Case: Public Interest Legal Foundation v. Benson

1:21-cv-00929 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Filed Date: Nov. 3, 2021

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case is about the Public Interest Legal Foundation (the “Foundation”) expending its resources to “clean-up” the list of voting registrants in Michigan by requesting an injunction to have Michigan’s Secretary of State (the “Secretary”) implement a plan to investigate and remove deceased registrants from Michigan’s voting list.  On November 3, 2021, the Foundation brought this action against the Secretary in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan under the National Vote…

This case is about the Public Interest Legal Foundation (the “Foundation”) expending its resources to “clean-up” the list of voting registrants in Michigan by requesting an injunction to have Michigan’s Secretary of State (the “Secretary”) implement a plan to investigate and remove deceased registrants from Michigan’s voting list. 

On November 3, 2021, the Foundation brought this action against the Secretary in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan under the National Voter Registration Act (“NVRA”), 52 U.S.C. § 20510(b)(2). This case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker. The plaintiff urged the court to find that the Secretary violated Section 8 of the NVRA. The plaintiff also sought an injunction requiring the defendant to; (1) investigate voters registered in Michigan; (2) inspect the accuracy of Michigan’s official lists of eligible voters; (3) implement a registrant maintenance program; and (4) cross reference the names of new registrants with the Social Security Death Index to ensure all registrants are valid.

Section 8 of the NVRA required Michigan to have a program that reasonably “remove[d] the names of ineligible voters from the official lists of eligible voters,” including ineligibility by way of death. The defendant served as Michigan’s Chief Election Official and was therefore responsible for ensuring that Michigan complied with the NVRA. The Help America Vote Act of 2002, created to reform the United States voting practices, further mandated this requirement. The plaintiff argued that Michigan’s current voter registrant maintenance program was unreasonable because it inadequately identified thousands of deceased registrants. Many of the registrants that the program labeled as valid had in fact been deceased for years. The Foundation had a data analytics expert identify active status registrants who were deceased in a sample study and identified around 34,000 potentially deceased individuals still registered to vote. 

On December 13, 2021, defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss for lack of standing and for failure to state a claim under Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Defendant claimed that the requirement under the NVRA was solely to implement a program to remove deceased voters from Michigan’s voter rolls and that the program was in fact implemented and thus met the statutory requirements. The court denied the Motion on August 25, 2022.

Following several months of discovery, both parties moved for Summary Judgment on October 2, 2023. On March 1, 2024, after even further discovery, District Judge Jane M. Beckering granted defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment. 

On March 26, 2024, the plaintiff filed a Notice of Appeal regarding the Court granting defendant’s motion for protective order. This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

David Gueye (7/19/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60698074/parties/public-interest-legal-foundation-v-benson/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Adams, Christian (Michigan)

Adams, John Christian (Michigan)

Davis, Charlotte (Michigan)

Attorney for Defendant

Baron, Noah (Michigan)

Grill, Erik Alexander (Michigan)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:21-cv-00929

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Public Interest Legal Foundation V. Benson

Nov. 3, 2021

Nov. 3, 2021

Complaint
10

1:21-cv-00929

Defendant Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's Brief in Support of her Partial Motion to Dismiss

Dec. 13, 2021

Dec. 13, 2021

Pleading / Motion / Brief
14

1:21-cv-00929

Defendant Jocelyn Benson's Answer to Complain for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Dec. 13, 2021

Dec. 13, 2021

Pleading / Motion / Brief
11

1:21-cv-00929

Defendant Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's Brief in Support of her Partial Motion to Dismiss

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2021

Pleading / Motion / Brief
16

1:21-cv-00929

Plaintiff's Response in Opposition to Defendant's Partial Motion to Dismiss

Jan. 18, 2022

Jan. 18, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
18

1:21-cv-00929

Proposed Intervenor-Defendant's Motion to Intervene

Jan. 25, 2022

Jan. 25, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
20

1:21-cv-00929

Intervenor-Defendants' Proposed Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Jan. 25, 2022

Jan. 25, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
24

1:21-cv-00929

Defendant's Reply Brief in Support of Partial Motion to Dismiss

Feb. 1, 2022

Feb. 1, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
26

1:21-cv-00929

Defendant's Corrected Reply Brief in Support of Partial Motion to Dismiss

Feb. 2, 2022

Feb. 2, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
27

1:21-cv-00929

Defendant's Response in Opposition to Motion to Intervene

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60698074/public-interest-legal-foundation-v-benson/

