A federal court challenge by proponents of a nonpartisan redistricting initiative to the feasibility of in-person signatures for ballot initiatives, in light of COVID-19.

On May 7, 2020, plaintiffs requested a preliminary injunction to allow for collection of virtual signatures instead. On June 15, 2020, the court denied the request, finding North Dakota’s pandemic response measures did not pose a significant limitation on the plaintiffs’ ability to gather signatures, and that the in-person requirement was therefore sufficiently justified. Facing a petition signature deadline of July 6, 2020, the parties stipulated to a dismissal, which the court adopted on June 24, 2020.