Dismiss/General Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint. Within 30 days of the motion being decided, Plaintiff shall contact the chambers of Magistrate Judge Tony Leung, by letter or e-mail, for the purpose of scheduling the pretrial conference. Signed by Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung on 11/25/2020. (HAM) (Entered: 11/25/2020)	Nov. 25, 2020	Nov. 25, 2020 RECAP
37	(Text-Only) NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 30 MOTION to Dismiss/General Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint : The Court will rule on the paper submissions. No oral argument will be scheduled. (GRR) (Entered: 12/18/2020)	Dec. 18, 2020	Dec. 18, 2020 PACER
38	NOTICE of Voluntary Dismissal by All Plaintiffs (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 01/04/2021)	Jan. 4, 2021	Jan. 4, 2021 RECAP