Case: Driver v. Houston County Board of Elections

5:25-cv-00025 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

Filed Date: Jan. 16, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenged Houston County, Georgia's method of electing its Board of Commissioners. On January 16, 2025, the United States of America filed this suit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia against Houston County and several members of the Houston County Board of Commissioners. Plaintiff alleged that defendants violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) by using a method to elect the Board of Commissioners that diluted the voting strength of Black citizens…

This case challenged Houston County, Georgia's method of electing its Board of Commissioners.

On January 16, 2025, the United States of America filed this suit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia against Houston County and several members of the Houston County Board of Commissioners. Plaintiff alleged that defendants violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) by using a method to elect the Board of Commissioners that diluted the voting strength of Black citizens, giving them less opportunity than others to choose representatives. Specifically, the United States alleged that the Black population of Houston County was politically cohesive, and the White population voted as a bloc to usually defeat the preferred candidate of Black voters. Thus, only one Black citizen had been voted into office since the end of Reconstruction in 1876.

The United States sought declaratory and injunctive relief enjoining defendants from administering, implementing, or conducting any future elections under the current method of election; and an order for defendants to devise and implement an election system that complied with Section 2 of the VRA. The case was assigned to Judge Marc Thomas Treadwell.

On January 25, 2025, several Black voters in Houston County filed a motion to intervene, arguing that the United States inadequately represented their interest and that they shared an interest in the litigation as voters affected by the current election method. The court granted the motion to intervene on March 4, finding that the intervenors could offer new evidence that may shed additional light on the issue. 2025 WL 694458. The following day, the intervenor-plaintiffs filed a complaint seeking similar relief to the United States, as well as attorneys’ fees.

Defendants filed a motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction on March 17, 2025. Defendants argued that the United States sued the wrong party, as defendants did not administer the elections in Houston County and did not adopt the countywide method of election, nor would enjoining them change the current method of electing commissioners.

However, on March 24, 2025, the United States flipped its position and filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss the case. While the United States did not specify why it decided to dismiss the case, the dismissal dovetails with the Trump Administration's dismissal of most voting rights litigation brought by the Biden Administration. The case was closed the following day; it was reopened the same day, however, in light of the intervenor plaintiffs' complaint. Two days later, defendants filed a motion to dismiss intervenor-plaintiffs' complaint. On April 15, in light of the United States' withdrawal from the case, the case was renamed Driver v. Houston County Board of Elections.

The court denied defendants' motion to dismiss on September 2, 2025, finding that the plaintiffs allegations created a basis for subject matter jurisdiction and their stated claims for relief were all “plausible on [their] face.” 2025 WL 2523719.

Discovery is schedule to be complete in March 2026.

Summary Authors

Madilynn O'Hara (3/12/2025)

Matt Petrillo (6/27/2025)

Madeline Kaplan (9/24/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69554602/parties/driver-v-houston-county-board-of-elections/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

FREEMAN, DANIEL J (Georgia)

Attorney for Defendant

JACOUTOT, BRYAN FRANCIS (Georgia)

LAROSS, DIANE (Georgia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

ANDERSON, ARIELLE (Georgia)

BARRON, LYNSEY (Georgia)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

5:25-cv-00025

Complaint

United States v. Houston County

Jan. 16, 2025

Jan. 16, 2025

Complaint
13

5:25-cv-00025

Order

United States of America v. Houston County

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 694458

14

5:25-cv-00025

Complaint-in-Intervention

United States of America v. Houston County

March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

Complaint
19

5:25-cv-00025

County Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff’s Complaint

United States v. Houston County

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
19-1

5:25-cv-00025

County Defendants’ Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Complaint

United States v. Houston County

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
20

5:25-cv-00025

Notice of Voluntary Dismissal

United States of America v. Houston County

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
21

5:25-cv-00025

County Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff-Intervenors' Complaint-in-Intervention

United States of America v. Houston County

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
41

5:25-cv-00025

Order

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 2523719

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69554602/driver-v-houston-county-board-of-elections/

