Case: Michigan State A. Philip Randolph Institute v. Johnson

2:16-cv-11844 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Filed Date: May 24, 2016

Closed Date: May 31, 2019

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On May 24, 2016, the Michigan State A. Philip Randolph Institute and three Michigan voters filed this lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The plaintiffs sued the Michigan Secretary of State under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, sought declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent enforcement of Michigan's 2015 Public Act 268, which eliminated straight party voting. The plaintiffs claimed that PA 268 violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, Section 2 of the VRA, and the ADA. Specifically, they claimed that by abolishing straight party voting, PA 268 unreasonably burdened the right to vote of all Michigan citizens, unreasonably and disproportionately burdened the right to vote of African American citizens, and denied and abridged the right to vote of African Americans because of their race.

On May 27, 2016, plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to prevent enforcement of PA 268, which they followed on June 1, 2016, with their first amended complaint that added the Common Cause nonprofit as another plaintiff. Judge Gershwin A. Drain issued an opinion and order granting a preliminary injunction on July 21, 2016, amended on July 22. Judge Drain found that:

1. PA 268 places a "disproportionate burden on African Americans' right to vote," so plaintiffs will likely succeed on the merits.

2. "When constitutional rights are threatened or impaired, irreparable injury is presumed."

3. Defendant will not be significantly harmed by an injunction, which would only result in the state using ballot procedures that it has used for many years past.

4. The public interest in protecting the right to vote exceeds the state's interest in changing its voting system.

Judge Drain also rejected defendant's arguments against the injunction, concluding that plaintiffs did not delay filing the lawsuit, either purposefully or through lack of diligence. The lawsuit was appropriately filed in federal court because plaintiffs alleged federal claims, that state control of elections did not remove constitutional limits on how they may do so, and that plaintiffs had standing because they reasonably argued that the statute would disproportionately impact them as individuals. However, Judge Drain questioned the sustainability of plaintiff's allegation that PA 268 violated the ADA because "[n]one of the listed Plaintiffs are described as having any disabilities as recognized by the ADA." 209 F.Supp.3d 935.

Over the next month, defendant sought an order from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals striking down the preliminary injunction but was unable to persuade Judge Drain to stay the injunction pending appeal. On August 17, 2016, Circuit Judge Karen Nelson Moore, joined by Judges Gilman and Stranch, denied defendant's motion for a stay of the preliminary injunction pending appeal. Using the same four-factor analysis as Judge Drain, Judge Moore found that the District Court did not abuse its discretion by granting the injunction. Judge Gilman wrote separately to emphasize that the Circuit Court's decision was not a final judgment on the merits. Finally, on September 19, 2016, the Sixth Circuit granted defendant's motion to withdraw their appeal against the preliminary injunction. 833 F.3d 656.

Possibly due in part to the defects of their original ADA claim, plaintiffs moved for leave to modify their complaint on November 14, 2016. Plaintiffs sought to remove their allegation that PA 268 violates the ADA, add an allegation that PA 268 intentionally discriminated against African Americans, and add an allegation that PA 268 violated the First Amendment. On January 19, 2017, Judge Drain issued an order and opinion granting in part and denying in part plaintiff's motion to amend the complaint. In particular, Judge Drain:

1. Approved plaintiff's request to remove their ADA claim,

2. Approved plaintiffs' request to add a count of intentional discrimination under Sixth Circuit precedent "demonstrat[ing] that multiple Equal Protection claims can co-exist within the same cause of action," and

3. Denied plaintiffs' request to add a First Amendment claim because "[p]laintiffs fail to cite a single relevant authority to support this argument." 2017 WL 3390364.

On January 26, 2017, plaintiffs filed their second amended complaint with these changes.

After several months of procedural battles, defendant filed a motion for summary judgment on October 16, 2017. On January 19, 2018, Judge Drain rejected defendant's summary judgment motion. In a detailed opinion based on voluminous expert reports and social science research, Judge Drain found that PA 268 created "more than a minimal" burden on African Americans and that "reasonable minds may disagree" about PA 268's impact. Thus, Judge Drain declared summary judgment inappropriate. However, Judge Drain held that the white plaintiff lacked standing because she did not allege a particularized injury. 2018 WL 493184.

Following the denial of defendant's summary judgment motion and disputes between plaintiffs and the defendant regarding admissibility of certain types of evidence, the case was tried before Judge Drain. On August 1, 2018, Judge Drain delivered an opinion on the merits and issued a permanent injunction against PA 268. 2018 WL 3640439. Judge Drain's amended opinion of August 9, 2018, included findings of fact that PA 268 would "increase wait times" for all voters and "disproportionately" affect African Americans who used straight-party voting at higher rates than whites. In addition, Judge Drain found that PA 268 would reduce voting across all demographics and "disproportionately deter" African Americans. As a result, Judge Drain held that:

1. PA 268 violates the Equal Protection Clause because the state's interest in regulating its own elections does not outweigh the burden PA 268 placed on African Americans' voting rights.

2. Michigan "intentionally discriminated" against African Americans by enacting PA 268, thus violating the Equal Protection Clause.

3. PA 268 violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because it "links with social and historical conditions of discrimination" to disparately impact African Americans. 2018 WL 3769326.

Following Judge Drain's ruling, defendant appealed to the Sixth Circuit and requested from the District Court a stay of the injunction pending appeal. Judge Drain denied the stay on August 23, 2018. 2018 WL 4024895. However, Circuit Judge Boggs, joined by Judge Kethledge, overruled the District Court and issued a stay on September 5, 2018. Applying the same four-factor test that Judge Drain used to issue the original preliminary injunction but reaching the opposite conclusion, Judge Boggs questioned the opinion's "factual underpinnings and . . . legal analysis," and said defendants established a "likelihood of reversal." Judge Kethledge issued a concurring opinion in which he stated that racial animus does not follow from the fact that PA 268 will likely benefit Republicans. Judge Donald dissented, arguing that the majority neither adequately consider the history of voting discrimination nor gave enough deference to the trial court's findings before granting the stay. The appeal on the merits is ongoing at the Sixth Circuit.

On November 6, 2018, Michigan voters passed Proposal 3 which amended the state constitution to preserve straight party voting, in addition to bringing other voting reforms. As a result of Proposal 3, on January 14, 2019, the Sixth Circuit dismissed defendant's appeal of the permanent injunction as moot. (Circuit Judge Boggs, Kethledge, and Donald). On February 7, 2019, in accordance with the Sixth Circuit's order, Judge Drain vacated the August 1, 2018 judgment and dismissed the case with prejudice.

Plaintiffs filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1988 and 52 U.S.C. § 10310(e). Finding that the plaintiffs prevailed with respect to the preliminary injunction but not with respect to the request for a permanent injunction, Judge Drain awarded plaintiffs with attorneys’ fees and costs for work completed in connection with the preliminary injunction in the amount of $530,874.29.

Summary Authors

Timothy Leake (10/4/2018)

Claire Shimberg (4/22/2020)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4292951/parties/michigan-state-a-philip-randolph-institute-v-johnson/

Judge(s)

Boggs, Danny Julian (Kentucky)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Brewer, Mark C. (Michigan)

Attorney for Defendant

Asbenson, Kendall S. (Michigan)

Barton, Denise C. (Michigan)

Briggs, Elizabeth R. Husa (Michigan)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Judge(s)

Boggs, Danny Julian (Kentucky)

Donald, Bernice Bouie (Tennessee)

Drain, Gershwin Allen (Michigan)

Kethledge, Raymond M. (Michigan)

Majzoub, Mona K. (Michigan)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Brewer, Mark C. (Michigan)

Gurewitz, Mary Ellen (Michigan)

Attorney for Defendant

Asbenson, Kendall S. (Michigan)

Barton, Denise C. (Michigan)

Briggs, Elizabeth R. Husa (Michigan)

Fracassi, Adam L.S. (Michigan)

Grill, Erik A. (Michigan)

Ho, Joseph Yung−Kuang (Michigan)

Husa, Elizabeth R. (Michigan)

Meingast, Heather S. (Michigan)

Wood, Rock A (Michigan)

Other

Gordon, Gary P. (Michigan)

Hanselman, Jason T (Michigan)

Lauderbach, Jonathan E (Michigan)

Pirich, John D (Michigan)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

2:16-cv-11844	Docket [PACER]	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2019 Docket
1 2:16-cv-11844	Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief	May 24, 2016	May 24, 2016 Complaint
25 2:16-cv-11844	Amended Opinion and Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction [4]	July 22, 2016	July 22, 2016 Order/Opinion
39 2:16-cv-11844	Opinion and Order Denying Defendant's Motion to Stay Preliminary Injunction [29]	Aug. 15, 2016	Aug. 15, 2016 Order/Opinion
40 2:16-cv-11844 16-02071	Opinion U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit	Aug. 17, 2016	Aug. 17, 2016 Order/Opinion
55 2:16-cv-11844	Opinion and Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to File a Second Amended Complaint [46]	Jan. 19, 2017	Jan. 19, 2017 Order/Opinion
56 2:16-cv-11844	Second Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief	Jan. 26, 2017	Jan. 26, 2017 Complaint
124 2:16-cv-11844	Opinion and Order Denying Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment [102]	Jan. 19, 2018	Jan. 19, 2018 Order/Opinion
153 2:16-cv-11844	Amended Opinion and Order Granting Plaintiffs' Request for Permanent Injunction Relief	Aug. 9, 2018	Aug. 9, 2018 Order/Opinion
160 2:16-cv-11844	Opinion and Order Denying Emergency Motion for Stay Pending Appeal [156]	Aug. 23, 2018	Aug. 23, 2018 Order/Opinion

show / hide documents

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4292951/michigan-state-a-philip-randolph-institute-v-johnson/

Last updated April 1, 2026, 5:15 a.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	May 24, 2016	COMPLAINT filed by All Plaintiffs against All Defendants. Plaintiff requests summons issued. Receipt No: 0645-5706592 - Fee: $ 400. County of 1st Plaintiff: Oakland - County Where Action Arose: Wayne - County of 1st Defendant: Ingham. [Previously dismissed case: No] [Possible companion case(s): None] (Attachments: # 1 Index of Exhibits, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, # 8 Exhibit 7, # 9 Exhibit 8, # 10 Exhibit 9, # 11 Exhibit 10, # 12 Exhibit 11, # 13 Exhibit 12, # 14 Exhibit 13, # 15 Exhibit 14, # 16 Exhibit 15, # 17 Exhibit 16, # 18 Exhibit 17) (Brewer, Mark) (Entered: 05/24/2016) 1 Index of Exhibits View on RECAP 2 Exhibit 1 View on PACER 3 Exhibit 2 View on RECAP 4 Exhibit 3 View on PACER 5 Exhibit 4 View on PACER 6 Exhibit 5 View on PACER 7 Exhibit 6 View on PACER 8 Exhibit 7 View on PACER 9 Exhibit 8 View on PACER 10 Exhibit 9 View on PACER 11 Exhibit 10 View on PACER 12 Exhibit 11 View on PACER 13 Exhibit 12 View on PACER 14 Exhibit 13 View on PACER 15 Exhibit 14 View on PACER 16 Exhibit 15 View on PACER 17 Exhibit 16 View on PACER 18 Exhibit 17 View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	May 24, 2016	SUMMONS Issued for Ruth A. Johnson (LHos) (Entered: 05/24/2016)	RECAP
	May 24, 2016	Notice to Parties of Consent of a Civil Action before a Magistrate Judge Option
	May 24, 2016	A United States Magistrate Judge of this Court is available to conduct all proceedings in this civil action in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 636c and FRCP 73. The Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Civil Action to a Magistrate Judge form is available for download at http://www.mied.uscourts.gov (LHos)
3	May 26, 2016	CERTIFICATE of Service/Summons Returned Executed. Ruth A. Johnson served on 5/26/2016, answer due 6/16/2016. (Acker, Gerald) (Entered: 05/26/2016)	RECAP
4	May 27, 2016	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Ex Parte Motion for Leave to File a Brief in Excess of 25 Pages, Brief in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Certificate of Service by All Plaintiffs. (Brewer, Mark) (Entered: 05/27/2016)	RECAP
5	May 31, 2016	NOTICE of Appearance by Denise C. Barton on behalf of Ruth A. Johnson. (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 05/31/2016)	RECAP
6	May 31, 2016	NOTICE of Appearance by Erik A. Grill on behalf of Ruth A. Johnson. (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 05/31/2016)	RECAP
7	May 31, 2016	NOTICE of Appearance by Adam L.S. Fracassi on behalf of Ruth A. Johnson. (Fracassi, Adam) (Entered: 05/31/2016)	RECAP
8	May 31, 2016	NOTICE of Appearance by Joseph Yung-Kuang Ho on behalf of Ruth A. Johnson. (Ho, Joseph) (Entered: 05/31/2016)	RECAP
9	June 1, 2016	ANSWER to Complaint FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT by All Plaintiffs. (Brewer, Mark)[NOT AN ANSWER - AMENDED COMPLAINT - ADDING PARTIES] Modified on 7/22/2016 (JOwe). (Entered: 06/01/2016)	RECAP
10	June 2, 2016	NOTICE OF HEARING on 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Ex Parte Motion for Leave to File a Brief in Excess of 25 Pages, Brief in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Certificate of Service. Motion Hearing set for 6/28/2016 02:00 PM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TBan) (Entered: 06/02/2016)	RECAP
11	June 3, 2016	STIPULATED ORDER EXTENDING TIME FOR DEFENDANT TO RESPOND TO PLAINTIFFS COMPLAINT. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TBan) (Entered: 06/03/2016)	RECAP
12	June 15, 2016	NOTICE TO APPEAR: Scheduling Conference set for 8/10/2016 11:00 AM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (DPar) (Entered: 06/15/2016)	RECAP
13	June 15, 2016	NOTICE OF SCHEDULING CONFERENCE ORDER. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (DPar) (Entered: 06/15/2016)	RECAP
14	June 17, 2016	Ex Parte MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Brief in Support of Defendant's Response in Opposition to (#4) Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Ruth A. Johnson. (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 06/17/2016)	RECAP
