Case: Pierce v. Collins

1:18-cv-10843 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: April 27, 2018

Closed Date: June 28, 2018

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Case Summary

This is a case by a pro se litigant alleging violations of election law in Massachusetts.  On April 27, 2018, an individual residing in Massachusetts filed this complaint pro se concerning the special election to select a Massachusetts State Senator for the First Suffolk District of Massachusetts. Plaintiff's brief complaint raised concerns of how the Massachusetts Secretary of State "allowed the Gubernatorial candidate who was the front runner for the Democratic Party, as well as allow the 1st…

This is a case by a pro se litigant alleging violations of election law in Massachusetts. 

On April 27, 2018, an individual residing in Massachusetts filed this complaint pro se concerning the special election to select a Massachusetts State Senator for the First Suffolk District of Massachusetts. Plaintiff's brief complaint raised concerns of how the Massachusetts Secretary of State "allowed the Gubernatorial candidate who was the front runner for the Democratic Party, as well as allow the 1st Suffolk State Senate to be used as an heir apparent plan...to with hold vital resources from the citizens of Massachusetts by not keeping the seat open until the September 4, 2018 Primary election." Plaintiff sought a stay on the election and to allow the "natural electoral process of the Commonwealth play out as the founding fathers intended, with a clean, primary election."

On June 28, 2018, the court ruled that the brief statement of the claim in the form complaint did not clearly identify the alleged misconduct of each individual defendant. Additionally, the court determined that Mr. Pierce did not have standing to bring the alleged claim because it could not discern from Mr. Pierce’s complaint whether it is addressing “a general interest common to all members of the public” or a concrete injury to himself. 

The court denied the motion without prejudice and allowed for Mr. Pierce to submit an amended complaint within 35 days of June 4, 2018.

On June 27, 2018, Mr. Pierce filed a two-page document that he entitled “Amended Complaint.” Notwithstanding its caption, the court determined that the document did not meet the requirements of a pleading. Accordingly, the Court ordered the action to be dismissed.

The case is now closed. 

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/7045054/parties/pierce-v-collins/


Judge(s)

Saylor, F. Dennis (Massachusetts)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
20

1:18-cv-10843

Memorandum and Order

Pierce v Collins

June 4, 2018

June 4, 2018

Order/Opinion

2018 WL 2709207

23

1:18-cv-10843

Order of Dismissal

Pierce v Collins

June 28, 2018

June 28, 2018

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/7045054/pierce-v-collins/

Last updated Jan. 30, 2025, 3:30 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
20

Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV: ORDER entered denying 4 Motion ; denying 7 Motion for Discovery; denying 11 Motion for Discovery; denying 14 Motion for Discovery; denying 16 Motion for Order; denying 17 Motion for Order; denying 19 M otion for Discovery; denying 2 Motion for Leave to Proceed in forma pauperis. The motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis is DENIED without prejudice. All other pending motions are DENIED without prejudice. If plaintiff wishes to proceed with this action, he must, within 35 days of the date of this order (1) pay the $400 filing fee or file a renewed motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis in which he discloses all of his income and assets; and (2) file an amended complaint . Pending the filing of an amended complaint, plaintiff shall not file any other motion or paper with the exception of a motion for additional time to resolve the filing fee or file an amended complaint or similar motion. [Order mailed to plaintiff on 6/5/2018 with Application for Leave to Proceed in District Court without Prepaying Fees or Costs.] (PSSA, 3)

June 4, 2018

June 4, 2018

Clearinghouse
23

Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV: ORDER entered. ORDER DISMISSING CASE(Halley, Taylor)

June 28, 2018

June 28, 2018

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory: Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 27, 2018

Closing Date: June 28, 2018

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

individual in Massachusetts

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: Yes

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Nick Collins, Private Entity/Person

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Voting:

Voting: General & Misc.