Last updated May 28, 2026, 7:17 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against MARK BYRD, Shane Gottwals, HOUSTON COUNTY, DAN PERDUE, Gail Robinson, TAL TALTON filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(FREEMAN, DANIEL) (Entered: 01/16/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Jan. 16, 2025

Jan. 16, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by BRIAN REMLINGER on behalf of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Attorney BRIAN REMLINGER added to party UNITED STATES OF AMERICA(pty:pla)(REMLINGER, BRIAN) (Entered: 01/16/2025)

Jan. 16, 2025

Jan. 16, 2025

3

***DISREGARD*** refiled at 4 NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by ERNEST ALAN MCFARLAND on behalf of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Attorney ERNEST ALAN MCFARLAND added to party UNITED STATES OF AMERICA(pty:pla)(MCFARLAND, ERNEST) Modified to update docket text on 1/17/2025 (rka). (Entered: 01/17/2025)

Jan. 17, 2025

Jan. 17, 2025

4

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by ERNEST ALAN MCFARLAND on behalf of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (MCFARLAND, ERNEST) (Entered: 01/17/2025)

Jan. 17, 2025

Jan. 17, 2025

Notice of Deficiency (related document(s): 3 Notice of Attorney Appearance filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ); Document must be converted into text-searchable PDF format and re-filed. See CM/ECF Administrative Procedures.(rka)

Jan. 17, 2025

Jan. 17, 2025

5

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA as to MARK BYRD, SHANE GOTTWALS, HOUSTON COUNTY, DAN PERDUE, GAIL ROBINSON, TAL TALTON. (FREEMAN, DANIEL) (Entered: 01/21/2025)

Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

6

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by BRYAN P TYSON on behalf of HOUSTON COUNTY, DAN PERDUE, SHANE GOTTWALS, GAIL ROBINSON, TAL TALTON, MARK BYRD Attorney BRYAN P TYSON added to party HOUSTON COUNTY(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN P TYSON added to party DAN PERDUE(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN P TYSON added to party SHANE GOTTWALS(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN P TYSON added to party GAIL ROBINSON(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN P TYSON added to party TAL TALTON(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN P TYSON added to party MARK BYRD(pty:dft)(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 01/21/2025)

Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

7

MOTION to Intervene by Courtney Driver, Michael C Jones filed by BRYAN L SELLS. (Attachments: # 1 proposed complaint-in-intervention)(SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 01/25/2025)

Jan. 25, 2025

Jan. 25, 2025

8

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by LYNSEY BARRON on behalf of Courtney Driver Attorney LYNSEY BARRON added to party Courtney Driver(pty:mov)(BARRON, LYNSEY) (Entered: 01/25/2025)

Jan. 25, 2025

Jan. 25, 2025

9

NOTICE of Attorney Withdrawal by BRIAN REMLINGER on behalf of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA(REMLINGER, BRIAN) (Entered: 02/11/2025)

Feb. 11, 2025

Feb. 11, 2025

10

RESPONSE filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA re 7 MOTION to Intervene (FREEMAN, DANIEL) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
11

RESPONSE filed by HOUSTON COUNTY, DAN PERDUE, SHANE GOTTWALS, GAIL ROBINSON, TAL TALTON, MARK BYRD re 7 MOTION to Intervene (TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 02/18/2025)

Feb. 18, 2025

Feb. 18, 2025

RECAP
12

REPLY to Response filed by COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES re 7 MOTION to Intervene (SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 03/02/2025)

March 2, 2025

March 2, 2025

RECAP
13

ORDER GRANTING 7 Motion to Intervene by Courtney Driver and Michael C Jones. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL on 3/4/2025. (kat)

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

Clearinghouse
14

Intervenor COMPLAINT against MARK BYRD, SHANE GOTTWALS, HOUSTON COUNTY, DAN PERDUE, GAIL ROBINSON, TAL TALTON, Houston County Board of Elections, Pamela Morgan (SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 03/05/2025)

March 5, 2025

March 5, 2025

Clearinghouse
15

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by MICHAEL C JONES, COURTNEY DRIVER as to HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS. (SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 03/11/2025)

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

RECAP
16

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by MICHAEL C JONES, COURTNEY DRIVER as to PAMELA MORGAN. (SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 03/11/2025)

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

RECAP
17

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by BRYAN FRANCIS JACOUTOT on behalf of HOUSTON COUNTY, DAN PERDUE, SHANE GOTTWALS, GAIL ROBINSON, TAL TALTON, MARK BYRD Attorney BRYAN FRANCIS JACOUTOT added to party HOUSTON COUNTY(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN FRANCIS JACOUTOT added to party DAN PERDUE(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN FRANCIS JACOUTOT added to party SHANE GOTTWALS(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN FRANCIS JACOUTOT added to party GAIL ROBINSON(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN FRANCIS JACOUTOT added to party TAL TALTON(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN FRANCIS JACOUTOT added to party MARK BYRD(pty:dft)(JACOUTOT, BRYAN) (Entered: 03/17/2025)

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

18

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by DIANE LAROSS on behalf of HOUSTON COUNTY, DAN PERDUE, SHANE GOTTWALS, GAIL ROBINSON, TAL TALTON, MARK BYRD Attorney DIANE LAROSS added to party HOUSTON COUNTY(pty:dft), Attorney DIANE LAROSS added to party DAN PERDUE(pty:dft), Attorney DIANE LAROSS added to party SHANE GOTTWALS(pty:dft), Attorney DIANE LAROSS added to party GAIL ROBINSON(pty:dft), Attorney DIANE LAROSS added to party TAL TALTON(pty:dft), Attorney DIANE LAROSS added to party MARK BYRD(pty:dft)(LAROSS, DIANE) (Entered: 03/17/2025)

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

19

MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 1 Complaint (IFP) : by HOUSTON COUNTY, DAN PERDUE, SHANE GOTTWALS, GAIL ROBINSON, TAL TALTON, MARK BYRD filed by BRYAN P TYSON. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support)(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 03/17/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on RECAP

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

Clearinghouse
20

NOTICE of Voluntary Dismissal by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA as to All Defendants (MCFARLAND, ERNEST) (Entered: 03/24/2025)

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Clearinghouse

REMARK: In light of 20 Voluntary Dismissal, this case has been closed. (rka)

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

REMARK: Case has been reopened pursuant to pending Intervenor Complaint re 14 . (rka)

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

21

MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 14 Intervenor Complaint : by HOUSTON COUNTY, DAN PERDUE, SHANE GOTTWALS, GAIL ROBINSON, TAL TALTON, MARK BYRD filed by BRYAN P TYSON. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support)(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 03/26/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on RECAP

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

Clearinghouse
22

UNOPPOSED MOTION to Dismiss Party MARK BYRD, SHANE GOTTWALS, HOUSTON COUNTY, DAN PERDUE, GAIL ROBINSON, TAL TALTON by MICHAEL C JONES, COURTNEY DRIVER filed by BRYAN L SELLS. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 04/04/2025)

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

23

This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER GRANTING 22 Plaintiff's Motion to Dismiss Party. Defendants Houston County, Dan Perdue, Shane Gottwals, Gail Robinson, Tal Talton, and Mark Byrd are DISMISSED without prejudice and their Motion to Dismiss 21 is TERMINATED as moot. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL on 4/7/2025. (afw) (Entered: 04/07/2025)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

Order on Motion to Dismiss Party

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

24

JOINT MOTION to redesignate parties by COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES filed by BRYAN L SELLS.(SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 04/14/2025)

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

25

This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER GRANTING 24 Joint Motion to Redesignate Parties. The Clerk of Court is directed to re-designate Courtney Driver and Michael Jones as Plaintiffs and change the caption of this case to Driver et al. v. Houston County Board of Elections et al. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL on 4/15/2025. (afw) (Entered: 04/15/2025)

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

26

RULES 16/26 ORDER: Proposed Scheduling/Discovery order due by 5/16/2025. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL on 4/16/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Required Form) (kat) (Entered: 04/16/2025)

1 Required Form

View on PACER

April 16, 2025

April 16, 2025

RECAP
27

UNOPPOSED MOTION to Stay Discovery and Discovery Deadlines by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS filed by BRYAN P TYSON. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 04/22/2025)

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

28

This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER GRANTING 27 Motion to Stay. All discovery deadlines are stayed pending resolution of the Defendants' forthcoming motion to dismiss. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL on 4/23/2025. (afw) (Entered: 04/23/2025)

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Order on Motion to Stay

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

29

MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 14 Intervenor Complaint : by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN filed by BRYAN P TYSON. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support)(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 05/05/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on RECAP

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

RECAP
30

PETITION TO THE CLERK FOR ADMISSION TO PLEAD AND PRACTICE PRO HAC VICE on behalf of COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES Attorney Admission Fee (Pro Hac Vice) paid by Receipt # AGAMDC-4937561, $100. LOCAL COUNSEL Name and Georgia Bar #: Bryan L. Sells, Bar No. 635562. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing David Newmann Certificate of Good Standing from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania)(NEWMANN, DAVID) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

31

Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by DAVID NEWMANN. (aen) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

32

PETITION TO THE CLERK FOR ADMISSION TO PLEAD AND PRACTICE PRO HAC VICE on behalf of COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES Attorney Admission Fee (Pro Hac Vice) paid by Receipt # AGAMDC-4941235, $100. LOCAL COUNSEL Name and Georgia Bar #: Bryan L. Sells, Bar No. 635562. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing Arielle Anderson Certificate of Good Standing from the Southern District of Texas)(ANDERSON, ARIELLE) (Entered: 05/09/2025)

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

33

Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by ARIELLE ANDERSON. (aen) (Entered: 05/09/2025)

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

34

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN (TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 05/19/2025)

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

RECAP
35

RESPONSE filed by COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES re 29 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 14 Intervenor Complaint : (BARRON, LYNSEY) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

RECAP
36

REPLY to Response filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN re 29 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 14 Intervenor Complaint : (TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 06/10/2025)

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

RECAP
37

NOTICE of supplemental authority by COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES re 29 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 14 Intervenor Complaint : (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit - Medina opinion)(SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

1 Exhibit - Medina opinion

View on PACER

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

RECAP
38

RESPONSE in Opposition re 37 Notice (Other) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Order Denying Rehearing En Banc in Turtle Mountain)(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 07/08/2025)

1 Exhibit A - Order Denying Rehearing En Banc in Turtle Mountain

View on PACER

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

RECAP
39

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority by COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES re 29 MOTION to Dismiss Complaint re 14 Intervenor Complaint : (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit - Supreme Court order staying the Eighth Circuit's mandate)(SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 07/25/2025)

1 Exhibit - Supreme Court order staying the Eighth Circuit's mandate

View on PACER

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

RECAP
40

RESPONSE in Opposition re 39 Notice (Other), (TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 08/04/2025)

Aug. 4, 2025

Aug. 4, 2025

RECAP
41

ORDER DENYING 29 Motion to Dismiss Complaint re 14 Intervenor Complaint. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL on 9/2/2025. (kat)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

Clearinghouse
42

This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER LIFTING STAY. The parties shall submit their proposed Scheduling/Discovery Order by September 26, 2025. See ECF 26. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL on 9/12/2025. (afw) (Entered: 09/12/2025)

Sept. 12, 2025

Sept. 12, 2025

Order Lifting Stay

Sept. 12, 2025

Sept. 12, 2025

43

ANSWER to 14 Intervenor Complaint by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN.(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 09/16/2025)

Sept. 16, 2025

Sept. 16, 2025

RECAP
44

SCHEDULING/DISCOVERY ORDER: Discovery to be complete by 3/25/2026. Dispositive and Daubert motions due by 4/24/2026. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL on 9/26/2025. (kat) (Entered: 09/26/2025)

Sept. 26, 2025

Sept. 26, 2025

RECAP
45

This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER. The Rozier Plaintiffs' motion to expedite briefing is GRANTED. Any response to the Rozier Plaintiffs' motion to consolidate Rozier, et al., v. Houston County Board of Elections, et al., No. 5:25-cv-00478-MTT, with Driver, et al. v. Houston County Board of Elections, et al., No. 5:25-cv-00025-MTT shall be due November 19, 2025. The Rozier Plaintiffs' reply shall be due November 21, 2025. Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL on 11/12/2025. (afw) (Entered: 11/12/2025)

Nov. 12, 2025

Nov. 12, 2025

Order

Nov. 12, 2025

Nov. 12, 2025

46

UNOPPOSED MOTION for Joinder by COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES filed by BRYAN L SELLS. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

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47

RESPONSE to Court Order filed by COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES re 45 Order,, (SELLS, BRYAN) (Entered: 11/19/2025)

Nov. 19, 2025

Nov. 19, 2025

RECAP

NOTICE OF SETTING STATUS CONFERENCE / MOTION HEARING re 46 MOTION for Joinder. Status Conference / Motion Hearing set for 12/17/2025 at 9:30 AM in Macon before US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL. (kat)

Dec. 9, 2025

Dec. 9, 2025

48

PETITION TO THE CLERK FOR ADMISSION TO PLEAD AND PRACTICE PRO HAC VICE on behalf of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Georgia State Conference Attorney Admission Fee (Pro Hac Vice) paid by Receipt # AGAMDC-5132681, $100. LOCAL COUNSEL Name and Georgia Bar #: John H. Fleming GA Bar No. 263250. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing Certificate of Good Standing from the US District Court for the Central District of California)(HOUK, JULIE) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

49

Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by JULIE M HOUK. (aen) (Entered: 12/16/2025)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

***TIME CHANGE ONLY*** NOTICE OF RESETTING STATUS CONFERENCE / MOTION HEARING re 46 MOTION for Joinder. Status Conference / Motion Hearing RESET for 12/17/2025 at 10:00 AM in Macon before US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL. (kat)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

50

Minute Order for Proceedings held before US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL: Status Conference / Motion Hearing held on 12/17/2025. The Court GRANTED 46 Unopposed Motion for Joinder filed by MICHAEL C JONES, COURTNEY DRIVER (Court Reporter Darlene Fuller.) (kat) Modified on 12/18/2025 to correct date of hearing (kat). (Entered: 12/18/2025)

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

RECAP
51

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by BRYAN FRANCIS JACOUTOT on behalf of HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN Attorney BRYAN FRANCIS JACOUTOT added to party HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS(pty:dft), Attorney BRYAN FRANCIS JACOUTOT added to party PAMELA MORGAN(pty:dft)(JACOUTOT, BRYAN) (Entered: 12/19/2025)

Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

52

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by DIANE LAROSS on behalf of HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN Attorney DIANE LAROSS added to party HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS(pty:dft), Attorney DIANE LAROSS added to party PAMELA MORGAN(pty:dft)(LAROSS, DIANE) (Entered: 12/19/2025)

Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

53

PETITION TO THE CLERK FOR ADMISSION TO PLEAD AND PRACTICE PRO HAC VICE on behalf of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE Attorney Admission Fee (Pro Hac Vice) paid by Receipt # AGAMDC-5154090, $100. LOCAL COUNSEL Name and Georgia Bar #: John H. Fleming, GA Bar No. 263250. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing Certificate of Good Standing)(THOMAS, GRACE) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

1 Certificate of Good Standing Certificate of Good Standing

View on PACER

Jan. 9, 2026

Jan. 9, 2026

54

Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by GRACE THOMAS. *Local counsel will need to enter his Notice of Appearance. (ksl) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

Jan. 9, 2026

Jan. 9, 2026

55

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Stacey M. Mohr on behalf of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE Attorney Stacey M. Mohr added to party NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE(pty:pla)(Mohr, Stacey) (Entered: 01/30/2026)

Jan. 30, 2026

Jan. 30, 2026

56

TRANSCRIPT of Status Conference held on 12/17/2025, before Judge Marc T. Treadwell. Court Reporter Darlene D. Fuller. The transcript may be inspected at the court or purchased through the court reporter for a period of 90 days. After 90 days, the transcript may be obtained via PACER. REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: Complete redaction policy available on the courts website. (ddf) (Entered: 02/04/2026)

Feb. 4, 2026

Feb. 4, 2026

57

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by JOHN H FLEMING on behalf of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE Attorney JOHN H FLEMING added to party NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE(pty:pla)(FLEMING, JOHN) (Entered: 02/06/2026)

Feb. 6, 2026

Feb. 6, 2026

58

PETITION TO THE CLERK FOR ADMISSION TO PLEAD AND PRACTICE PRO HAC VICE on behalf of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE Attorney Admission Fee (Pro Hac Vice) paid by Receipt # AGAMDC-5187263, $100. LOCAL COUNSEL Name and Georgia Bar #: John H. Fleming Georgia Bar No. 263250. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing Certificate of Good Standing)(HEYWARD, SAMANTHA) (Entered: 02/11/2026)

Feb. 11, 2026

Feb. 11, 2026

59

Order granting Petition for Admission Pro Hac Vice (Petition Attached); Attorney Admission Fee Met by SAMANTHA HEYWARD. (ksl) (Entered: 02/11/2026)

Feb. 11, 2026

Feb. 11, 2026

60

UNOPPOSED MOTION for Protective Order by NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE filed by GRACE THOMAS.(THOMAS, GRACE) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

61

JOINT MOTION for Protective Order by NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE filed by GRACE THOMAS. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Protective Order)(THOMAS, GRACE) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

Notice of Deficiency (related document(s): 60 Motion for Protective Order filed by NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE ); Other: Notice of Deficiency 1. Motion for Protective Order was not attached. Please refile the Motion as the main document and attach the Proposed Stipulated Protective Order as an attachment to the filing.Notice of Deficiency 2. Exhibits (A - Acknowledgement and Agreement) and/or other supporting documents with an electronic filing shall be filed as a separate PDF attachment(s) to the filing. See Administrative Procedures for Electronic Filing.(rka)

March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

63

MOTION for Summary Judgment by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN filed by BRYAN P TYSON. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Statement of Material Facts, # 3 Exhibit A - Expert Report of Jonathan Cervas, # 4 Exhibit B - Expert Rebuttal Report of Jonathan Cervas, # 5 Exhibit C - Expert Report of Stephen Popick, # 6 Exhibit D - Corrected Expert Report of Stephen Popick, # 7 Exhibit E - Excerpts of Deposition of Daniel Perdue, # 8 Exhibit F - Excerpts of Deposition of Jonathan Cervas, # 9 Exhibit G - Excerpts of Deposition of Stephen Popick (3-13-2026), # 10 Exhibit H - Excerpts of Deposition of Stephen Popick (4-2-2026))(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Statement of Material Facts

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3 Exhibit A - Expert Report of Jonathan Cervas

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4 Exhibit B - Expert Rebuttal Report of Jonathan Cervas

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5 Exhibit C - Expert Report of Stephen Popick

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6 Exhibit D - Corrected Expert Report of Stephen Popick

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7 Exhibit E - Excerpts of Deposition of Daniel Perdue

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8 Exhibit F - Excerpts of Deposition of Jonathan Cervas

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9 Exhibit G - Excerpts of Deposition of Stephen Popick (3-13-2026)

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10 Exhibit H - Excerpts of Deposition of Stephen Popick (4-2-2026)

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April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

RECAP
64

Certificate of Need to File Discovery by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN. Related document: 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN.(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

65

DEPOSITION of Jonathan Cervas, Ph.D. taken on March 18, 2026 filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN. Related document: 64 Certificate of Need to File Discovery filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN, 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN.(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

RECAP
66

DEPOSITION of Daniel Perdue taken on March 10, 2026 filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN. Related document: 64 Certificate of Need to File Discovery filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN, 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN.(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

RECAP
67

DEPOSITION of Stephen Popick, Ph.D. taken on March 13, 2026 filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN. Related document: 64 Certificate of Need to File Discovery filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN, 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN.(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

RECAP
68

DEPOSITION of Stephen Popick, Ph.D. taken on April 2, 2026 filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN. Related document: 64 Certificate of Need to File Discovery filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN, 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN.(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

RECAP
69

MOTION to Exclude Testimony of Dr. Stephen J. Popick by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN filed by BRYAN P TYSON. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Expert Report of Michael Barber, Ph.D., # 2 Exhibit B - Expert Rebuttal Report of Stephen Popick, Ph.D.)(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

1 Exhibit A - Expert Report of Michael Barber, Ph.D.

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2 Exhibit B - Expert Rebuttal Report of Stephen Popick, Ph.D.

