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.

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

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 0:20-cv-02049	Complaint Minnesota Voters Alliance, Et Al V. City of Minneapolis	Sept. 24, 2020	Sept. 24, 2020 Complaint
7 0:20-cv-02049	Motion for TRO	Sept. 29, 2020	Sept. 29, 2020 Pleading / Motion / Brief
9 0:20-cv-02049	Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' 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. 31, 2026, 4:42 a.m.

Docket for: Minnesota Voters Alliance v. City of Minneapolis

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	Sept. 24, 2020	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	RECAP
2	Sept. 24, 2020	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)	RECAP
3	Sept. 24, 2020	Summons Issued as to City of Minneapolis. (MTP) (Entered: 09/24/2020)	RECAP
4	Sept. 24, 2020	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	RECAP
5	Sept. 25, 2020	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	RECAP
6	Sept. 28, 2020	NOTICE of Appearance by Gregory P Sautter on behalf of City of Minneapolis. (Sautter, Gregory) (Entered: 09/28/2020)	RECAP
7	Sept. 29, 2020	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)	RECAP
8	Sept. 29, 2020	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)	RECAP
9	Sept. 29, 2020	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	RECAP
10	Sept. 29, 2020	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	RECAP
11	Sept. 29, 2020	PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re Motion for Temporary Restraining Order 7 Motion for TRO. (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 09/29/2020)	RECAP
12	Oct. 1, 2020	NOTICE of Appearance by Charles N Nauen on behalf of City of Minneapolis. (Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 10/01/2020)	RECAP
13	Oct. 1, 2020	NOTICE of Appearance by David J Zoll on behalf of City of Minneapolis. (Zoll, David) (Entered: 10/01/2020)	RECAP
14	Oct. 1, 2020	NOTICE of Appearance by Kristen G Marttila on behalf of City of Minneapolis. (Marttila, Kristen) (Entered: 10/01/2020)	RECAP
15	Oct. 6, 2020	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)	RECAP
16	Oct. 7, 2020	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)	RECAP
17	Oct. 9, 2020	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	RECAP
18	Oct. 9, 2020	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	RECAP
19	Oct. 9, 2020	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	RECAP
20	Oct. 12, 2020	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	RECAP
21	Oct. 12, 2020	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	RECAP
22	Oct. 12, 2020	(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)	RECAP
23	Oct. 12, 2020	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	RECAP
24	Oct. 14, 2020	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	RECAP
25	Oct. 16, 2020	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)	RECAP
26	Oct. 26, 2020	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)	RECAP
27	Oct. 26, 2020	PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 26 Stipulation. (Marttila, Kristen) (Entered: 10/26/2020)	RECAP
28	Oct. 27, 2020	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)	RECAP
29	Nov. 13, 2020	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)	RECAP
30	Nov. 25, 2020	MOTION to Dismiss/General Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint filed by City of Minneapolis. (Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 11/25/2020)	RECAP
31	Nov. 25, 2020	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)	RECAP
32	Nov. 25, 2020	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	RECAP
33	Nov. 25, 2020	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	RECAP
34	Nov. 25, 2020	MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 30 Motion to Dismiss/General filed by City of Minneapolis.(Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 11/25/2020)	RECAP
35	Nov. 25, 2020	PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 30 MOTION to Dismiss/General Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint filed by City of Minneapolis.(Nauen, Charles) (Entered: 11/25/2020)	RECAP
36	Nov. 25, 2020	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)	RECAP
37	Dec. 18, 2020	(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)	RECAP
38	Jan. 4, 2021	NOTICE of Voluntary Dismissal by All Plaintiffs (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 01/04/2021)	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Minnesota

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 24, 2020

Closing Date: Jan. 5, 2021

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Minnesota Voters Alliance and several of its members

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

City

City of Minneapolis

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Help America Vote Act (HAVA), 52 U.S.C. § 20901 et seq (previously 42 U.S.C. § 15301 et seq)

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

State law

Other Dockets:

District of Minnesota 0:20-cv-02049

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Granted:

None

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Voluntary Dismissal

Issues

Voting:

Election administration

Voting: General & Misc.

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Minnesota Voters Alliance v. City of Minneapolis, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/44495/ (last updated 11/19/2023).