Jun 01, 2012
Paul, Weiss and its pro bono partners obtained a
landmark victory for their clients the League of Women Voters of
Florida, Rock the Vote, and the Florida Public Interest Research
Group, when Judge Robert Hinkle of the Northern District of Florida
permanently enjoined key provisions of an onerous state law
restricting voter registration.
Judge Hinkle found that several aspects of Florida's
law likely violated the voter registration organizations' rights
under the First Amendment and the National Voter Registration Act.
Among the provisions enjoined are a requirement that community
groups submit completed voter registration applications to state
officials within exactly 48 hours or face potential fines and
penalties and a requirement that volunteers sign an intimidating
and inaccurate sworn statement form before asking to collect
anyone's voter registration application. Due to the burdens and
risks imposed by the law, our clients and others had ceased, or
severely curtailed, their voter registration activity throughout
Florida.
The Paul, Weiss team included litigation partners Robert A.
Atkins and Alex Young K. Oh, counsel Farrah R.
Berse, associates Zachary A. Dietert, Matthew R.
Huppert, and Lindsey M. Weinstock. The Brennan
Center for Justice, the ACLU Foundation of Florida and
Florida-based law firm Coffey Burlington served as co-counsel.