15	June 17, 2016	RESPONSE to 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Ex Parte Motion for Leave to File a Brief in Excess of 25 Pages, Brief in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Certificate of Service filed by Ruth A. Johnson. (Attachments: # 1 Index of Exhibits Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit Exh 1- Senate Fiscal Analysis (Nov. 19, 2015), # 3 Exhibit Exh 2- Phillips v Snyder, # 4 Exhibit Exh 3- Affidavit of Christopher M. Thomas) (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 06/17/2016) 1 Index of Exhibits Exhibit List View on PACER 2 Exhibit Exh 1- Senate Fiscal Analysis (Nov. 19, 2015) View on PACER 3 Exhibit Exh 2- Phillips v Snyder View on PACER 4 Exhibit Exh 3- Affidavit of Christopher M. Thomas View on PACER	RECAP
16	June 22, 2016	ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFFS' MOTION TO FILE A BRIEF IN EXCESS OF 25 PAGES 4, GRANTING DEFENDANT'S EX PARTE MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE EXCESS PAGES FOR BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT'S RESPONSE 14, AND ADJOURNING ORAL ARGUMENT UNTIL JULY 14, 2016. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (DPar) (Entered: 06/22/2016)	RECAP
17	June 22, 2016	NOTICE OF HEARING. Motion Hearing for Preliminary Injunction 4 set for 7/14/2016 11:00 AM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (DPar) (Entered: 06/22/2016)	RECAP
	June 22, 2016	Text-Only Notice of Hearing Cancelled
	June 22, 2016	TEXT-ONLY NOTICE: Hearing on 6/28/16 is Cancelled re 10 Notice of Hearing on Motion. (DPar)
18	June 27, 2016	REPLY to Response re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Ex Parte Motion for Leave to File a Brief in Excess of 25 Pages, Brief in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Certificate of Service Reply Brief, Ex Parte Motion for Leave to File a Reply Brief in Excess of 7 Pages and Certificate of Service filed by All Plaintiffs. (Brewer, Mark) (Entered: 06/27/2016)	RECAP
19	June 28, 2016	ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFFS EX PARTE MOTION TO FILE REPLY BRIEF IN EXCESS OF SEVEN PAGES 18 . Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TBan) (Entered: 06/28/2016)	RECAP
20	June 28, 2016	RESPONSE to 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Ex Parte Motion for Leave to File a Brief in Excess of 25 Pages, Brief in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Certificate of Service filed by Ruth A. Johnson. (Attachments: # 1 Index of Exhibits Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit 1. Senate Fiscal Agency Bill Analysis, # 3 Exhibit 2. McNeilley v Land Order, # 4 Exhibit 3. Phillips v Snyder Order, # 5 Exhibit 4. Thomas Affidavit) (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 06/28/2016) 1 Index of Exhibits Exhibit List View on PACER 2 Exhibit 1. Senate Fiscal Agency Bill Analysis View on PACER 3 Exhibit 2. McNeilley v Land Order View on PACER 4 Exhibit 3. Phillips v Snyder Order View on PACER 5 Exhibit 4. Thomas Affidavit View on PACER	RECAP
21	July 6, 2016	REPLY to Response re 14 Ex Parte MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Brief in Support of Defendant's Response in Opposition to (#4) Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction Reply Brief and Certificate of Service filed by All Plaintiffs. (Brewer, Mark) (Entered: 07/06/2016)	RECAP
22	July 13, 2016	MOTION in Limine to Exclude the Testimony of Kurt Metzger and to Strike Report of Theodore Allan and for Entry of Scheduling Order to Conduct Immediate Limited Preliminary Discovery by Ruth A. Johnson. (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 07/13/2016)	RECAP
23	July 13, 2016	RESPONSE to 22 MOTION in Limine to Exclude the Testimony of Kurt Metzger and to Strike Report of Theodore Allan and for Entry of Scheduling Order to Conduct Immediate Limited Preliminary Discovery and Certificate of Service filed by All Plaintiffs. (Brewer, Mark) (Entered: 07/13/2016)	RECAP
	July 14, 2016	Minute Entry for proceedings before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain: Motion Hearing held on 7/14/2016 re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction and 22 MOTION in Limine. Disposition: 22 Motion in Limine Granted in Part and Denied in Part; 4 Ex Parte Motion for Leave to File a Brief in Excess of 25 Pages Taken Under Advisement. (Court Reporter: Merilyn Jones) (SBur)
