Case: Arizona Democratic Party v. Reagan

2:16-cv-03618 | U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona

Filed Date: Oct. 19, 2016

Closed Date: Nov. 3, 2016

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case about Arizona's voter registration deadline. On October 19, 2016, plaintiffs, the Arizona Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee, filed the lawsuit suing the Arizona Secretary of State in the District of Arizona. The plaintiffs claimed that the defendant's decision not to extend the October 10, 2016 voter registration deadline, and to preclude certain voters whose registration applications were received on October 11, 2016 from voting in the November 8, 2016 general e…

This is a case about Arizona's voter registration deadline.

On October 19, 2016, plaintiffs, the Arizona Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee, filed the lawsuit suing the Arizona Secretary of State in the District of Arizona. The plaintiffs claimed that the defendant's decision not to extend the October 10, 2016 voter registration deadline, and to preclude certain voters whose registration applications were received on October 11, 2016 from voting in the November 8, 2016 general election, violated federal and state law, and imposed an unconstitutional burden on voters. The plaintiffs claimed that the Secretary's refusal to extend the October 10, 2016 voter registration holiday deadline impermissibly burdened constitutional rights and led to the “disenfranchisement of at least 2,069 voters” who registered on October 11, 2016. The plaintiffs requested declaratory and injunctive relief. Alongside the complaint, the plaintiffs filed a motion for temporary restraining order or motion for preliminary injunction.

On November 3, 2016, the court denied the motion for preliminary injunction/temporary restraining order. The court found that the holiday deadline did not limit the methods of voter registration; it merely imposed a timeframe in which voters had to act in order to register to vote in the general election. Nor did the deadline impose restrictions in a disproportionate manner because only certain methods for voter registration were available on Columbus Day. The deadline did not prevent individuals from registering to vote in-person at the MVD or by postmarked mail; it merely required those wishing to do so during open operating business hours at some date and time prior to October 10, 2016. Further, the court found that the plaintiffs’ delay in initiating this action, and the resulting prejudice that had arisen due to that delay, precluded relief. 

The case is now closed. 

Summary Authors

Jiabao Xu (5/24/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4489801/parties/arizona-democratic-party-v-reagan/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Barr, Daniel Clayton (Arizona)

Boehm, Joshua L (Arizona)

Callais, Amanda R (Arizona)

Danneman, Alexis Elizabeth (Arizona)

Attorney for Defendant

Driscoll-MacEachron, James P (Arizona)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

2:16-cv-03618

Verified Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief

Oct. 19, 2016

Oct. 19, 2016

Complaint
14

2:16-cv-03618

Defendant's Response to Plaintiffs' Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and/or Preliminary Injunction; Memorandum of Points and Authorities

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

Other
22

2:16-cv-03618

Reply in Support of Plaintiffs' Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and/or Preliminary Injunction

Oct. 24, 2016

Oct. 24, 2016

Other
38

2:16-cv-03618

Defendant's Response to Plaintiffs' Motion to Modify Relief Sought

Nov. 2, 2016

Nov. 2, 2016

Other
39

2:16-cv-03618

Order

Nov. 3, 2016

Nov. 3, 2016

Order/Opinion

2016 WL 6523427

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4489801/arizona-democratic-party-v-reagan/

Last updated Aug. 8, 2025, 7:26 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT (TRO Requested). Filing fee received: $ 400.00, receipt number 0970-13519705 filed by Democratic National Committee, Arizona Democratic Party (submitted by Sambo Dul). (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(DXD) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Oct. 19, 2016

Oct. 19, 2016

Clearinghouse
2

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (DXD) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Oct. 19, 2016

Oct. 19, 2016

PACER
3

SUMMONS Submitted by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee (submitted by Sambo Dul). (DXD) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

Oct. 19, 2016

Oct. 19, 2016

PACER
4

DECLARATION of Sambo Dul re: 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order by Plaintiffs Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee (submitted by Sambo Dul). (Attachments: # 1 Part 2 of 8, # 2 Part 3 of 8, # 3 Part 4 of 8, # 4 Part 5 of 8, # 5 Part 6 of 8, # 6 Part 7 of 8, # 7 Part 8 of 8) (DXD) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

Oct. 19, 2016

Oct. 19, 2016

PACER
5

DECLARATION of Spencer G Scharff re: 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order by Plaintiffs Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee (submitted by Sambo Dul). (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit) (DXD) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

Oct. 19, 2016

Oct. 19, 2016

PACER
6

Filing fee paid, receipt number 0970-13519705. This case has been assigned to the Honorable Steven P Logan. All future pleadings or documents should bear the correct case number: CV-16-03618-PHX-SPL. Notice of Availability of Magistrate Judge to Exercise Jurisdiction form attached. (DXD) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

Oct. 19, 2016

Oct. 19, 2016

PACER
7

Summons Issued as to Michele Reagan. (DXD). *** IMPORTANT: When printing the summons, select "Document and stamps" or "Document and comments" for the seal to appear on the document. (Entered: 10/20/2016)

