The State of California argues that the challenged independent-nomination process and signature requirement are politically neutral laws that protect the reliability and integrity of the election process that do not impose a severe burden on the Plaintiffs' rights even in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the State of California argues the plaintiffs have not shown the diligence required to prevail on their claim, because they have not submitted evidence of effort or concrete plans to collect the signatures. They also argue that if the Plaintiffs were granted the preliminary injunction the public interest would be irreparably harmed, because if Plaintiffs could access the presidential ballot without demonstrating a modicum of voter support, then anyone who meets the bare age, citizenship, and residency qualifications to be president can seek to be placed on the ballot during the pandemic leading to voter confusion and frustration of the democratic process. | Kishore v. Newsom C.D. Cal.