	July 14, 2016	Reset Scheduling Conference: Scheduling Conference reset for 8/1/2016 03:00 PM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (SBur)
24	July 21, 2016	OPINION AND ORDER Granting Plaintiffs' 4 MOTION for PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (SBur) (Entered: 07/21/2016)	RECAP
25	July 22, 2016	AMENDED OPINION AND ORDER Granting Plaintiffs' 4 MOTION for PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (SBur) (Entered: 07/22/2016)	Clearinghouse
26	July 25, 2016	TRANSCRIPT of Motion held on 7/14/2016. (Court Reporter: Merilyn Jones) (Number of Pages: 52) (Appeal Purposes) The parties have 21 days to file with the court and Court Reporter a Redaction Request of this transcript. If no request is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 days. Redaction Request due 8/15/2016. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 8/25/2016. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 10/24/2016. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/www.transcriptorders.com before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date, the transcript is publicly available. (Jones, M) (Entered: 07/25/2016)	RECAP
27	July 25, 2016	NOTICE OF APPEAL by Ruth A. Johnson re 25 Preliminary Injunction. Fee Status: No Fee Paid. (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 07/25/2016)	RECAP
28	July 25, 2016	Certificate of Service re 27 Notice of Appeal. (LGra) (Entered: 07/25/2016)	RECAP
	July 26, 2016	Reset Hearing: Scheduling Conference reset for 9/26/2016 10:00 AM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (SBur)
	July 27, 2016	Appeal Fee received for 27 Notice of Appeal filed by Ruth A. Johnson in the amount of $ 505.00 - Receipt No. DET094440. (Huff, W.)
	July 27, 2016	Appeal Fee Received
29	July 29, 2016	Emergency MOTION to Stay re 25 Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal by Ruth A. Johnson. (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 07/29/2016)	RECAP
30	Aug. 1, 2016	ORDER FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (SBur) (Entered: 08/01/2016)	RECAP
31	Aug. 1, 2016	MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Defendant's Emergency Supplemental Motion for Stay Pending Appeal by Ruth A. Johnson. (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 08/01/2016)	RECAP
32	Aug. 1, 2016	SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF re 29 Emergency MOTION to Stay re 25 Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal filed by Ruth A. Johnson. (Attachments: # 1 Index of Exhibits Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit 1. Sixth Circuit COA Docketing Letter) (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 08/01/2016) 1 Index of Exhibits Exhibit List View on PACER 2 Exhibit 1. Sixth Circuit COA Docketing Letter View on PACER	RECAP
33	Aug. 2, 2016	NOTICE OF APPEAL by Ruth A. Johnson re 30 Preliminary Injunction. Fee Status: No Fee Paid. (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 08/02/2016)	RECAP
34	Aug. 3, 2016	ORDER Granting Defendant's 31 MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages and Requiring Responsive Pleading to Defendant's 29 MOTION to Stay. (Plaintiffs Response due by 8/8/2016, Defendant's Reply due by 8/12/2016) Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (SBur) (Entered: 08/03/2016)	RECAP
35	Aug. 3, 2016	Certificate of Service re 33 Notice of Appeal. (LGra) (Entered: 08/03/2016)	RECAP
	Aug. 4, 2016	Appeal Fee received for 33 Notice of Appeal filed by Ruth A. Johnson in the amount of $ 505.00 - Receipt No. DET094692. (Huff, W.)
	Aug. 4, 2016	Appeal Fee Received
36	Aug. 8, 2016	RESPONSE to 29 Emergency MOTION to Stay re 25 Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal filed by All Plaintiffs. (Gurewitz, Mary Ellen) (Entered: 08/08/2016)	RECAP
37	Aug. 10, 2016	MOTION TO EXTEND to Respond to First Amended Complaint re 9 Answer to Complaint by Ruth A. Johnson. (Attachments: # 1 Index of Exhibits Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit 1. Lansing Automakers Federal Credit Union v MCG Portfolio Mgmt Corp) (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 08/10/2016) 1 Index of Exhibits Exhibit List View on PACER 2 Exhibit 1. Lansing Automakers Federal Credit Union v MCG Portfolio Mgmt Corp View on PACER	RECAP