Last updated Oct. 30, 2025, 10:34 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Jocelyn Benson filed by Public Interest Legal Foundation (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit 8, # 9 Exhibit 9, # 10 Exhibit 10, # 11 Exhibit 11, # 12 Exhibit 12, # 13 Exhibit 13, # 14 Exhibit 14) (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 11/03/2021)

1 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

2 Exhibit 2

View on PACER

3 Exhibit 3

View on PACER

4 Exhibit 4

View on PACER

5 Exhibit 5

View on PACER

6 Exhibit 6

View on PACER

7 Exhibit 7

View on PACER

8 Exhibit 8

View on PACER

9 Exhibit 9

View on PACER

10 Exhibit 10

View on PACER

11 Exhibit 11

View on PACER

12 Exhibit 12

View on PACER

13 Exhibit 13

View on PACER

14 Exhibit 14

View on PACER

Nov. 3, 2021

Nov. 3, 2021

Clearinghouse
2

PROPOSED SUMMONS to be issued re 1 (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 11/03/2021)

Nov. 3, 2021

Nov. 3, 2021

3

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 11/03/2021)

Nov. 3, 2021

Nov. 3, 2021

Filing Fee (Civil Case) - Credit Card Payment

Nov. 3, 2021

Nov. 3, 2021

FILING FEE PAID re 1 by plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation in the amount of $402, receipt number AMIWDC-6587015 (Phillips, Kaylan)

Nov. 3, 2021

Nov. 3, 2021

4

NOTICE that this case has been assigned Robert J. Jonker (mg) (Entered: 11/08/2021)

Nov. 8, 2021

Nov. 8, 2021

5

SUMMONS ISSUED as to defendant Jocelyn Benson (mg) (Entered: 11/08/2021)

Nov. 8, 2021

Nov. 8, 2021

6

SUMMONS returned executed; Jocelyn Benson served on 11/8/2021, answer due 11/29/2021 (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 11/09/2021)

Nov. 9, 2021

Nov. 9, 2021

RECAP
7

PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER Extending Dates by defendant Jocelyn Benson [Attorney Heather S. Meingast added to party Jocelyn Benson(pty:dft)] (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 11/29/2021)

Nov. 29, 2021

Nov. 29, 2021

8

ORDER granting STIPULATION 7 extending dates ; signed by Chief Judge Robert J. Jonker (Chief Judge Robert J. Jonker, ymc) (Entered: 11/30/2021)

Nov. 30, 2021

Nov. 30, 2021

9

ORDER setting Rule 16 scheduling conference: Rule 16 scheduling conference is set for 2/24/2022 at 03:00 PM at 699 Federal Building, Grand Rapids, MI before Chief Judge Robert J. Jonker; status report due by 2/17/2022 ; signed by Chief Judge Robert J. Jonker (Chief Judge Robert J. Jonker, ymc) (Entered: 11/30/2021)

Nov. 30, 2021

Nov. 30, 2021

Order on Stipulation and Proposed Order

Nov. 30, 2021

Nov. 30, 2021

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Charlotte Davis on behalf of plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation as additional counsel (Davis, Charlotte)

Dec. 3, 2021

Dec. 3, 2021

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Noel H. Johnson on behalf of plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation as additional counsel (Johnson, Noel)

Dec. 7, 2021

Dec. 7, 2021

10

MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction, MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim by defendant Jocelyn Benson; (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 12/13/2021)

Dec. 13, 2021

Dec. 13, 2021

Clearinghouse
11

BRIEF in support of MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim 10 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Attachments: # 1 Index Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit A. Email, # 3 Exhibit B. Email, # 4 Exhibit C. Spreadsheet Screenshot) (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 12/13/2021)

Dec. 13, 2021

Dec. 13, 2021

Clearinghouse
12

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim 10 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 12/13/2021)

Dec. 13, 2021

Dec. 13, 2021

13

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Brief in Support of a Motion, 11 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 12/13/2021)

Dec. 13, 2021

Dec. 13, 2021

14

ANSWER to complaint, 1 with affirmative defenses by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 12/13/2021)

Dec. 13, 2021

Dec. 13, 2021

Clearinghouse
15

NOTICE that this case is reassigned to District Judge Jane M. Beckering under Administrative Order No. 22-CA-01 ; Chief Judge Robert J. Jonker is no longer assigned to the case (mlc) (Entered: 01/05/2022)

