Case: Banerian v. Benson

1:22-cv-00054 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Filed Date: Jan. 20, 2022

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case involved a challenge to Michigan’s newly enacted congressional districts. The plaintiffs, various registered voters residing in multiple congressional districts throughout Michigan, filed this lawsuit against the Michigan Secretary of State, the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (“the Commission”), and all thirteen commissioners on the Commission in their official capacity on January 20, 2022 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan…

This case involved a challenge to Michigan’s newly enacted congressional districts. The plaintiffs, various registered voters residing in multiple congressional districts throughout Michigan, filed this lawsuit against the Michigan Secretary of State, the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (“the Commission”), and all thirteen commissioners on the Commission in their official capacity on January 20, 2022 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The plaintiffs broadly alleged that the enacted congressional districts violated the “one person, one vote” rule enshrined in Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffs brought two counts against the defendants, including (1) violations of Article I, Section 2 and (2) violations of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The plaintiffs sought to enjoin holding an congressional election under the enacted congressional districts, to establish a deadline to redraw the maps, to enjoin the defendants from using any plan that did not comply with the U.S. Constitution, and an award of the costs and fees associated with the lawsuit. The plaintiffs were represented by private counsel. 

The plaintiffs alleged that Michigan established the Commission, in accordance with its November 2018 amendment to that State Constitution, to adopt district boundaries for State and congressional after each decennial census. The 2018 amendment also provided for criteria when proposing and adopting a districting plan that also aligned with the traditional redistricting criteria used across the Nation. In December 2021, the Commission adopted and enacted the “Chestnut Plan” – one of several proposed plans. The difference in population between the largest and smallest congressional districts was 1,122 persons. 

The plaintiffs alleged that the Commission’s failure to create districts with equal population suggested that the Commission did not prioritize the enumerated criteria. Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged that the boundaries were arbitrary, inconsistent, and non-neutral, and thus violated the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. 

On January 21, 2022, the case was assigned to Judge Paul L. Maloney.

On January 27, 2022, the plaintiffs filed an Amended Complaint, adding two additional plaintiffs. The plaintiffs also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction on January 27, 2022. 

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit assigned a three-judge panel to hear the case on February 1, 2022. Judge Raymond M. Kethledge, Judge Janet T. Neff, and Judge Paul L. Maloney were assigned to sit on the panel. 

On February 2, 2022, the proposed intervenor-defendants filed a motion to intervene as Michigan voters who supported the fair and constitutional redistricting maps, which was granted on February 11, 2022.

On February 11, 2022, an individual defendant filed a motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction or, in the alternative, for failure to state a claim. Several other individual defendants filed a motion to dismiss for the same reasons on February 11, 2022. Several other individual defendants filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim on Count II of the plaintiffs’ complaint on February 18, 2022. 

The three-judge panel ordered that the parties submit a status report on February 24, 2022. On March 2, 2022, the parties filed a joint status report on the motion for preliminary injunction, indicating matters of disputed and undisputed facts. 

On March 4, 2022, the three-judge panel found that the plaintiffs’ “one-person, one vote” claims were not at issue. The panel also found that the plaintiffs’ claim that the plan fragments “communities of interests” was nonjusticiable, as it was a “blood relative” of partisan gerrymandering. The panel thus granted the defendants’ motions and dismissed the plaintiff’s allegations of violations of the Fourteenth Amendment. 

On April 1, 2022, the three-judge panel denied the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. 597 F.Supp.3d 1163. The panel considered the four factors necessary to grant or deny a preliminary injunction, particularly the first factor: whether the movant had a strong likelihood of success on the merits. 

Analysis of the likelihood of success on the merits consisted of two steps: first, the plaintiffs had to prove the burden of existence of population differences that could be practicably avoided, and second, that burden shifted to the State to show the differences were necessary to achieve some legitimate state objective. The panel assumed that the plaintiffs made the necessary showing. The panel then found that the State was likely to carry the burden.

The plaintiffs subsequently filed a notice of interlocutory appeal on the U.S. Court of Appeals on April 29, 2022, which the U.S. Court of Appeals dismissed on May 5, 2022 for being improvidently docketed. 2022 WL 3061439.

The plaintiffs then filed appeal to the Supreme Court on July 28, 2022. On December 9, 2023, the Supreme Court issued a judgment dismissing the appeal as moot.

On January 14, 2023, the plaintiffs filed a notice of voluntary dismissal.

As of December 30, 2023, this case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Andrew Eslich (12/30/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/62625168/parties/banerian-v-benson/

Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Aidenbaum, Max Abram (Michigan)

Attorney for Defendant

Braden, E. Mark (Michigan)

Cramer, Raisa (Michigan)

Diaz, Jonathan (Michigan)

Elias, Marc (Michigan)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:22-cv-00054

Complaint

Jan. 20, 2022

Jan. 20, 2022

Complaint
3

1:22-cv-00054

Notice Regarding Assignment of Case

Jan. 21, 2022

Jan. 21, 2022

Other
7

1:22-cv-00054

First Amended Complaint

Jan. 27, 2022

Jan. 27, 2022

Complaint
19

1:22-cv-00054

Order

In re: Appointment of Three-Judge Panel Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2284

Feb. 1, 2022

Feb. 1, 2022

Order/Opinion
16

1:22-cv-00054

Proposed Intervenor-Defendants’ Opposed Motion to Intervene

Feb. 2, 2022

Feb. 2, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
56

1:22-cv-00054

Joint Status Report

March 2, 2022

March 2, 2022

Pleading / Motion / Brief
58

1:22-cv-00054

Order

March 4, 2022

March 4, 2022

Order/Opinion
57

1:22-cv-00054

Opinion Granting Partial Motions to Dismiss

March 4, 2022

March 4, 2022

Order/Opinion

589 F.Supp.3d 735

70

1:22-cv-00054

Order Denying Plaintiffs’ Motion for a Preliminary Injunction

April 1, 2022

April 1, 2022

Order/Opinion
69

1:22-cv-00054

Opinion Denying Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction

April 1, 2022

April 1, 2022

Order/Opinion

597 F.Supp.3d 1163

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/62625168/banerian-v-benson/

Last updated June 1, 2025, 11:12 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT requesting Three-Judge Panel against Jocelyn Benson, Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes filed by Harry Sawicki, Peter Colovos, Michael Banerian, Cameron Pickford, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Map) (Aidenbaum, Max) Modified text on 1/24/2022 (slk). (Entered: 01/20/2022)

1 Exhibit A-Map

View on PACER

Jan. 20, 2022

Jan. 20, 2022

Clearinghouse

Filing Fee (Civil Case) - Credit Card Payment

Jan. 20, 2022

Jan. 20, 2022

PACER

FILING FEE PAID re 1 by plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki in the amount of $402, receipt number AMIWDC-6646242 (Aidenbaum, Max)

Jan. 20, 2022

Jan. 20, 2022

PACER
2

PROPOSED SUMMONS to be issued re 1 (Aidenbaum, Max) (Entered: 01/20/2022)

Jan. 20, 2022

Jan. 20, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Edward M. Wenger on behalf of plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki (Wenger, Edward)

Jan. 21, 2022

Jan. 21, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Shawn Sheehy on behalf of plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki (Sheehy, Shawn)

Jan. 21, 2022

Jan. 21, 2022

PACER
3

NOTICE that this case has been assigned Paul L. Maloney (slk) (Entered: 01/21/2022)

Jan. 21, 2022

Jan. 21, 2022

Clearinghouse

Attorney Appearance

Jan. 21, 2022

Jan. 21, 2022

PACER
4

NOTICE to attorney Max Aidenbaum regarding recent filing 1 (slk) (Entered: 01/21/2022)

Jan. 21, 2022

Jan. 21, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Jason Torchinsky on behalf of plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki (Torchinsky, Jason)

Jan. 21, 2022

Jan. 21, 2022

PACER
5

SUMMONS ISSUED as to defendants Jocelyn Benson, Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (slk) (Entered: 01/24/2022)

Jan. 24, 2022

Jan. 24, 2022

PACER
6

Letter To Circuit Court Requesting Three Judge Panel (Judge Paul L. Maloney, cmc) (Entered: 01/25/2022)

Jan. 25, 2022

Jan. 25, 2022

PACER
7

First AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Harry Sawicki, Peter Colovos, Michael Banerian, Cameron Pickford, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Remedy Map) (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 01/27/2022)

Jan. 27, 2022

Jan. 27, 2022

Clearinghouse
8

PROPOSED SUMMONS to be issued re 7 (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 01/27/2022)

Jan. 27, 2022

Jan. 27, 2022

PACER
9

MOTION for preliminary injunction by plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki; (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A-Remedy Map, # 2 Exhibit B-Markman Memo (document not attached), # 3 Attachment Bryan Declaration, # 4 Attachment Banerian Declaration, # 5 Attachment Bommarito Declaration, # 6 Attachment Colovos Declaration, # 7 Attachment Gordon Declaration, # 8 Attachment Graves Declaration, # 9 Attachment LaFave Declaration, # 10 Attachment Paciorek Declaration, # 11 Attachment Pickford Declaration, # 12 Attachment Sawicki Declaration, # 13 Attachment Smith Declaration) (Spies, Charles) Modified text on 1/28/2022 (slk). (Entered: 01/27/2022)

Jan. 27, 2022

Jan. 27, 2022

PACER
10

EXHIBIT B re 9 to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki (Spies, Charles) Modified text on 1/28/2022 (slk). (Entered: 01/28/2022)

Jan. 28, 2022

Jan. 28, 2022

PACER
11

SUMMONS ISSUED as to defendants Jocelyn Benson, Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (slk) (Entered: 01/28/2022)

Jan. 28, 2022

Jan. 28, 2022

PACER
12

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SERVICE on behalf of Rebecca Szetela served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022 (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 01/31/2022)

Jan. 31, 2022

Jan. 31, 2022

PACER
13

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SERVICE on behalf of Douglas Clark served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022; Juanita Curry served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022; Anthony Eid served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022; Brittni Kellom served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022; Rhonda Lange served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022; Steven Terry Lett served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022; Cynthia Orton served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022; M. C. Rothhorn served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022; Janice Vallette served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022; Erin Wagner served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022; Richard Weiss served on 1/28/2022, answer due 2/18/2022 (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 01/31/2022)

Jan. 31, 2022

Jan. 31, 2022

PACER
14

SUMMONS returned executed; Jocelyn Benson served on 1/31/2022, answer due 2/22/2022 (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/01/2022)

Feb. 1, 2022

Feb. 1, 2022

PACER
15

SUMMONS returned executed; Dustin Witjes served on 1/31/2022, answer due 2/22/2022 (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/01/2022)

Feb. 1, 2022

Feb. 1, 2022

PACER
19

ORDER from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding appointment of a three-judge panel (slk) Modified text on 2/2/2022 (slk). (Entered: 02/02/2022)

Feb. 1, 2022

Feb. 1, 2022

Clearinghouse
16

MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendants Joan Swartz McKay, Grace Huizinga, Samantha Neuhaus, Jordan Neuhaus, Cayley Winters, Glenna DeJong, Marsha Caspar, Hedwig Kaufman, Collin Christner, Melany Mack, Ashley Prew, Sybil Bade, Susan Diliberti, Lisa Wignet, Matthew Wignet, Pamela Tessier, Susannah Goodman by intervenor-defendants Joan Swartz McKay, Grace Huizinga, Samantha Neuhaus, Jordan Neuhaus, Cayley Winters, Glenna DeJong, Marsha Caspar, Hedwig Kaufman, Collin Christner, Melany Mack, Ashley Prew, Sybil Bade, Susan Diliberti, Lisa Wignet, Matthew Wignet, Pamela Tessier, Susannah Goodman; (Attachments: # 1 Index, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2) (Prescott, Sarah) (Entered: 02/02/2022)

Feb. 2, 2022

Feb. 2, 2022

Clearinghouse
17

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendants Joan Swartz McKay, Grace Huizinga, Samantha Neuhaus, Jordan Neuhaus, Cayley Winters, Glenna DeJong, Marsha Caspar, Hedwig Kaufman, Collin Christner, Melany Mack, Ashley Prew, Sybil Bade, Susan Dilibe 16 filed by Sybil Bade, Marsha Caspar, Collin Christner, Glenna DeJong, Susan Diliberti, Susannah Goodman, Grace Huizinga, Hedwig Kaufman, Melany Mack, Joan Swartz McKay, Jordan Neuhaus, Samantha Neuhaus, Ashley Prew, Pamela Tessier, Lisa Wignet, Matthew Wignet, Cayley Winters (Prescott, Sarah) (Entered: 02/02/2022)

Feb. 2, 2022

Feb. 2, 2022

PACER
18

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendants Joan Swartz McKay, Grace Huizinga, Samantha Neuhaus, Jordan Neuhaus, Cayley Winters, Glenna DeJong, Marsha Caspar, Hedwig Kaufman, Collin Christner, Melany Mack, Ashley Prew, Sybil Bade, Susan Dilibe 16 filed by Sybil Bade, Marsha Caspar, Collin Christner, Glenna DeJong, Susan Diliberti, Susannah Goodman, Grace Huizinga, Hedwig Kaufman, Melany Mack, Joan Swartz McKay, Jordan Neuhaus, Samantha Neuhaus, Ashley Prew, Pamela Tessier, Lisa Wignet, Matthew Wignet, Cayley Winters (Prescott, Sarah) (Entered: 02/02/2022)

Feb. 2, 2022

Feb. 2, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Heather S. Meingast on behalf of defendant Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather)

Feb. 2, 2022

Feb. 2, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Erik Alexander Grill on behalf of defendant Jocelyn Benson (Grill, Erik)

Feb. 2, 2022

Feb. 2, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of David H. Fink on behalf of defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Fink, David)

Feb. 4, 2022

Feb. 4, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Nathan Joshua Fink on behalf of defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Fink, Nathan)

Feb. 4, 2022

Feb. 4, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Richard Bryan Raile on behalf of defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Raile, Richard)

Feb. 4, 2022

Feb. 4, 2022

PACER
20

MOTION to expedite Consideration of Their Motion for Preliminary Injunction with Brief in Support and Certificate of Compliance by plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith; (Spies, Charles) Modified text on 2/7/2022 (slk). (Entered: 02/04/2022)

Feb. 4, 2022

Feb. 4, 2022

PACER
21

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to expedite Consideration of Their Motion for Preliminary Injunction 20 filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/04/2022)

Feb. 4, 2022

Feb. 4, 2022

PACER
22

PROPOSED MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians by intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians ; (Attachments: # 1 Index, # 2 Exhibit A - Proposed Intervenor-Defendant Voters Not Politicians' Partial Motion to Dismiss, # 3 Exhibit B - Proposed Intervenor-Defendant Voters Not Politicians' Answer to Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint) (Pauwels, Andrew) (Entered: 02/07/2022)

Feb. 7, 2022

Feb. 7, 2022

PACER
23

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re PROPOSED MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians 22 filed by Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians (Pauwels, Andrew) (Entered: 02/07/2022)

Feb. 7, 2022

Feb. 7, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Andrew Michael Pauwels on behalf of intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians (Pauwels, Andrew)

Feb. 7, 2022

Feb. 7, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Paul M. Smith on behalf of intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians (Smith, Paul)

Feb. 7, 2022

Feb. 7, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Mark Gaber on behalf of intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians (Gaber, Mark)

Feb. 7, 2022

Feb. 7, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Andrea L. Hansen on behalf of intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians (Hansen, Andrea)

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

PACER
24

ORDER SETTING BRIEFING SCHEDULE; Oral argument scheduled 3/16/2022 at 3pm at 499 Federal Building, Grand Rapids, MI; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Judge Paul L. Maloney, cmc) (Entered: 02/08/2022)

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Jonathan Diaz on behalf of intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote (Diaz, Jonathan)

Feb. 8, 2022

Feb. 8, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Marc Elias on behalf of intervenor-defendants Sybil Bade, Marsha Caspar, Collin Christner, Count MI Vote, Glenna DeJong, Susan Diliberti, Susannah Goodman, Grace Huizinga, Hedwig Kaufman, Melany Mack, Joan Swartz McKay, Jordan Neuhaus, Samantha Neuhaus, Ashley Prew, Pamela Tessier, Lisa Wignet, Matthew Wignet, Cayley Winters (Elias, Marc)

Feb. 9, 2022

Feb. 9, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Aaron Mihir Mukerjee on behalf of intervenor-defendants Sybil Bade, Marsha Caspar, Collin Christner, Glenna DeJong, Susan Diliberti, Susannah Goodman, Grace Huizinga, Hedwig Kaufman, Melany Mack, Joan Swartz McKay, Jordan Neuhaus, Samantha Neuhaus, Ashley Prew, Pamela Tessier, Lisa Wignet, Matthew Wignet, Cayley Winters (Mukerjee, Aaron)

Feb. 9, 2022

Feb. 9, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Melinda K. Johnson on behalf of intervenor-defendants Sybil Bade, Marsha Caspar, Collin Christner, Glenna DeJong, Susan Diliberti, Susannah Goodman, Grace Huizinga, Hedwig Kaufman, Melany Mack, Joan Swartz McKay, Jordan Neuhaus, Samantha Neuhaus, Ashley Prew, Pamela Tessier, Lisa Wignet, Matthew Wignet, Cayley Winters (Johnson, Melinda)

Feb. 9, 2022

Feb. 9, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Raisa Cramer on behalf of intervenor-defendants Sybil Bade, Marsha Caspar, Collin Christner, Glenna DeJong, Susan Diliberti, Susannah Goodman, Grace Huizinga, Hedwig Kaufman, Melany Mack, Joan Swartz McKay, Jordan Neuhaus, Samantha Neuhaus, Ashley Prew, Pamela Tessier, Lisa Wignet, Matthew Wignet, Cayley Winters (Cramer, Raisa)

Feb. 9, 2022

Feb. 9, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Emma Olson Sharkey on behalf of intervenor-defendants Sybil Bade, Marsha Caspar, Collin Christner, Glenna DeJong, Susan Diliberti, Susannah Goodman, Grace Huizinga, Hedwig Kaufman, Melany Mack, Joan Swartz McKay, Jordan Neuhaus, Samantha Neuhaus, Ashley Prew, Pamela Tessier, Lisa Wignet, Matthew Wignet, Cayley Winters (Olson Sharkey, Emma)

Feb. 9, 2022

Feb. 9, 2022

PACER
25

MOTION to expedite Oral Argument by plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith; (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/09/2022)

Feb. 9, 2022

Feb. 9, 2022

PACER
26

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to expedite Oral Argument 25 filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/09/2022)

Feb. 9, 2022

Feb. 9, 2022

PACER
27

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendants Joan Swartz McKay, Grace Huizinga, Samantha Neuhaus, Jordan Neuhaus, Cayley Winters, Glenna DeJong, Marsha Caspar, Hedwig Kaufman, Collin Christner, Melany Mack, Ashley Prew, Sybil Bade, Susan Dilibe 16 filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/10/2022)

Feb. 10, 2022

Feb. 10, 2022

PACER
28

RESPONSE in opposition to PROPOSED MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote d/b/a Voters Not Politicians 22 filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/10/2022)

Feb. 10, 2022

Feb. 10, 2022

PACER
29

NOTICE of Withdrawal of Appearance by intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote (Elias, Marc) (Entered: 02/10/2022)

Feb. 10, 2022

Feb. 10, 2022

PACER
30

ORDER denying 25 motion to expedite oral argument; signed by Circuit Judge Raymond M. Kethledge, District Judge Paul L. Maloney, and District Judge Janet T. Neff (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 02/11/2022)

Feb. 11, 2022

Feb. 11, 2022

PACER
31

ORDER granting 16 motion to intervene; granting 22 motion to intervene; signed by Circuit Judge Raymond M. Kethledge, District Judge Paul L. Maloney, and District Judge Janet T. Neff (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 02/11/2022)

Feb. 11, 2022

Feb. 11, 2022

PACER
32

MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction or in the Alternative for Failure to State a Claim and Certificate of Service (filed per order 31 ) by intervenor-defendant Count MI Vote; (Pauwels, Andrew) Modified text on 2/14/2022 (slk). (Entered: 02/11/2022)

Feb. 11, 2022

Feb. 11, 2022

PACER
33

ANSWER to Amended Complaint 7 with affirmative defenses and Certificate of Service (filed per Order 31 ) by Count MI Vote (Pauwels, Andrew) Modified text on 2/14/2022 (slk). (Entered: 02/11/2022)

Feb. 11, 2022

Feb. 11, 2022

PACER
34

MOTION to dismiss (filed per 31 ) by intervenor-defendants Sybil Bade, Marsha Caspar, Collin Christner, Glenna DeJong, Susan Diliberti, Susannah Goodman, Grace Huizinga, Hedwig Kaufman, Melany Mack, Joan Swartz McKay, Jordan Neuhaus, Samantha Neuhaus, Ashley Prew, Pamela Tessier, Lisa Wignet, Matthew Wignet, Cayley Winters; (slk) (Entered: 02/14/2022)

Feb. 11, 2022

Feb. 11, 2022

PACER
35

ANSWER to Amended Complaint 7 with affirmative defenses (filed per order 31 ) by Sybil Bade, Marsha Caspar, Collin Christner, Glenna DeJong, Susan Diliberti, Susannah Goodman, Grace Huizinga, Hedwig Kaufman, Melany Mack, Joan Swartz McKay, Jordan Neuhaus, Samantha Neuhaus, Ashley Prew, Pamela Tessier, Matthew Wignet, Cayley Winters, and Lisa Wignet (slk) Modified text on 2/25/2022 (slk). (Entered: 02/14/2022)

Feb. 11, 2022

Feb. 11, 2022

PACER
36

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction 9 filed by Count MI Vote (Pauwels, Andrew) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
37

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction or in the Alternative for Failure to State a Claim and Certificate of Service 32 filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
38

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to dismiss (filed per 31 ) 34 filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
39

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction 9 filed by Sybil Bade, Marsha Caspar, Collin Christner, Glenna DeJong, Susan Diliberti, Susannah Goodman, Grace Huizinga, Hedwig Kaufman, Melany Mack, Joan Swartz McKay, Jordan Neuhaus, Samantha Neuhaus, Ashley Prew, Pamela Tessier, Matthew Wignet, Cayley Winters (Attachments: # 1 Index, # 2 Exhibit A) (Prescott, Sarah) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
40

ANSWER to Amended Complaint 7 with affirmative defenses by Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Fink, David) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
41

MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim (partial) pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6), MOTION to dismiss (partial) pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1) by defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes; (Fink, David) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
42

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction 9 filed by Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Attachments: # 1 Index, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C, # 5 Exhibit D, # 6 Exhibit E, # 7 Exhibit F, # 8 Exhibit G) (Fink, David) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
43

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim (partial) pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6) MOTION to dismiss (partial) pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1) 41 filed by Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Fink, David) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
44

MOTION to dismiss count II of the amended complaint (Concurrence in #41 Partial Motion to Dismiss) by defendant Jocelyn Benson; (Meingast, Heather) Modified text on 2/22/2022 (slk). (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
45

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for MOTION to dismiss Concurrence in #41 Partial Motion to Dismiss 44 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
46

ANSWER to Amended Complaint 7 with affirmative defenses by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
47

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction 9 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Attachments: # 1 Index Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit 1. Department of State Bulletins) (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
48

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Response in Opposition 47 filed by Jocelyn Benson (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 02/18/2022)

Feb. 18, 2022

Feb. 18, 2022

PACER
49

REPLY to response to motion 9 for Preliminary Injunction filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/23/2022)

Feb. 23, 2022

Feb. 23, 2022

PACER
50

REPLY to response to motion 9 for Preliminary Injunction (Benson) filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/23/2022)

Feb. 23, 2022

Feb. 23, 2022

PACER
51

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim (partial) pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6) MOTION to dismiss (partial) pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1) 41 filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/23/2022)

Feb. 23, 2022

Feb. 23, 2022

PACER
52

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to dismiss Concurrence in #41 Partial Motion to Dismiss 44 filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/23/2022)

Feb. 23, 2022

Feb. 23, 2022

PACER
53

REPLY to response to motion 9 for Preliminary Injunction (Commissioners) filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Attachments: # 1 Index, # 2 Exhibit A-Supplemental Declaration) (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/23/2022)

Feb. 23, 2022

Feb. 23, 2022

PACER
54

REPLY to response to motion 9 for Preliminary Injunction (Voter-Intervenors) filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 02/23/2022)

Feb. 23, 2022

Feb. 23, 2022

PACER
55

STATUS REPORT ORDER; status report due by 3/2/2022 no later than 12:00 pm ; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney on behalf of Circuit Judge Raymond M. Kethledge, District Judge Paul L. Maloney, and District Judge Janet T. Neff (Judge Paul L. Maloney, cmc) (Entered: 02/24/2022)

Feb. 24, 2022

Feb. 24, 2022

PACER
56

JOINT STATUS REPORT re MOTION for preliminary injunction 9 (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 03/02/2022)

March 2, 2022

March 2, 2022

Clearinghouse
57

OPINION; signed by Circuit Judge Raymond M. Kethledge (, acr) (Entered: 03/04/2022)

March 4, 2022

March 4, 2022

Clearinghouse
58

ORDER granting 32 motion to dismiss; granting 34 motion to dismiss; granting 41 motion to dismiss; granting 44 motion to dismiss; dismissing Count II of the complaint; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney on behalf of the Three-Judge Panel (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) Modified text per Chambers on 3/4/2022 (ems). (Entered: 03/04/2022)

March 4, 2022

March 4, 2022

Clearinghouse

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Katherine McKnight on behalf of defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (McKnight, Katherine)

March 9, 2022

March 9, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Patrick T. Lewis on behalf of defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Lewis, Patrick)

March 9, 2022

March 9, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Sean Sandoloski on behalf of defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Sandoloski, Sean)

March 9, 2022

March 9, 2022

PACER

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of E. Mark Braden on behalf of defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Braden, E. Mark)

March 9, 2022

March 9, 2022

PACER
59

NOTICE OF MOTION HEARING regarding MOTION for preliminary injunction 9 : motion hearing is set for 3/16/2022 at 03:00 PM at 499 Federal Building, Grand Rapids, MI before the Three-Judge Court (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 03/09/2022)

March 9, 2022

March 9, 2022

PACER
60

MINUTES of motion hearing re 9 MOTION for preliminary injunction filed by Harry Sawicki, Peter Colovos, Michael Banerian, Joseph Graves, Cameron Pickford, Beau LaFave, William Gordon held before Three Judge Panel of Circuit Judge Raymond M. Kethledge, District Judge Paul L. Maloney, District Judge Janet T. Neff; Minutes submitted on behalf of the panel by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Court Reporter: Kathleen Thomas) (Judge Paul L. Maloney, cmc) (Entered: 03/17/2022)

March 17, 2022

March 17, 2022

PACER
61

SUPPLEMENT re Response in Opposition, 42 Defendants' Supplemental Memorandum in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Volume I, # 2 Appendix Volume II - Part 1, # 3 Appendix Volume II - Part 2, # 4 Appendix Volume III - Part 1, # 5 Appendix Volume III - Part 2, # 6 Appendix Volume IV, # 7 Appendix Volume V, # 8 Appendix Volume VI, # 9 Appendix Volume VII - Part 1, # 10 Appendix Volume VII - Part 2, # 11 Appendix Volume VII - Part 3) (Fink, David) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
62

REPLY to response to motion 9 Supplemental Brief filed by Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 03/22/2022)

