Case: Nelson v. Warner

3:19-00898 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia

Filed Date: Dec. 17, 2019

Closed Date: Oct. 15, 2021

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case is about a West Virginia statute, West Virginia Code § 3-6-2(c)(3), that requires ballots for all statewide partisan offices to list first the party whose presidential candidate received the most votes in the last presidential election. On December 17, 2019, registered voters affiliated with the Democratic Party, the West Virginia Democratic Party, and the West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of We…

This case is about a West Virginia statute, West Virginia Code § 3-6-2(c)(3), that requires ballots for all statewide partisan offices to list first the party whose presidential candidate received the most votes in the last presidential election. On December 17, 2019, registered voters affiliated with the Democratic Party, the West Virginia Democratic Party, and the West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. They sued the West Virginia Secretary of State under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

Because extensive academic research shows an electoral benefit to candidates being listed first on a ballot, the plaintiffs alleged the ballot order statute burdened their right to vote and provided an unfair and arbitrary advantage to one political party, in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Represented by private counsel, the plaintiffs sought declaratory relief, an injunction barring implementation of the statute, attorneys’ fees, and such further relief as the court deemed proper, including requiring a ballot order system providing major-party candidates an equal chance to be listed first. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers.

On June 30, 2020, the court granted the plaintiffs’ motion to certify a defendant class of all county ballot commissioners in West Virginia, with the Clerk of Kanawha County serving as the class representative, to help ensure statewide relief if the statute was found unconstitutional.

The court held a bench trial from July 27–30, 2020. On August 10, 2020, the court issued and opinion and order declaring that the ballot order statute violated the plaintiffs’ rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The court permanently enjoined the defendants from enforcing the statute and ordered them to implement a constitutional ballot ordering system for future elections. The defendants appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

On August 18, 2020, the circuit court stayed the district court’s order pending appeal. The next year, on September 1, 2021, the circuit court vacated the district court’s judgment and remanded with instructions to dismiss the complaint, 12 F.4th 376. The court did find plaintiffs had standing to sue and that challenging the ballot order statute was a justiciable question. But the court also ruled the neutrally-applied statute was constitutional because it imposed a modest burden on plaintiffs that was justified by West Virginia’s regulatory interests.

On October 15, 2021, the district court dismissed the complaint.

Summary Authors

John McGinnis (5/6/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16598167/parties/nelson-v-warner/


Judge(s)

Chambers, Robert Charles (West Virginia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Majestro, Anthony J. (West Virginia)

Attorney for Defendant

Bloom, Samuel M. (West Virginia)

Capehart, Curtis R. (West Virginia)

Lee, Jessica Anne (West Virginia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

3:19-00898

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Dec. 17, 2019

Dec. 17, 2019

Complaint
7

3:19-00898

Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Jan. 6, 2020

Jan. 6, 2020

Complaint
75

3:19-00898

Memorandum Opinion and Order

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2020

Order/Opinion
116

3:19-00898

Brief by Amici Curiae

Aug. 7, 2020

Aug. 7, 2020

Pleading / Motion / Brief
125

3:19-00898

Memorandum Opinion and Order

Aug. 10, 2020

Aug. 10, 2020

Order/Opinion

477 F.Supp.3d 486

151

3:19-00898

Order/Opinion: Vacated and Remanded by Published Opinion

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Sept. 1, 2021

Sept. 1, 2021

Order/Opinion

12 F.4th 376

152

3:19-00898

Appeal Order

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Sept. 1, 2021

Sept. 1, 2021

Order/Opinion
157

3:19-00898

Judgment Order

Oct. 15, 2021

Oct. 15, 2021

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16598167/nelson-v-warner/

Last updated April 12, 2026, 4:43 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Dec. 17, 2019

COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. Filing Fee $400.00. Receipt # AWVSDC-7488550. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Civil Cover Sheet) (jsa)

1 Exhibit A

View on PACER

2 Exhibit B

View on PACER

3 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
2 Dec. 17, 2019

ELECTRONIC SUMMONS ISSUED as to Mac Warner, re: 1 Complaint. Summons returnable 21 days. Instructions to Counsel: This is your electronic summons. Please print as many copies of the Summons and Complaint as are necessary to effectuate service under Fed. R. Civ. P. 4. See Proof of Service page of this Summons form for filing a return of service if required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(l). (jsa)

RECAP
3 Dec. 17, 2019

STANDING ORDER IN RE: ASSIGNMENT AND REFERRAL OF CIVIL ACTIONS AND MATTERS TO MAGISTRATE JUDGES ENTERED JANUARY 4, 2016. Discovery referred to Magistrate Judge Eifert. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (jsa)

RECAP
Dec. 17, 2019

Case Assigned

Dec. 17, 2019

CASE assigned to Judge Robert C. Chambers. (klc)

4 Jan. 6, 2020

INCORRECT ENTRY; IMAGE REMOVED. (Modified on 1/6/2020 to remove image incorrectly filed; see entry #7) (ts).

RECAP
5 Jan. 6, 2020

SUMMONS SUBMITTED by West Virginia Democratic Party, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, Dakota Nelson, Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris re: 7 Amended Complaint. (Majestro, Anthony) (Modified on 1/6/2020 to correct link to #7 amended complaint and to add party filer) (ts).

RECAP
6 Jan. 6, 2020

MOTION by Belinda Biafore, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party, Elaine A. Harris to Set Expedited Pretrial Status and Scheduling Conference (Majestro, Anthony) (Modified on 1/6/2020 to add party filer) (ts).

RECAP
7 Jan. 6, 2020

AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF by West Virginia Democratic Party, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, Dakota Nelson, Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris against Mac Warner,Vera McCormick. (ts)

Clearinghouse
8 Jan. 6, 2020

ELECTRONIC SUMMONS ISSUED as to Vera McCormick, re: 7 Amended Complaint. Summons returnable 21 days. Instructions to Counsel: This is your electronic summons. Please print as many copies of the Summons and Complaint as are necessary to effectuate service under Fed. R. Civ. P. 4. See Proof of Service page of this Summons form for filing a return of service if required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(l). (jsa)

RECAP
Jan. 6, 2020

Amend

9 Jan. 7, 2020

ORDER directing Defendants to file their response to Plaintiffs' 6 MOTION to Set Expedited Pretrial Status and Scheduling Conference within seven days of the issuing of this Order; Plaintiffs must then file their reply within two days of the filing of Defendants' response. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 1/7/2020. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented parties) (jsa)

RECAP
10 Jan. 13, 2020

RESPONSE by Mac Warner to the Court's 9 Order. (Capehart, Curtis)

RECAP
11 Jan. 15, 2020

ORDER granting Plaintiffs' 6 MOTION to Set Expedited Pretrial Status and Scheduling Conference. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 1/15/2020. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented parties) (jsa)

RECAP
12 Jan. 15, 2020

ORDER AND NOTICE: Rule 12(b) Motions 1/29/2020. Rule 26(f) Meeting 1/30/2020. Last day to file report of Rule 26(f) Meeting 2/6/2020. Scheduling/status Conference at 11:30 AM on 2/10/2020 in Huntington. Entry of Scheduling Order 2/14/2020. Last Day to make Rule 26(a)(1) disclosures 2/14/2020. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 1/15/2020. (cc: attys; any unrepresented parties) (mkw)

RECAP
13 Jan. 21, 2020

ANSWER TO 7 Amended Complaint by Mac Warner.(Capehart, Curtis)

RECAP
14 Jan. 24, 2020

MOTION by Vera McCormick to Dismiss 7 Amended Complaint (Taylor, Michael) (Modified on 1/30/2020 to add link to #7 amended complaint) (ts).

RECAP
15 Jan. 24, 2020

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Vera McCormick in support of 14 MOTION by Vera McCormick to Dismiss 7 Amended Complaint (Taylor, Michael)

RECAP
16 Feb. 6, 2020

RULE 26(f) REPORT OF PLANNING MEETING by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party, Mac Warner, Vera McCormick. (Majestro, Anthony) (Modified on 2/7/2020 to add party filers) (ts).

RECAP
17 Feb. 7, 2020

SCHEDULING ORDER: Joinder of Parties, amended pleadings due by 3/2/2020. Discovery requests to be completed by 4/6/2020 and all depositions by 5/18/2020. Expert Witness List by parties bearing the burden of proof due by 3/24/2020, by party not bearing burden of proof due by 4/21/2020, and to solely contradict or rebut evidence due by 5/11/2020. Dispositive Motions except those filed under Rule 12(b) due by 5/22/2010, any response shall be filed by 6/2/2020, with replies due by 6/10/2020. Plaintiffs' portion of proposed Pretrial Order to defendants due by 5/25/2020, Proposed Integrated Pretrial Order due by 6/1/2020. Pretrial Conference set for 6/15/2020 at 10:00 AM in Huntington before Judge Robert C. Chambers. Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law due by 6/19/2020. Final Settlement Conference at 9:30 AM on 6/29/2020 in Huntington. Trial to the Court set for 6/30/2020 at 9:00 AM in Huntington before Judge Robert C. Chambers; canceling the scheduling conference set for 2/10/2020. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 2/7/2020. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented parties) (hkl)

RECAP
18 Feb. 11, 2020

UNOPPOSED MOTION by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 14 MOTION by Vera McCormick to Dismiss 7 Amended Complaint, 15 Memorandum In Support to 2/14/2020. (Attachment: # 1 Proposed Order)(Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
19 Feb. 12, 2020

ORDER granting Plaintiffs' 18 UNOPPOSED MOTION for Extension of Time; extending the deadline for filing a response to Defendant Vera McCormick's 14 Motion to Dismiss and 15 supporting Memorandum of Law to no later than 2/14/2020. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 2/12/2020. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (hkl)

RECAP
20 Feb. 14, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Vera McCormick for Rule 26(a)(1) Initial Disclosures. (Taylor, Michael)

RECAP
21 Feb. 14, 2020

RESPONSE by Mac Warner in support of 14 MOTION by Vera McCormick to Dismiss 7 Amended Complaint. (Capehart, Curtis)

RECAP
22 Feb. 14, 2020

RESPONSE/STATEMENT OF FACTS by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party in opposition to 14 MOTION by Vera McCormick to Dismiss 7 Amended Complaint (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
23 Feb. 18, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party for Rule 26(a)(1) Initial Disclosures. (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
24 Feb. 18, 2020

NOTICE of Subpoena Duces Tecum by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
25 Feb. 20, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Rule 26(a)(1) Initial Disclosures. (Capehart, Curtis)

RECAP
26 Feb. 21, 2020

REPLY by Vera McCormick to 22 Response In Opposition. (Taylor, Michael)

RECAP
27 March 4, 2020

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by John Mercer Masslon, II on behalf of Mac Warner. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
28 March 17, 2020

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER denying Defendant Vera McCormick's 14 MOTION to Dismiss. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 3/17/2020. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented parties) (hkl)

RECAP
29 March 24, 2020

ORDER due to the COVID-19 pandemic, directing the parties to first confer regarding the scheduling of this matter and then contact the Court to arrange a conference call. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 3/24/2020. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented parties) (hkl)

RECAP
30 March 24, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party for Rule 26(a)(2) Expert Testimony Disclosures. (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
31 March 26, 2020

ANSWER TO 7 Amended Complaint by Vera McCormick.(Taylor, Michael)

RECAP
32 March 26, 2020

TELEPHONIC STATUS CONFERENCE held by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 3/26/2020; Court Reporter: not reported. (trj)

RECAP
33 March 27, 2020

SCHEDULING ORDER: Discovery requests to be completed by 4/27/2020 and all depositions by 5/26/2020. Expert Witness List by parties bearing the burden of proof due by 4/15/2020, by party not bearing burden of proof due by 5/12/2020. Dispositive Motions except those filed under Rule 12(b) due by 5/29/2020, any response shall be filed by 6/9/2020, with replies due by 6/12/2020. Plaintiffs' portion of proposed Pretrial Order to defendants due by 5/29/2020, Proposed Integrated Pretrial Order due by 6/8/2020. Pretrial Conference set for 6/15/2020 at 10:00 AM in Huntington before Judge Robert C. Chambers. Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law due by 6/26/2020. Final Settlement Conference at 9:30 AM on 6/29/2020 in Huntington. Trial to the Court set for 7/6/2020 at 9:00 AM in Huntington before Judge Robert C. Chambers. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 3/27/2020. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented parties) (hkl)

RECAP
34 April 16, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party for Supplemental Rule 26(a)(2) Disclosures. (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
35 April 16, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Rule 26(a)(2) Expert Testimony Disclosures. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
36 April 16, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Notice of Deposition. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
37 April 27, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for First Set of Discovery Requests. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
38 May 18, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Supplemental Rule 26(a)(2) Expert Testimony Disclosures. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
39 May 19, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party for Notice of Video Deposition of Jason A. MacDonald, Ph.D. (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
40 May 22, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Notice of Deposition. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
41 May 22, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Notice of Deposition. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
42 May 22, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Notice of Deposition. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
43 May 22, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Notice of Deposition. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
44 May 22, 2020

NOTICE OF DEPOSITION by Mac Warner of a Representative of the West Virginia House Legislative Committee on May 26, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. (Masslon, John) (Modified on 5/26/2020 to convert event to notice to take or amend deposition) (ts).

RECAP
45 May 26, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Notice of Deposition. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
46 May 26, 2020

AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Notice of Deposition. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
47 May 26, 2020

AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Notice of Deposition. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
48 May 28, 2020

SCHEDULING ORDER: Experts Reports Plaintiffs reserve to supplement their expert report pursuant to Rule 26(e)(2) and/or file a rebuttal expert opinions pursuant to Rule 26(a)(2)(D)(ii) responding to the opinions of Defendant Mac Warner's expert first disclosed on 5/18/2020, after the deadline for serving Plaintiffs' expert report; Defendant Mac Warner's objection can be based on the time for disclosure of expert reports having lapsed or the report not being covered by Rule 26(a)(2)(D)(ii). Dispositive Motions except those filed under Rule 12(b) due by 6/10/2020; any response shall be filed by 6/24/2020, with replies due by 8:00 EDT on 6/29/2020. Plaintiffs' portion of proposed Pretrial Order to defendants due by 6/12/2020; Proposed Integrated Pretrial Order due by 6/22/2020. Pretrial Conference set for 6/29/2020 at 9:30 AM in Huntington before Judge Robert C. Chambers. Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law due by 7/9/2020. Final Settlement Conference at 9:30 AM on 7/13/2020 in Huntington. Trial to the Court set for 7/27/2020 at 9:00 AM in Huntington before Judge Robert C. Chambers. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 5/28/2020. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented parties) (jsa)

RECAP
49 May 29, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party for Supplemental Expert Report of Dr. Jon A. Krosnick. (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
50 May 29, 2020

MOTION by Mac Warner to Compel Plaintiffs To Respond To Requests For Production and Interrogatories (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Masslon, John)

RECAP
51 May 29, 2020

MOTION by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party to Certify Class (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
52 May 29, 2020

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party in support of 51 MOTION by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party to Certify Class (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
53 May 29, 2020

RESPONSE by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party in opposition to 50 MOTION by Mac Warner to Compel Plaintiffs To Respond To Requests For Production and Interrogatories (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
May 29, 2020

Motions Referred

May 29, 2020

MOTION REFERRED to Magistrate Judge Cheryl A. Eifert: 50 MOTION by Mac Warner to Compel Plaintiffs To Respond To Requests For Production and Interrogatories (ts)

May 31, 2020

Motions Referred

54 June 1, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party for Responses to Defendant, Mac Warner, Secretary of State of the State of West Virginia's First Set of Discovery Requests to Plaintiffs (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
55 June 5, 2020

REPLY by Mac Warner to 53 Response In Opposition. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
56 June 10, 2020

MOTION by Vera McCormick for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7)(Taylor, Michael)

RECAP
57 June 10, 2020

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Vera McCormick in support of 56 MOTION by Vera McCormick for Summary Judgment (Taylor, Michael)

RECAP
58 June 10, 2020

MOTION by Mac Warner for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Harris Deposition, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Biafore Deposition, # 3 Exhibit 3 - Nelson Deposition, # 4 Exhibit 4 - Krosnick Deposition, # 5 Exhibit 5 - Bates Deposition, # 6 Proposed Order)(Masslon, John)

RECAP
59 June 10, 2020

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Mac Warner in support of 58 MOTION by Mac Warner for Summary Judgment (Masslon, John)

RECAP
60 June 12, 2020

RESPONSE by Vera McCormick in opposition to 51 MOTION by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party to Certify Class (Taylor, Michael)

RECAP
61 June 12, 2020

RESPONSE by Mac Warner in opposition to 51 MOTION by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party to Certify Class (Masslon, John)

RECAP
62 June 19, 2020

MOTION by Mac Warner to Exclude Dr. Jon Krosnick's Third Expert Report. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Krosnick First Report, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Krosnick Second Report, # 3 Exhibit 3 - MacDonald Report, # 4 Exhibit 4 - MacDonald Transcript, # 5 Exhibit 5 - Krosnick Third Report, # 6 Proposed Order)(Masslon, John)

RECAP
63 June 19, 2020

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Mac Warner in support of 62 MOTION by Mac Warner to Exclude Dr. Jon Krosnick's Third Expert Report. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
64 June 22, 2020

PROPOSED PRETRIAL ORDER by Vera McCormick, Mac Warner, All Plaintiffs (Attachment: # 1 Stipulation)(Masslon, John) (Modified on 6/23/2020 to add party filers) (ts).

RECAP
65 June 22, 2020

REPLY by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party to 60 Response In Opposition, 61 Response In Opposition. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit A)(Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
66 June 23, 2020

ORDER directing the following expedited briefing deadlines for the 62 MOTION by Mac Warner to Exclude Dr. Jon Krosnick's Third Expert Report: the plaintiffs must file their response by 6/26/2020; Warner must then file his reply by 6/30/2020. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 6/23/2020. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented parties) (jsa)

RECAP
67 June 24, 2020

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL re: 50 MOTION by Mac Warner to Compel Plaintiffs To Respond To Requests For Production and Interrogatories (Masslon, John) (Modified on 6/24/2020 to covert event to notice (other)) (ts).

RECAP
68 June 24, 2020

ORDER denying as moot Defendant Secretary of State Mac Warner's 50 MOTION to Compel, pursuant to his 67 Notice of Withdrawal of Motion to Compel. Signed by Magistrate Judge Cheryl A. Eifert on 6/24/2020. (cc: counsel of record) (jsa)

RECAP
69 June 24, 2020

RESPONSE by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party in opposition to 56 MOTION by Vera McCormick for Summary Judgment, 58 MOTION by Mac Warner for Summary Judgment (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
70 June 26, 2020

RESPONSE by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party in opposition to 62 MOTION by Mac Warner to Exclude Dr. Jon Krosnick's Third Expert Report. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Exhibit A (Pages 1-7), # 2 Appendix Exhibit A (Pages 8-31), # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C)(Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
71 June 29, 2020

REPLY by Mac Warner to 69 Response In Opposition. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
72 June 29, 2020

PRETRIAL CONFERENCE held by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 6/29/2020; Court Reporter: Kathy Swinhart. (trj)

RECAP
73 June 29, 2020

REPLY by Vera McCormick to 69 Response In Opposition. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Taylor, Michael)

RECAP
74 June 30, 2020

REPLY by Mac Warner to 70 Response In Opposition. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Email to counsel, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Email to court staff, # 3 Exhibit 3 - Email to counsel, # 4 Exhibit 4 - Autorecovery, # 5 Exhibit 5 - Minnesota Report, # 6 Exhibit 6 - Email to Plaintiffs' Counsel, # 7 Exhibit 7 - Email to the Secretary's Counsel, # 8 Exhibit 8 - Third report dataset)(Masslon, John)

RECAP
75 June 30, 2020

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER granting Plaintiffs' 51 MOTION to Certify Class; certifying the defendant class of all county ballot commissioners for the state of West Virginia; appointing defendant McCormick as the class representative and her counsel, Bailey & Wyant, PLLC, as class counsel; further directing counsel for the plaintiffs, McCormick, and Warner to meet and confer and agree upon a class notice to be mailed to each class member within seven days of this Order. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 6/30/2020. (cc: counsel of record) (jsa)

Clearinghouse
76 July 6, 2020

NOTICE of Additional Authority by Mac Warner (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Masslon, John)

RECAP
77 July 6, 2020

MOTION by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party to Reconsider Ruling Requiring Dr. Krosnick to Testify Live at Trial (Majestro, Anthony) (Modified on 7/10/2020 to remove link to #72 pretrial conference) (ts)

RECAP
78 July 9, 2020

ORDER directing the Defendants to respond to Plaintiffs' 77 MOTION to Reconsider Ruling Requiring Dr. Jon Krosnick to Testify Live at Trial by noon on Friday, 7/10/2020. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 7/9/2020. (cc: counsel of record) (jsa)

RECAP
79 July 10, 2020

RESPONSE by Vera McCormick re: 77 MOTION by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party to Reconsider Ruling Requiring Dr. Krosnick to Testify Live at Trial (Taylor, Michael)

RECAP
80 July 10, 2020

RESPONSE by Mac Warner in opposition to 77 MOTION by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party to Reconsider Ruling Requiring Dr. Krosnick to Testify Live at Trial (Masslon, John)

RECAP
81 July 10, 2020

REPLY BRIEF by Belinda Biafore, Elaine A. Harris, Dakota Nelson, West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee, West Virginia Democratic Party to 80 Response In Opposition. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit A)(Majestro, Anthony) (Modified on 7/12/2020 to remove links to ##77 motion, 78 Order)(ts).

RECAP
82 July 10, 2020

NOTICE of Additional Authority by Mac Warner (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Masslon, John)

RECAP
83 July 13, 2020

ORDER granting Plaintiffs' 77 MOTION to Reconsider Ruling Requiring Dr. Jon Krosnick to Testify Live at Trial; Dr. Krosnick may testify at trial remotely through live video, as more fully set forth herein. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 7/13/2020. (cc: counsel of record) (hkl)

RECAP
84 July 13, 2020

PRETRIAL CONFERENCE held by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 7/13/2020; Court Reporter: Kathy Swinhart. (trj)

RECAP
85 July 15, 2020

NOTICE OF CERTIFICATION FOR USE OF COURTROOM TECHNOLOGY on July 27, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. EDT in Judge Chambers's Courtroom (Masslon, John)

RECAP
86 July 15, 2020

NOTICE OF CERTIFICATION FOR USE OF COURTROOM TECHNOLOGY on July 27, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. in Judge Chambers's Courtroom, Huntington, WV (Majestro, Anthony)

RECAP
87 July 15, 2020

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER denying defendants' 56 and 58 MOTIONS for Summary Judgment. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 7/15/2020. (cc: counsel of record) (hkl)

RECAP
88 July 16, 2020

NOTICE OF CERTIFICATION FOR USE OF COURTROOM TECHNOLOGY on July 27, 2020 at 9:00 AM in Judge Chambers's Courtroom, Huntington, WV (Taylor, Michael)

RECAP
89 July 17, 2020

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER denying Defendant Mac Warner's 62 MOTION to Exclude Dr. Jon Krosnick's Third Expert Report. Signed by Judge Robert C. Chambers on 7/17/2020. (cc: counsel of record) (jsa)

RECAP
90 July 18, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Mac Warner for Rule 26(a)(2) Expert Testimony Disclosures. (Masslon, John)

RECAP
91 July 22, 2020

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE by Jessica Anne Lee on behalf of Mac Warner. (Lee, Jessica)

RECAP
92 July 22, 2020

MOTION by Mac Warner to Quash Subpoena (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Proposed Order)(Masslon, John)

RECAP
93 July 22, 2020

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Mac Warner in support of 92 MOTION by Mac Warner to Quash Subpoena (Masslon, John)

RECAP
July 22, 2020

Motions Referred

Case Details

State / Territory:

West Virginia

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 17, 2019

Closing Date: Oct. 15, 2021

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Registered voters affiliated with the Democratic Party, the West Virginia Democratic Party, and the West Virginia Democratic House Legislative Committee

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

State

West Virginia Secretary of State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

Southern District of West Virginia 3:19-00898

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit 20-00860

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Granted:

Declaratory Judgment

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

State Statute Struck Down

Voting Process Changes

Issues

Voting:

Election administration

Vote dilution

Voting: General & Misc.

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