Jan. 5, 2022

Jan. 5, 2022

16

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim 10 filed by Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 01/18/2022)

Jan. 18, 2022

Jan. 18, 2022

Clearinghouse
17

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Response in Opposition 16 filed by Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 01/18/2022)

Jan. 18, 2022

Jan. 18, 2022

18

MOTION to intervene and Brief in Support of Motion to Intervene intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. by intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc.; (Nkwonta, Uzoma) (Entered: 01/25/2022)

Jan. 25, 2022

Jan. 25, 2022

Clearinghouse
19

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to intervene and Brief in Support of Motion to Intervene intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. 18 filed by APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. (Nkwonta, Uzoma) (Entered: 01/25/2022)

Jan. 25, 2022

Jan. 25, 2022

20

Proposed Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief EXHIBIT re 18 by intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. (Nkwonta, Uzoma) (Entered: 01/25/2022)

Jan. 25, 2022

Jan. 25, 2022

Clearinghouse
21

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by APRI (Nkwonta, Uzoma) (Entered: 01/25/2022)

Jan. 25, 2022

Jan. 25, 2022

22

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans (Nkwonta, Uzoma) (Entered: 01/25/2022)

Jan. 25, 2022

Jan. 25, 2022

23

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Rise, Inc. (Nkwonta, Uzoma) (Entered: 01/25/2022)

Jan. 25, 2022

Jan. 25, 2022

24

REPLY to response to motion 10 to Dismiss filed by Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 02/01/2022)

Feb. 1, 2022

Feb. 1, 2022

Clearinghouse
25

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Reply to Response to Motion 24 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 02/01/2022)

Feb. 1, 2022

Feb. 1, 2022

26

REPLY to response to motion 10 to Dismiss filed by Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 02/02/2022)

Feb. 2, 2022

Feb. 2, 2022

Clearinghouse
27

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to intervene and Brief in Support of Motion to Intervene intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. 18 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 02/08/2022)

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

Clearinghouse
28

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to intervene and Brief in Support of Motion to Intervene intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. 18 filed by Public Interest Legal Foundation (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Judicial Watch v. Logan) (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 02/08/2022)

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

Clearinghouse
29

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Response in Opposition, 28 filed by Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 02/08/2022)

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

30

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Response in Opposition 27 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 02/08/2022)

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Noah Baron on behalf of intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. (Baron, Noah)

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Joel J. Ramirez on behalf of intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. (Ramirez, Joel)

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Joshua L. Harris on behalf of intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. (Harris, Joshua)

Feb. 10, 2022

Feb. 10, 2022

31

MOTION for leave to file Reply Brief in Support of Proposed Intervenor-Defendants' Motion to Intervene with Brief in Support and certificate of compliance by intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc.; (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1-Proposed Document, # 2 Exhibit 2- Proposed Exhibit 1 (Nkwonta, Uzoma) Modified text on 2/16/2022 (pjw). (Entered: 02/15/2022)

Feb. 15, 2022

Feb. 15, 2022

Clearinghouse
32

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION for leave to file Reply Brief in Support of Proposed Intervenor-Defendants' Motion to Intervene 31 filed by APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. (Nkwonta, Uzoma) (Entered: 02/16/2022)

Feb. 16, 2022

Feb. 16, 2022

33

JOINT STATUS REPORT submitted for filing by plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 02/16/2022)

Feb. 16, 2022

Feb. 16, 2022

34

NOTICE cancelling 2/24/2022 Rule 16 scheduling conference (rmw) (Entered: 02/16/2022)

Feb. 16, 2022

Feb. 16, 2022

35

OPINION AND ORDER denying motion to dismiss 10 ; granting motion for leave to file 31 ; the reply brief (ECF No. 31-1) is accepted for docketing; denying motion to intervene 18 signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (lep) (Entered: 08/25/2022)

Aug. 25, 2022

Aug. 25, 2022

Clearinghouse
36

REPLY to response to motion 18 (filed per 35 ) (Uzoma Nkem Nkwonta) filed by APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1) (mg) (Entered: 08/26/2022)

Aug. 25, 2022

Aug. 25, 2022

Clearinghouse
37

MOTION to withdraw as attorney by intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc.; (Harris, Joshua) (Entered: 09/01/2022)