38	Aug. 12, 2016	REPLY to Response re 29 Emergency MOTION to Stay re 25 Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal filed by Ruth A. Johnson. (Attachments: # 1 Index of Exhibits Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit 1. Frank v Walker) (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 08/12/2016) 1 Index of Exhibits Exhibit List View on PACER 2 Exhibit 1. Frank v Walker View on PACER	RECAP
39	Aug. 15, 2016	OPINION and ORDER Denying Defendant's 29 Emergency MOTION to Stay Preliminary Injunction. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TMcg) (Entered: 08/15/2016)	Clearinghouse
40	Aug. 17, 2016	OPINION and JUDGMENT from U.S. Court of Appeals - Sixth Circuit re 27 Notice of Appeal filed by Ruth A. Johnson, 33 Notice of Appeal filed by Ruth A. Johnson [Appeal Case Number 16-2071/16-2115] (Ahmed, N) (Entered: 08/17/2016)	Clearinghouse
41	Aug. 19, 2016	ORDER Granting In Part and Denying In Part Defendant's 22 Motion in Limine. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TMcg) (Entered: 08/19/2016)	RECAP
42	Aug. 22, 2016	ORDER Granting Defendant's re 37 MOTION TO EXTEND to Respond to First Amended Complaint re 9 Answer to Complaint filed by Ruth A. Johnson., (Response due by 9/9/2016) Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TMcg) (Entered: 08/22/2016)	RECAP
43	Sept. 14, 2016	STIPULATED ORDER Extending Time for Defendant to Respond to Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint 9, ( Responsive Pleading due by 11/15/2016.) Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TMcg) (Entered: 09/14/2016)	RECAP
44	Sept. 14, 2016	Notice of E-mail Delivery Failure as to attorney Mary Ellen Gurewitz. Bounced NEF for 42 Order, Set Deadlines/Hearings,,. (SSch) (Entered: 09/14/2016)	RECAP
45	Sept. 19, 2016	ORDER from U.S. Court of Appeals - Sixth Circuit re 27 Notice of Appeal filed by Ruth A. Johnson, 33 Notice of Appeal filed by Ruth A. Johnson [Appeal Case Number 16-2071/16-2115] (Ahmed, N) (Entered: 09/20/2016)	RECAP
	Sept. 20, 2016	Set Deadlines/Hearings: Scheduling Conference reset for 12/5/2016 11:00 AM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain (TBan)
46	Nov. 14, 2016	MOTION for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Second Amended Complaint) (Gurewitz, Mary Ellen) (Entered: 11/14/2016) 1 Exhibit Second Amended Complaint View on PACER	RECAP
47	Nov. 15, 2016	ANSWER to Complaint with Affirmative Defenses by Ruth A. Johnson. (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 11/15/2016)	RECAP
48	Nov. 28, 2016	STIPULATED ORDER EXTENDING TIME FOR DEFENDANT TO RESPONDTO PLAINTIFFS' MOTION. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TBan) (Entered: 11/28/2016)	RECAP
49	Dec. 1, 2016	NOTICE of Appearance by Rock A. Wood on behalf of Ruth A. Johnson. (Wood, Rock) (Entered: 12/01/2016)	RECAP
50	Dec. 1, 2016	RESPONSE to 46 MOTION for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint filed by Ruth A. Johnson. (Wood, Rock) (Entered: 12/01/2016)	RECAP
51	Dec. 5, 2016	DISCOVERY plan jointly filed pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 26(f) (Gurewitz, Mary Ellen) (Entered: 12/05/2016)	RECAP
	Dec. 5, 2016	Minute Entry for proceedings before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain: Scheduling Conference held on 12/5/2016. (Court Reporter: None Present, Not on the Record) (TBan)
52	Dec. 12, 2016	REPLY to Response re 46 MOTION for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint filed by All Plaintiffs. (Gurewitz, Mary Ellen) (Entered: 12/12/2016)	RECAP
53	Dec. 19, 2016	SCHEDULING ORDER: Discovery due by 6/27/2017; Dispositive Motion Cut-off set for 7/31/2017; Final Pretrial Conference set for 9/18/2017 10:00 AM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain; Bench Trial set for 9/26/2017 09:00 AM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (Refer to image for additional dates) (TBan) (Entered: 12/19/2016)	RECAP
54	Dec. 20, 2016	NOTICE OF HEARING on 46 MOTION for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint. Motion Hearing set for 1/17/2017 10:00 AM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain (TBan) (Entered: 12/20/2016)	RECAP