March 22, 2022

March 22, 2022

PACER
63

ORDER permitting responses; responsive briefs to be filed by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on 3/25/2022; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney on behalf of the Three-Judge Panel (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 03/23/2022)

March 23, 2022

March 23, 2022

PACER
64

SUPPLEMENT RESPONSE MEMORANDUM in Opposition Defendants' Supplemental Response Memorandum in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction 9 by defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes (Fink, David) Modified text on 3/28/2022 (slk). (Entered: 03/25/2022)

March 25, 2022

March 25, 2022

PACER
65

RESPONSE TO 61 PLAINTIFFS' OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT COMMISSIONERS' SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF filed by plaintiff Michael Banerian (Spies, Charles) (Entered: 03/25/2022)

March 25, 2022

March 25, 2022

PACER
66

CORRECTED OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT COMMISSIONERS' SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF 61, letter from attorney Charles R. Spies for plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith regarding Plaintiffs' Corrected Filing Re Plaintiffs' Brief in Opposition to Defendant Commissioners' Supplemental Brief [ ECF #65] (Attachments: # 1 Attachment 1, # 2 Attachment 2 - Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendant Commissioners' Supplemental Brief) (Spies, Charles) Modified text on 3/28/2022 - this document takes the place of 65 (slk). (Entered: 03/25/2022)

March 25, 2022

March 25, 2022

PACER
67

MOTION to withdraw as attorney by defendants Douglas Clark, Juanita Curry, Anthony Eid, Brittni Kellom, Rhonda Lange, Steven Terry Lett, Cynthia Orton, M. C. Rothhorn, Rebecca Szetela, Janice Vallette, Erin Wagner, Richard Weiss, Dustin Witjes; (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Sandoloski, Sean) (Entered: 03/25/2022)

March 25, 2022

March 25, 2022

PACER
68

ORDER granting 67 Attorney Sean M. Sandoloski's motion to withdraw as attorney; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney (Judge Paul L. Maloney, acr) (Entered: 03/28/2022)

March 28, 2022

March 28, 2022

PACER
69

OPINION; signed by Circuit Judge Raymond M. Kethledge (,cmc) (Entered: 04/01/2022)

April 1, 2022

April 1, 2022

Clearinghouse
70

ORDER denying 9 motion for preliminary injunction ; signed by District Judge Paul L. Maloney on behalf of the Three-Judge Panel (Judge Paul L. Maloney, cmc) (Entered: 04/01/2022)

April 1, 2022

April 1, 2022

Clearinghouse
71

NOTICE OF INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL re 70, 69 by plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith [Attorney Jason Torchinsky added to party Michon Bommarito(pty:pla), Attorney Jason Torchinsky added to party Sarah Paciorek(pty:pla), Attorney Jason Torchinsky added to party Michelle Smith(pty:pla)] (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Preliminary Injunction Opinion, # 2 Exhibit B - Preliminary Injunction Order) (Torchinsky, Jason) Modified texton 5/2/2022 (slk). (Entered: 04/29/2022)

April 29, 2022

April 29, 2022

PACER

APPEAL FEE PAID re 71 by plaintiffs Michael Banerian, Michon Bommarito, Peter Colovos, William Gordon, Joseph Graves, Beau LaFave, Sarah Paciorek, Cameron Pickford, Harry Sawicki, Michelle Smith in the amount of $505, receipt number AMIWDC-6732474 (Torchinsky, Jason)

May 1, 2022

May 1, 2022

PACER
72

LETTER FROM CCA regarding appeal 71 indicating that the appeal has been filed as case 22-1399 (slk) (Entered: 05/04/2022)

May 4, 2022

May 4, 2022

PACER

CASE NUMBER 22-1399 assigned by the Sixth Circuit to appeal 71 (mkc)

May 4, 2022

May 4, 2022

PACER
73

ORDER of USCA (certified copy) re appeal 71 dismissing appeal as improvidently docketed (slk) (Entered: 05/05/2022)

May 5, 2022

May 5, 2022

Clearinghouse

Case Details