Sept. 1, 2022

Sept. 1, 2022

38

PROPOSED ORDER regarding Motion to Withdraw Appearance of Counsel by intervenor-defendants APRI, Michigan Alliance of Retired Americans, Rise, Inc. (Harris, Joshua) (Entered: 09/01/2022)

Sept. 1, 2022

Sept. 1, 2022

39

ORDER setting Rule 16 scheduling conference: Rule 16 scheduling conference is set for 10/13/2022 at 11:00 AM by telephone before District Judge Jane M. Beckering; joint status report due by 10/6/2022; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw) (Entered: 10/03/2022)

Oct. 3, 2022

Oct. 3, 2022

40

JOINT STATUS REPORT (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 10/05/2022)

Oct. 5, 2022

Oct. 5, 2022

41

(RESTRICTED ACCESS) DOCUMENT (instructions for 10/13/2022 telephonic scheduling conference) [Access to this document is available to the Court and attorney(s) for Jocelyn Benson, Public Interest Legal Foundation only] (rmw) (Entered: 10/06/2022)

Oct. 6, 2022

Oct. 6, 2022

42

MINUTES of scheduling conference by telephone held before District Judge Jane M. Beckering (Court Reporter: not recorded) (rmw) (Entered: 10/13/2022)

Oct. 13, 2022

Oct. 13, 2022

43

CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw) (Entered: 10/13/2022)

Oct. 13, 2022

Oct. 13, 2022

44

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendant Jocelyn Benson for Response to Requests for Admissions (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 10/19/2022)

Oct. 19, 2022

Oct. 19, 2022

45

SELECTION of Mona Majzoub as facilitative mediator by plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 11/23/2022)

Nov. 23, 2022

Nov. 23, 2022

46

NOTICE of appointment of Facilitative Mediator Mona K. Majzoub; plaintiff VFM fee to be submitted by 12/7/2022 defendant VFM fee to be submitted by 12/7/2022 (kmd) (Entered: 11/30/2022)

Nov. 30, 2022

Nov. 30, 2022

VFM FEE RECEIVED in the amount of $25.00, check number 510161767 as to defendant Jocelyn Benson (jmw)

Dec. 5, 2022

Dec. 5, 2022

VFM FEE RECEIVED in the amount of $25.00, check number 1104 as to plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation (jmw)

Dec. 5, 2022

Dec. 5, 2022

47

PROOF OF SERVICE by plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation for responses to requests for admissions (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 12/08/2022)

Dec. 8, 2022

Dec. 8, 2022

48

PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER extending deadlines in Case Management Order by plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 01/13/2023)

Jan. 13, 2023

Jan. 13, 2023

49

CHANGE OF ADDRESS by Kaylan Phillips counsel for plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 01/13/2023)

Jan. 13, 2023

Jan. 13, 2023

50

ORDER granting STIPULATION 48 ; extending certain deadlines; additional requests to extend will not be favored; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw) (Entered: 01/17/2023)

Jan. 17, 2023

Jan. 17, 2023

51

PROOF OF SERVICE by plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation for responses to requests for admissions (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 01/17/2023)

Jan. 17, 2023

Jan. 17, 2023

52

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendant Jocelyn Benson for Responses to Second Requests for Admissions (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 02/08/2023)

Feb. 8, 2023

Feb. 8, 2023

53

PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER Extending Time for Defendant's Expert Disclosures by defendant Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 03/01/2023)

March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023

54

ORDER granting STIPULATION to extend Defendant's expert witness disclosure deadline 53 ; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw) (Entered: 03/02/2023)

March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023

55

MOTION to compel by defendant Jocelyn Benson; (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 03/13/2023)

March 13, 2023

March 13, 2023

56

BRIEF in support of MOTION to compel 55 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Attachments: # 1 Index Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit A. Defendant's First Interrogatories, Requests to Production Documents and Request for Admissions to Plaintiff, # 3 Exhibit B. Plaintiff's response, # 4 Exhibit C. Defendant's Second Request for Admissions to Plaintiff, # 5 Exhibit D. Plaintiff's Answers to Defendant's First Interrogatories, # 6 Exhibit E. Plaintiff's Answers to Defendant's First Requests to Produce Documents,(Please see 59 for corrected exhibit # 7 Exhibit F. Plaintiff's Answers to Defendant's Second Request for Admissions, # 8 Exhibit G. Email from Defendant's Attorney to Plaintiff's Attorney, # 9 Exhibit H. Correspondence from Plaintiff's Attorney to Defendant's Attorney, # 10 Exhibit I. Correspondence from Plaintiff's Attorney to Defendant's Attorney) (Grill, Erik) Modified text on 3/14/2023 (slk). (Entered: 03/13/2023)