	Jan. 17, 2017	Minute Entry for proceedings before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain: Motion Hearing held on 1/17/2017 re 46 MOTION for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint filed by Dion Williams, Michigan State A. Philip Randolph Institute, Common Cause, Erin Comartin, Mary Lansdown Disposition: Motion taken under advisement. (Court Reporter: Merilyn Jones) (TBan)
55	Jan. 19, 2017	OPINION AND ORDER GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART PLAINTIFFS' MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE A SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT 46 . Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TBan) (Entered: 01/19/2017)	Clearinghouse
56	Jan. 26, 2017	AMENDED COMPLAINT For Declaratory And Injunctive Relief filed by All Plaintiffs against All Defendants. NO NEW PARTIES ADDED. (Gurewitz, Mary Ellen) (Entered: 01/26/2017)	Clearinghouse
57	Feb. 9, 2017	ANSWER to Amended Complaint with Affirmative Defenses by Ruth A. Johnson. (Wood, Rock) (Entered: 02/09/2017)	RECAP
58	March 1, 2017	Preliminary WITNESS LIST by Ruth A. Johnson (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 03/01/2017)	RECAP
59	April 20, 2017	STIPULATED ORDER Extending Scheduling Order (R.53) Deadlines, ( Discovery due by 8/29/2017, Dispositive Motion Cut-off RE-set for 9/29/2017, Final Pretrial Conference RE-set for 11/27/2017 at 2:00 PM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain, Jury Trial RE-set for 12/12/2017 at 9:00 AM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain.) Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TMcg) (Entered: 04/20/2017)	RECAP
	April 27, 2017	Set Deadlines/Hearings: Bench Trial RE-set for 12/12/2017 at 9:00 AM before District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TMcg)
60	June 30, 2017	Plaintiffs WITNESS LIST by All Plaintiffs (Brewer, Mark) (Entered: 06/30/2017)	RECAP
61	June 30, 2017	CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE re 60 Witness List by All Plaintiffs (Brewer, Mark) (Entered: 06/30/2017)	RECAP
62	June 30, 2017	Defendant's WITNESS LIST by Ruth A. Johnson (Wood, Rock) (Entered: 06/30/2017)	RECAP
63	July 24, 2017	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Jonathan E. Lauderbach appearing on behalf of Lisa Lyons (Lauderbach, Jonathan) (Entered: 07/24/2017)	RECAP
64	July 24, 2017	MOTION to Quash Subpoena by Lisa Lyons. (Lauderbach, Jonathan) (Entered: 07/24/2017)	RECAP
65	July 24, 2017	ORDER REFERRING MOTION to Magistrate Judge Mona K. Majzoub: 64 MOTION to Quash Subpoena filed by Lisa Lyons. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TBan) (Entered: 07/24/2017)	RECAP
66	July 25, 2017	Notice of Determination of Motion Without Oral Argument re 64 MOTION to Quash Subpoena (LBar) (Entered: 07/25/2017)	RECAP
67	July 31, 2017	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Jonathan E. Lauderbach appearing on behalf of Michael McCready (Lauderbach, Jonathan) (Entered: 07/31/2017)	RECAP
68	July 31, 2017	MOTION to Quash Non-Party Michael McCready's Motion and Brief to Quash Subpoena by Michael McCready. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A - Subpoena) (Lauderbach, Jonathan) (Entered: 07/31/2017) 1 Exhibit Exhibit A - Subpoena View on PACER	RECAP
69	July 31, 2017	ORDER REFERRING MOTION to Magistrate Judge Mona K. Majzoub: 68 MOTION to Quash Non-Party Michael McCready's Motion and Brief to Quash Subpoena filed by Michael McCready. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TBan) (Entered: 07/31/2017)	RECAP
70	Aug. 1, 2017	Notice of Determination of Motion Without Oral Argument re 68 MOTION to Quash Non-Party Michael McCready's Motion to Quash Subpoena (LBar) (Entered: 08/01/2017)	RECAP
71	Aug. 7, 2017	MOTION to Quash Subpoena and for Protective Order by David Robertson, Marty Knollenberg. (Attachments: # 1 Index of Exhibits Index of Exhibits, # 2 Exhibit A - David Robertson Subpoena, # 3 Exhibit B - Knollenberg Subpoena) (Gordon, Gary) (Entered: 08/07/2017) 1 Index of Exhibits Index of Exhibits View on PACER 2 Exhibit A - David Robertson Subpoena View on PACER 3 Exhibit B - Knollenberg Subpoena View on PACER	RECAP
72	Aug. 7, 2017	RESPONSE to 64 MOTION to Quash Subpoena filed by Ruth A. Johnson. (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 08/07/2017)	RECAP
