Filed Date: Nov. 2, 2016
Closed Date: Nov. 14, 2016
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This is a case alleging that several ballot initiatives were confusing and should not be added to the 2016 Arkansas general election ballot.
On November 2, 2016, registered voters sued the Arkansas Secretary of State and Chairman of the State Board of Election Commissioners, and Board Members of the State Board of Election Commissioners claiming First, Fifth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendment violation. There were two issues that had appeared on the ballot, but those issues had been struck down by the Arkansas Supreme Court. The plaintiffs complained that the issues being on the ballot was confusing and misleading to the voters, and the state should be enjoined from continuing the election process unless proper instructions were given to the voters regarding the issues being struck by the Arkansas Supreme Court.
On November 4, 2016, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim.
On November 10, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss the complaint stating the action was moot, and the court granted Plaintiffs' motion by dismissing the case without prejudice on November 14.
This case is now closed.
Summary Authors
Ruchira De (6/3/2024)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/13402567/parties/watson-v-martin/
Jones, Kolton (Arkansas)
Kemp, James Harrison (Arkansas)
Mann, Angela Griffith (Arkansas)
Jorgensen, Colin R. (Arkansas)
Kelly, A. J. (Arkansas)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/13402567/watson-v-martin/
Last updated Aug. 8, 2025, 7:29 a.m.
State / Territory: Arkansas
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project
Key Dates
Filing Date: Nov. 2, 2016
Closing Date: Nov. 14, 2016
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Registered voters of Pulaski and Marion County, Arkansas
Plaintiff Type(s):
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Constitutional Clause(s):
Due Process: Procedural Due Process
Due Process: Substantive Due Process
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Defendant
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Order Duration: 2016 - 2016
Issues
Voting: