Scott, Jr., et al v. Schedler

Plaintiffs, Luther Scott, Jr. and the Louisiana NAACP, filed suit to enjoin defendants to comply with the National Voter Registration Act, 42 U.S.C. 1973gg-1973gg-10. Scott alleged that he was not provided with a voter registration form when applying for food stamps, and the NAACP alleged that it had to divert resources to voter registration drives as a result of Louisiana's purported non-compliance. On appeal, the Secretary of State challenged the district court's injunction against it. The court was primarily concerned with the Secretary's challenge to the extent of its requirement that state welfare agencies provide benefits applicants with voter registration forms. The court dismissed Scott's claims on standing and notice grounds; on the merits of the NAACP's claim, the court concluded that the plain meaning of the declination form obliged the court to vacate in part the relief the district court granted to the NAACP; and affirming in part, the court held that the Act gives the Secretary enforcement authority, and that consequently he has an obligation to require the two state agencies to comply with the other miscellaneous portions of the Act. View "Scott, Jr., et al v. Schedler" on Justia Law