Case: 1789 Foundation, Inc. v. Schmidt

3:24-cv-01865 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Filed Date: Oct. 29, 2024

Closed Date: June 10, 2025

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case challenging the state of Pennsylvania's maintenance of voter rolls and the public availability for inspection of the state's records of recent electoral activity from inactive voters. On October 29, 2024, 1789 Foundation Inc. d/b/a Citizen AG (“Citizen AG”), and one Pennsylvania resident, Citizen AG member, and lawfully registered voter filed this complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs sued the Pennsylvania Secretary of State …

This is a case challenging the state of Pennsylvania's maintenance of voter rolls and the public availability for inspection of the state's records of recent electoral activity from inactive voters.

On October 29, 2024, 1789 Foundation Inc. d/b/a Citizen AG (“Citizen AG”), and one Pennsylvania resident, Citizen AG member, and lawfully registered voter filed this complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs sued the Pennsylvania Secretary of State and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (collectively, “Pennsylvania”) under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA). Represented by private counsel and Citizen AG, plaintiffs claimed that Pennsylvania was not complying with their voter list maintenance obligations under Section 8 of the NVRA. Specifically, plaintiffs alleged that Pennsylvania was failing to maintain accurate and current voter registration lists and had failed to make requested records available for public inspection. Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as costs. The case was assigned to District Judge Robert D. Mariani. 

That same day, plaintiffs also filed a motion for an Emergency Ex Parte Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction against the state, asking the court to (1) enjoin Pennsylvania from continuing to refuse to make available the records they requested, (2) compel Pennsylvania to produce the requested records by November 4, 2024 in compliance with the NVRA, and (3) enjoin Pennsylvania from allowing any inactive registered voter that met the NVRA’s requirements for removal to vote in the 2024 Presidential election unless the voter complied with mandatory provisions elsewhere in the statute before November 5, 2024. 

Judge Mariani issued an opinion denying plaintiffs’ motion for an Emergency Ex Parte Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction on November 4, 2024. The court explained that it had doubts about the plaintiffs’ individual and organizational standing, but decided not to dismiss the case based on standing and to instead proceed with a merits analysis because of the case's expedited briefing schedule and the absence of a Motion to Dismiss, which would have allowed the parties to further brief the standing issue. Rather, the court denied the motion for preliminary relief because it found that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims nor that they would suffer irreparable harm if injunctive relief was not granted. Judge Mariani reasoned that the plaintiffs had not provided sufficient evidence or argument that the state did not or would not timely comply with their open-records request, nor any basis for believing the state would not comply with state or federal law. 1789 Found., Inc. v. Schmidt, No. 3:24-CV-1865, 2024 WL 4666300 (M.D. Pa. Nov. 4, 2024).

AFT Pennsylvania, a large labor union representing educators, healthcare workers and public employees, and Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans, the retirement arm of another large labor union, the AFL-CIO, filed a Motion to Intervene on behalf of the state on November 7, 2024, which was granted by Judge Mariani on December 11, 2024.

On December 20, 2024, each of the state defendants filed Motions to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim. However, plaintiffs filed a supplemental complaint on January 22, 2025. They filed this supplemental complaint because on November 12, 2024, the Pennsylvania Secretary of State’s office sent plaintiffs a response to their open-records request. Plaintiffs claimed that this response did not produce all the data they requested and included an admission that the Pennsylvania Secretary of State violated the NVRA’s list maintenance provisions. They again sought declaratory and injunctive relief as well as costs. As a result, the court dismissed Pennsylvania’s Motions to Dismiss as moot one week later.

The defendants each filed Motions to Dismiss the amended complaint for Failure to State a Claim and Lack of Jurisdiction on February 5 and February 6, 2025. However, on March 6, 2025, the plaintiffs filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which was accepted by the court on the same day.

The court granted the Pennsylvania Secretary of State’s, AFT Pennsylvania’s, and  Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans’ Motions to Dismiss on May 2, 2025, dismissing the plaintiffs’ complaint without prejudice to refiling an amended complaint within 21 days. In his opinion, Judge Mariani reasoned that the plaintiffs did not have individual, associational, or organizational standing to bring the claims because denial of information alone did not satisfy the injury-in-fact requirement for Article III standing, and because the plaintiffs failed to allege any facts that sufficed to meet this requirement.