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April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

RECAP
70

NOTICE of Change of Address by BRYAN P TYSON(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 05/01/2026)

May 1, 2026

May 1, 2026

71

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority by HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN re 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Supreme Court Opinion in Louisiana v. Callais)(TYSON, BRYAN) (Entered: 05/04/2026)

1 Exhibit A - Supreme Court Opinion in Louisiana v. Callais

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May 4, 2026

May 4, 2026

RECAP
72

Letter regarding Plaintiffs' Request for 14 Day Extension to file Opposition to re 69 MOTION to Exclude Testimony of Dr. Stephen J. Popick, 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment (NEWMANN, DAVID) (Entered: 05/07/2026)

May 7, 2026

May 7, 2026

RECAP
73

Request for Local Rule 6.2 Clerks Extension re 69 MOTION to Exclude Testimony of Dr. Stephen J. Popick, 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment by COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES (NEWMANN, DAVID) (Entered: 05/08/2026)

May 8, 2026

May 8, 2026

RECAP

Notice of Deficiency (related document(s): 72 Letter filed by MICHAEL C JONES, COURTNEY DRIVER ); Document must be re-filed using correct event which is Request for Local Rule 6.2/9.4 Clerk's Extension. You can locate this event by selecting Civil Events > Other Filings > Other DocumentsRequest for Local Rule 6.2/9.4 Clerk's Extension.(rka)

May 8, 2026

May 8, 2026

Notice of Clerk's Granting of Extension Pursuant to Local Rule 6.2 requested by COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES, and NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE re: 69 MOTION to Exclude Testimony of Dr. Stephen J. Popick, 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment (rka) Modified on 5/11/2026 to update docket text. (rka).

May 8, 2026

May 8, 2026

74

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by DAVID J YOUNKER on behalf of HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, PAMELA MORGAN Attorney DAVID J YOUNKER added to party HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS(pty:dft), Attorney DAVID J YOUNKER added to party PAMELA MORGAN(pty:dft)(YOUNKER, DAVID) (Entered: 05/12/2026)

May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

75

MOTION to Amend/Correct 44 Scheduling/Discovery Order by COURTNEY DRIVER filed by DAVID NEWMANN. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support Motion to Amend Scheduling Order in Light of Louisiana v. Callais, # 2 Proposed Order)(NEWMANN, DAVID) (Entered: 05/22/2026)

1 Memorandum in Support Motion to Amend Scheduling Order in Light of Louisiana v.

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2 Proposed Order

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May 22, 2026

May 22, 2026

76

MOTION for Extension of Time to File as to 69 MOTION to Exclude Testimony of Dr. Stephen J. Popick, 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment by COURTNEY DRIVER, MICHAEL C JONES filed by DAVID NEWMANN. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiffs' Time-Sensitive Motion to Further Extend Motion Response Deadlines)(NEWMANN, DAVID) (Entered: 05/22/2026)

May 22, 2026

May 22, 2026

77

This is a text only entry; no document issued. ORDER GRANTING 76 Motion for Extension of Time to File RESPONSE. Plaintiffs' deadlines for responding to Defendants' summary judgment and Daubert motions are hereby extended until 6/22/2026, subject to any further extension that may be granted in the Court's ruling on Plaintiffs' pending Motion to Amend Scheduling Order (ECF 75). Ordered by US DISTRICT JUDGE MARC T TREADWELL on 5/26/2026. (afw) (Entered: 05/26/2026)

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

Case Details

State / Territory:

Georgia

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Reversing Course on Existing Litigation

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 16, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Originally, the United States; following USA's withdrawal, two Black voters in Houston County, Ga.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

County

Houston County

members of the Houston County Board of Commissioners

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Voting Rights Act, section 2, 52 U.S.C. § 10301 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 1973)

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Georgia 5:25-cv-00025

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Discrimination Basis:

Race discrimination

Voting:

Challenges to at-large/multimember district/election

Election administration

Voting: General & Misc.

Recommended Citation