73	Aug. 8, 2017	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Jason T Hanselman appearing on behalf of Marty Knollenberg, David Robertson (Hanselman, Jason) (Entered: 08/08/2017)	RECAP
74	Aug. 8, 2017	ATTORNEY APPEARANCE: Gary P. Gordon appearing on behalf of Marty Knollenberg, David Robertson (Gordon, Gary) (Entered: 08/08/2017)	RECAP
75	Aug. 8, 2017	ORDER REFERRING MOTION to Magistrate Judge Mona K. Majzoub: 71 MOTION to Quash Subpoena and for Protective Order filed by Marty Knollenberg, David Robertson. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TBan) (Entered: 08/08/2017)	RECAP
76	Aug. 8, 2017	Notice of Determination of Motion Without Oral Argument re 71 MOTION to Quash Subpoena and for Protective Order (LHos) (Entered: 08/08/2017)	RECAP
77	Aug. 8, 2017	NOTICE of Appearance by John D. Pirich on behalf of Arlan Meekhof. (Pirich, John) (Entered: 08/08/2017)	RECAP
78	Aug. 8, 2017	MOTION Quash Subpoena by Arlan Meekhof. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit Exhibit 8) (Pirich, John) (Entered: 08/08/2017) 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1 View on PACER 2 Exhibit Exhibit 2 View on PACER 3 Exhibit Exhibit 3 View on PACER 4 Exhibit Exhibit 4 View on PACER 5 Exhibit Exhibit 5 View on PACER 6 Exhibit Exhibit 6 View on PACER 7 Exhibit Exhibit 7 View on PACER 8 Exhibit Exhibit 8 View on PACER	RECAP
79	Aug. 8, 2017	ORDER REFERRING MOTION to Magistrate Judge Mona K. Majzoub: 78 MOTION Quash Subpoena filed by Arlan Meekhof. Signed by District Judge Gershwin A. Drain. (TBan) (Entered: 08/08/2017)	RECAP
80	Aug. 9, 2017	Notice of Determination of Motion Without Oral Argument re 78 MOTION Quash Subpoena (LHos) (Entered: 08/09/2017)	RECAP
81	Aug. 14, 2017	NOTICE of Appearance by Kendell S. Asbenson on behalf of Ruth A. Johnson. (Asbenson, Kendell) (Entered: 08/14/2017)	RECAP
82	Aug. 14, 2017	MOTION TO EXTEND Discovery Cutoff re 59 Stipulation and Order, Set Scheduling Order Deadlines,,,, by All Plaintiffs. (Gurewitz, Mary Ellen) (Entered: 08/14/2017)	RECAP
83	Aug. 14, 2017	RESPONSE to 68 MOTION to Quash Non-Party Michael McCready's Motion and Brief to Quash Subpoena filed by Ruth A. Johnson. (Barton, Denise) (Entered: 08/14/2017)	RECAP
84	Aug. 15, 2017	[STRICKEN] STIPULATION re 64 MOTION to Quash Subpoena to Extend Time to Respond by All Plaintiffs (Gurewitz, Mary Ellen) Modified on 8/16/2017 (LHos). (Entered: 08/15/2017)	RECAP
85	Aug. 15, 2017	[STRICKEN] STIPULATION re 68 MOTION to Quash Non-Party Michael McCready's Motion and Brief to Quash Subpoena to Extend Time to Respond by All Plaintiffs (Gurewitz, Mary Ellen) Modified on 8/16/2017 (LHos). (Entered: 08/15/2017)	RECAP

show / hide docket entries

Case Details

State / Territory:

Michigan

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 24, 2016

Closing Date: May 31, 2019

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The Michigan State A. Philip Randolph Institute, a division of the AFL-CIO dedicated to advancing racial equality and economic justice. Common Cause, a nonprofit corporation and democracy organization. An African American lifelong voter. A white social justice activist and registered voter. An African American voter who uses the straight party option in elections.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU of Michigan

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

Michigan Secretary of State

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Voting Rights Act, section 2, 52 U.S.C. § 10301 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 1973)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of Michigan 2:16-cv-11844

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit 16-02071

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit 18-01910

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Attorneys fees

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Amount Defendant Pays: $530,874.29

Order Duration: 2016 - 2018

Issues

Discrimination Basis:

Race discrimination

Affected Race(s):

Black

Voting:

Election administration

Voting: General & Misc.

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Michigan State A. Philip Randolph Institute v. Johnson, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, http://www.dev.clearinghouse.net/case/16750/ (last updated 4/22/2020).