Oct. 20, 2016

Oct. 20, 2016

PACER
8

ORDER: The Court will exercise its discretion to advance the trial on the merits in this action and consolidate a hearing on permanent injunction with a hearing on the pending requests for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. No later than 5:00 p.m., today, October 20, 2016, Plaintiffs must serve a copy on Defendant and file proof of service with the Court of the following: (1) the Verified Complaint; (2) the Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and/or Preliminary Injunction and attachments; and (3) this Order and its attachments. Permanent Injunction Hearing is set for 10/21/16 at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 501, 401 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 before Judge Steven P Logan. Defendant shall have until October 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. to file any Response to Plaintiffs' Motion; Plaintiffs shall have until October 24, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. to file any Reply; and Defendant shall have until October 25, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. to file any Surreply. Each party must submit separate Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law no later than October 25, 2016. Plaintiffs shall submit a proposed form of permanent injunction no later than October 25, 2016. The parties shall mark, list, and deliver exhibits in the manner prescribed in Attachment A no later than October 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. The parties shall complete and provide Exhibit and Witness Lists in the manner prescribed in Attachment A no later than October 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. See Order for additional details and deadlines. Signed by Judge Steven P Logan on 10/20/16. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment A)(SJF) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

1 Attachment A

View on PACER

Oct. 20, 2016

Oct. 20, 2016

PACER
9

SERVICE EXECUTED filed by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee: Return of Service re: Summons, Complaint, Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, Declaration of Sambo Dul, Declaration of Spencer Scharff, Proposed Temporary Restraining Order upon Arizona Secretary of State on 10/20/2016. (Danneman, Alexis) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

Oct. 20, 2016

Oct. 20, 2016

PACER
10

SERVICE EXECUTED filed by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee: Affidavit of Service re: Order (Doc. 8) upon Arizona Secretary of State on 10/20/2016. (Danneman, Alexis) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

Oct. 20, 2016

Oct. 20, 2016

PACER
11

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice as to attorney Kevin J. Hamilton by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hamilton, Kevin) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

Oct. 20, 2016

Oct. 20, 2016

PACER
12

ORDER pursuant to General Order 09-08 granting 11 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice. Per the Court's Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, applicant has five (5) days in which to register as a user of the Electronic Filing System. Registration to be accomplished via the court's website at www.azd.uscourts.gov. Counsel is advised that they are limited to two (2) additional e-mail addresses in their District of Arizona User Account. (BAS) (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no.pdf document associated with this entry.) (Entered: 10/20/2016)

Oct. 20, 2016

Oct. 20, 2016

PACER
13

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee for proceedings held on 10/21/2016, Judge Steven P Logan hearing judge(s). (Ryerson, Thomas) (Entered: 10/21/2016)

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

PACER
30

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of PERMANENT INJUNCTION HEARING proceedings held on 10/21/2016, before Judge Steven P. Logan. (Court Reporter: Candy L. Potter). The ordering party will have electronic access to the transcript immediately. All others may view the transcript at the court public terminal or it may be purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber by filing a Transcript Order Form on the docket before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Redaction Request due 11/14/2016. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 11/21/2016. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 1/19/2017. (RAP) (Entered: 10/26/2016)

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

PACER
14

RESPONSE to Motion re: 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by Michele Reagan. (Perkins, Jennifer) (Entered: 10/21/2016)

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

Clearinghouse
15

NOTICE re: of filing exhibit and witness list by Michele Reagan . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit List)(Perkins, Jennifer) (Entered: 10/21/2016)

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

PACER
16

NOTICE of Appearance by Jennifer Perkins on behalf of Michele Reagan. (Perkins, Jennifer) (Entered: 10/21/2016)

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

PACER
17

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Steven P. Logan: Permanent Injunction Hearing held on 10/21/16. Matter taken under advisement. Order to follow. See minutes for details. (Court Reporter Candy Potter.) Hearing held 1:34 p.m. to 4:57 p.m. (NKS) (Entered: 10/21/2016)

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

PACER
18

Exhibit List by Arizona Democratic Party & Democratic National Committee. (NKS) (Entered: 10/24/2016)

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

PACER
19

Exhibit List by Michele Reagan. (NKS) (Entered: 10/24/2016)

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

PACER
20

Witness List by Arizona Democratic Party & Democratic National Committee. (NKS) (Entered: 10/24/2016)

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

PACER
21

Witness List by Michele Reagan. (NKS) (Entered: 10/24/2016)

Oct. 21, 2016

Oct. 21, 2016

PACER
22

REPLY to Response to Motion re: 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee. (Danneman, Alexis) (Entered: 10/24/2016)

Oct. 24, 2016

Oct. 24, 2016

Clearinghouse
23

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST by Michele Reagan for proceedings held on 10/21/2016, Judge Steven P Logan hearing judge(s). (Perkins, Jennifer) (Entered: 10/24/2016)

Oct. 24, 2016

Oct. 24, 2016

PACER
24

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice as to attorney Marc E Elias on behalf of Arizona Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee. (BAS) (Entered: 10/24/2016)

Oct. 24, 2016

Oct. 24, 2016

PACER
25

ORDER pursuant to General Order 09-08 granting 24 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice. Per the Court's Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, applicant has five (5) days in which to register as a user of the Electronic Filing System. Registration to be accomplished via the court's website at www.azd.uscourts.gov. Counsel is advised that they are limited to two (2) additional e-mail addresses in their District of Arizona User Account. (BAS) (This is a TEXT ENTRY ONLY. There is no.pdf document associated with this entry.) (Entered: 10/24/2016)

Oct. 24, 2016

Oct. 24, 2016

PACER
26

NOTICE re: Filing of Plaintiffs' Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee . (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law)(Danneman, Alexis) (Entered: 10/25/2016)

Oct. 25, 2016

Oct. 25, 2016

PACER
27

Additional Attachments to Main Document re: 26 Notice (Other) Proposed Form of Permanent Injunction by Plaintiffs Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee. (Danneman, Alexis) (Entered: 10/25/2016)

Oct. 25, 2016

Oct. 25, 2016

PACER
28

NOTICE re: of Filing Defendant's Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law by Michele Reagan . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Defendant's Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law)(Perkins, Jennifer) (Entered: 10/25/2016)

Oct. 25, 2016

Oct. 25, 2016

PACER
29

REPLY re: 2 MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order Surreply by Defendant Michele Reagan. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Surreply Exh. A, # 2 Exhibit Surreply Exh. B, # 3 Exhibit Surreply Exh. C, # 4 Exhibit Surreply Exh. D)(Perkins, Jennifer) (Entered: 10/25/2016)

Oct. 25, 2016

Oct. 25, 2016

PACER
31

First MOTION to Strike 29 Reply (Exhibits B and D) by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dul, Sambo) (Entered: 10/27/2016)

Oct. 27, 2016

Oct. 27, 2016

PACER
32

RESPONSE to Motion re: 31 First MOTION to Strike 29 Reply (Exhibits B and D) Defendant's Response to Plaintiffs' Motion to Strike filed by Michele Reagan. (Karlson, Kara) (Entered: 10/28/2016)

Oct. 28, 2016

Oct. 28, 2016

PACER
33

NOTICE re: Supplemental Authority by Michele Reagan . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Decision)(Karlson, Kara) (Entered: 10/28/2016)

Oct. 28, 2016

Oct. 28, 2016

PACER
34

First MOTION to Supplement the Record of the October 21, 2016 Permanent Injunction Hearing by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Dul, Sambo) (Entered: 10/31/2016)

1 Exhibit

View on RECAP

2 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Oct. 31, 2016

Oct. 31, 2016

PACER
35

ORDER that, no later than 11:00 a.m. today, October 31, 2016, Defendant must file a response to Plaintiffs Motion to Supplement 34, specifically addressing its position as to the contents of this article and what impact, if any, it has on the relief sought in this case. Signed by Judge Steven P. Logan on 10/31/16. (CLB) (Entered: 10/31/2016)

Oct. 31, 2016

Oct. 31, 2016

PACER
36

RESPONSE to Motion re: 34 First MOTION to Supplement the Record of the October 21, 2016 Permanent Injunction Hearing filed by Michele Reagan. (Perkins, Jennifer) (Entered: 10/31/2016)

Oct. 31, 2016

Oct. 31, 2016

Clearinghouse
37

MOTION to Modify the Relief Sought by Arizona Democratic Party, Democratic National Committee. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dul, Sambo) (Entered: 11/02/2016)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Nov. 2, 2016

Nov. 2, 2016

PACER
38

RESPONSE to Motion re: 37 MOTION to Modify the Relief Sought Defendant's Response to Plaintiffs' Motion to Modify Relief Sought filed by Michele Reagan. (Karlson, Kara) (Entered: 11/02/2016)

Nov. 2, 2016

Nov. 2, 2016

Clearinghouse
39

ORDER - IT IS ORDERED: 1. That Plaintiffs' Motion to Strike (Doc. 31 ) is denied; 2. That Plaintiffs' Motion to Supplement (Doc. 34 ) is granted; 3. That the Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and/or Preliminary Injunction (Doc. 2 ) is denied; 4. That the Motion to Modify the Relief Sought (Doc. 37 ) is denied as moot; 5. That Plaintiffs' request for declaratory judgment, permanent injunction is denied; and 6. That the Clerk of Court shall enter judgment accordingly and terminate this action. (See document for further details). Signed by Judge Steven P Logan on 11/3/16.(LAD)

Nov. 3, 2016

Nov. 3, 2016

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory: Arizona

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 19, 2016

Closing Date: Nov. 3, 2016

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Arizona Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee

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

Michele Reagan in her official capacity as the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

State law

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Freedom of speech/association

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Amount Defendant Pays: n/a

Order Duration: 2016 - 2016

Issues

Voting:

Voting: Physical/Effective Access