March 13, 2023

March 13, 2023

57

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to compel 55 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 03/13/2023)

March 13, 2023

March 13, 2023

58

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Brief in Support of a Motion, 56 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik) Modified text on 3/14/2023 (slk). (Entered: 03/13/2023)

March 13, 2023

March 13, 2023

59

CORRECTED EXHIBIT E to Defendant's Motion to Compel (ECF No. 56-6) by defendant Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik) Modified text on 3/14/2023 (slk). (Entered: 03/14/2023)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

60

NOTICE OF MOTION HEARING regarding Defendant's Motion to Compel 55 : motion hearing is set for 4/12/2023 at 02:00 PM by video before Magistrate Judge Sally J. Berens (jal) (Entered: 03/14/2023)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

61

(RESTRICTED ACCESS) DOCUMENT Videoconference information for 4/12/2023 motion hearing [Access to this document is available to the Court and attorney(s) for Jocelyn Benson, Public Interest Legal Foundation only] (jal) (Entered: 03/14/2023)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

62

MOTION for protective order by defendant Jocelyn Benson; (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 03/14/2023)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

63

BRIEF in support of MOTION for protective order 62 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Attachments: # 1 Index Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit A. Notice of Deposition of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, # 3 Exhibit B. Email chain between attorneys, # 4 Exhibit C. Email chain between attorneys) (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 03/14/2023)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

64

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION for protective order 62 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 03/14/2023)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

65

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Brief in Support of a Motion, 63 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 03/14/2023)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

66

NOTICE OF MOTION HEARING regarding Defendant's Motion for Protective Order 62 : motion hearing is set for 4/12/2023 at 02:00 PM by video before Magistrate Judge Sally J. Berens; previously filed videoconference information 61 to remain the same (jln) (Entered: 03/14/2023)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

Order Referring Motion to Magistrate Judge (Non-Document)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ORDER REFERRING MOTION to compel 55 to Magistrate Judge Sally J. Berens under 28 U.S.C. 636(b)(1)(A); signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ORDER REFERRING MOTION for protective order 62 to Magistrate Judge Sally J. Berens under 28 U.S.C. 636(b)(1)(A); signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw)

March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

67

PROOF OF SERVICE by plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation for Subpoena to Electronic Registration Information Center (Johnson, Noel) (Entered: 03/15/2023)

March 15, 2023

March 15, 2023

68

PROOF OF SERVICE by defendant Jocelyn Benson for Defendant's Expert Disclosures (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 03/15/2023)

March 15, 2023

March 15, 2023

69

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to compel 55 filed by Public Interest Legal Foundation (Attachments: # 1 Index Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit A Email Chain, # 3 Exhibit B Declaration) (Phillips, Kaylan) Modified text on 3/28/2023 (mg). (Entered: 03/27/2023)

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

70

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Response in Opposition 69 filed by Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

71

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for protective order 62 filed by Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 03/28/2023)

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

72

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Response in Opposition 71 filed by Public Interest Legal Foundation (Phillips, Kaylan) (Entered: 03/28/2023)

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Joseph M. Nixon on behalf of plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation (Nixon, Joseph)

April 10, 2023

April 10, 2023

73

MINUTES of motion hearing re Defendant's Motion to Compel 55 and Defendant's Motion for Protective Order 62 held before Magistrate Judge Sally J. Berens; order to issue (Proceedings Digitally Recorded) (jln) (Entered: 04/12/2023)

April 12, 2023

April 12, 2023

74

ORDER granting in part, denying in part, and denying in part as moot Defendant's Motion to Compel 55 ; granting without prejudice Defendant's Motion for Protective Order 62 ; signed by Magistrate Judge Sally J. Berens (jln) (Entered: 04/12/2023)

April 12, 2023

April 12, 2023

Clearinghouse
75

TRANSCRIPT of Motion to Compel and for Protective Order held 04/12/2023 before Magistrate Judge Sally J. Berens; NOTE: this transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the release of transcript restriction date; after that date it may be obtained through PACER; under the Policy Regarding Transcripts the parties have 14 days within which to file a Notice of Intent to redact, and 21 days within which to file a Redaction Request; if no Transcript Redaction Request is filed, the court will assume redaction of personal identifiers is not necessary and this transcript will be made available via PACER after the release of transcript restriction set for 7/13/2023 ; redaction request due 5/5/2023 (Court Reporter-Transcriptionist: Dexter, Melinda 517-604-1732) (Entered: 04/14/2023)

April 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

76

PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER Protective Order by defendant Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 05/03/2023)

May 3, 2023

May 3, 2023

77

STIPULATED PROTECTIVE ORDER granting proposed stipulated order 76 ; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw) (Entered: 05/03/2023)

May 3, 2023

May 3, 2023

78

PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER Extending Time for Expert Reports by Two Days by defendant Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 05/08/2023)

May 8, 2023

May 8, 2023

79

ORDER granting proposed stipulated order 78 ; extending deadlines for expert reports; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw) (Entered: 05/08/2023)

May 8, 2023

May 8, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Christian Adams on behalf of plaintiff Public Interest Legal Foundation (Adams, Christian)

May 15, 2023

May 15, 2023

80

MOTION to Quash Subpoena and for Protective Order and to Transfer this Motion to United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan - filed by Electronic Registration Information Center, Inc. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service) (Miscellaneous Filing Fee $49 paid. Receipt number ADEDC-4116459) (jfm) Modified on 4/26/2023 (nms). [Transferred from Delaware on 5/18/2023.] (Entered: 04/19/2023); modified text for transfer from case 1:23-mc-60. (ns) (Entered: 05/22/2023)

May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

81

OPENING BRIEF in Support 80 MOTION to Quash Subpoena and for Protective Order and to Transfer this Motion to United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, filed by Electronic Registration Information Center, Inc. Answering Brief/Response due date per Local Rules is 5/3/2023. (jfm) Modified on 4/26/2023 (nms). [Transferred from Delaware on 5/18/2023.] (Entered: 04/19/2023); modified text for transfer from case 1:23-mc-60. (ns) (Entered: 05/22/2023)

May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

82

DECLARATION of Shane Hamlin re 80 MOTION to Quash Subpoena and for Protective Order and to Transfer this Motion to United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, by Electronic Registration Information Center, Inc. (jfm) (Main Document 3 replaced on 4/19/2023) (jfm). (Additional attachment: # 1 added on 4/19/2023: # 1 Exhibits A-J) (jfm). Modified on 4/26/2023 (nms). [Transferred from Delaware on 5/18/2023.] (Entered: 04/19/2023) Modified text on 5/22/2023 for transfer from case 1:23-mc-60 (ns). Modified on 5/22/2023 (ns). (Entered: 05/22/2023)

May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

83

DECLARATION of Robert A. Wiygul re 80 MOTION to Quash Subpoena and for Protective Order and to Transfer this Motion to United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, by Electronic Registration Information Center, Inc. (jfm) (Main Document 4 replaced on 4/19/2023) (jfm). [Transferred from Delaware on 5/18/2023.] (Entered: 04/19/2023) (Attachment(s): # 1 Exhibits 1-13 # 2 Exhibits 14-30) Modified entry on 5/23/2023 to divide exhibits in two separate attachments due to document's size (ns). (Entered: 05/22/2023)

May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

84

Disclosure Statement pursuant to Rule 7.1: No Parents or Affiliates Listed filed by Electronic Registration Information Center, Inc. (jfm) [Transferred from Delaware on 5/18/2023.] (Entered: 04/19/2023) Modified text on 5/22/2023 for transfer from case 1:23-mc-60 (ns). (Entered: 05/22/2023)

May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

85

PROPOSED Order 80 MOTION to Quash Subpoena and for Protective Order and to Transfer this Motion to United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, by Electronic Registration Information Center, Inc. (Attachments: # 1 Alternative Proposed Order)(McCullough, Bruce) Modified on 4/26/2023 (nms). [Transferred from Delaware on 5/18/2023.] (Entered: 04/19/2023) Modified text on 5/22/2023 for transfer from case 1:23-mc-60 (ns). (Entered: 05/22/2023)

May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

Case Details

State / Territory:

Michigan

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 3, 2021

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The Public Interest Legal Foundation on behalf of voters in the state of Michigan.

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

Secretary of State, State

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)

Other Dockets:

Western District of Michigan 1:21-cv-00929

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Voting:

Election administration

Voter ID

Voter qualifications

Voter registration rules

Voting: General & Misc.