On May 27, 2025, Judge Mariani ordered plaintiffs to show cause why the action should not be dismissed for failure to prosecute and to comply with the court’s order on or before May 30, 2025. On June 5, 2025, Judge Mariani again ordered plaintiffs to show cause, this time on or before June 9, 2025.  On June 10, 2025, after the plaintiffs failed to respond or to file an amended complaint, the court dismissed the action with prejudice for failure to prosecute.

Summary Authors

Johnathan Johnson (11/27/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69323750/parties/1789-foundation-inc-v-schmidt/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Coleman, Ronald D (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Defendant

DiTomo, Nicole R (Pennsylvania)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Alerasool, Omeed (Pennsylvania)

Bonin, Adam C (Pennsylvania)

Dodge, Christopher D. (Pennsylvania)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

3:24-cv-01865

Complaint

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

Complaint
20

3:24-cv-01865

Memorandum Opinion

1789 Foundation Inc v. Schmidt

Nov. 4, 2024

Nov. 4, 2024

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 4666300

21

3:24-cv-01865

Order

1789 Foundation Inc v. Schmidt

Nov. 4, 2024

Nov. 4, 2024

Order/Opinion
46

3:24-cv-01865

Supplemental Complaint

1789 Foundation Inc v. Schmidt

Jan. 22, 2025

Jan. 22, 2025

Complaint
67

3:24-cv-01865

Memorandum Opinion

1789 Foundation Inc v. Schmidt

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

Order/Opinion

781 F.Supp.3d 282

68

3:24-cv-01865

Order

1789 Foundation Inc v. Schmidt

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

Order/Opinion
73

3:24-cv-01865

Order

1789 Foundation Inc v. Schmidt

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69323750/1789-foundation-inc-v-schmidt/

Last updated July 20, 2026, 4:56 a.m.

Docket for: 1789 Foundation, Inc. v. Schmidt
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Oct. 29, 2024

COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by 1789 Foundation, Inc.,( Filing fee $405, Receipt Number APAMDC-6800393), Anthony Golembiewski. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Exhibit(s) 2020 EAVS Report, # 3 Exhibit(s) 2022 EAVS Report, # 4 Exhibit(s) CAG Records Request, # 5 Exhibit(s) Pa Response, # 6 Exhibit(s) Declaration of Eric Scharfenberger)(ll) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Exhibit(s) 2020 EAVS Report

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3 Exhibit(s) 2022 EAVS Report

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4 Exhibit(s) CAG Records Request

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5 Exhibit(s) Pa Response

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6 Exhibit(s) Declaration of Eric Scharfenberger

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Clearinghouse
2 Oct. 29, 2024

Summons Issued as to All Defendants and provided TO ATTORNEY ELECTRONICALLY VIA ECF for service on Defendant(s)in the manner prescribed by Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (NOTICE TO ATTORNEYS RECEIVING THE SUMMONS ELECTRONICALLY: You must print the summons and the attachment when you receive it in your e-mail and serve the complaint on all defendants in the manner prescribed by Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure). (Attachments: # 1 Summons Packet) (ll) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

1 Summons Packet

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RECAP
3 Oct. 29, 2024

First MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order by 1789 Foundation, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Stapp, Gregory) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

1 Proposed Order

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RECAP
4 Oct. 29, 2024

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 3 First MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by 1789 Foundation, Inc..(Stapp, Gregory) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

RECAP
5 Oct. 29, 2024

ORDER - IT IS HEREBY ORDERED: Plaintiffs shall immediately, and no later than October 30, 2024, effect service of the Complaint and summons, Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction, supporting brief and exhibits (Docs. 1-4), and this Order on Defendants counsel and shall promptly provide the Court with proof of service thereof. Telephone Conference set for 10/31/2024 10:00 AM before Honorable Robert D Mariani. ** SEE ORDER FOR FURTHER SPECIFICS ** Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 10/29/2024. (cac) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

RECAP
6 Oct. 30, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas Paul Howell on behalf of Al Schmidt (Howell, Thomas) (Entered: 10/30/2024)

RECAP
7 Oct. 30, 2024

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Rachel L. Dreher on behalf of All Plaintiffs Attorney Rachel Dreher is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-6802497.. (Dreher, Rachel) (Entered: 10/30/2024)

RECAP
8 Oct. 30, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Kathleen A. Mullen on behalf of Al Schmidt (Mullen, Kathleen) (Entered: 10/30/2024)

RECAP
9 Oct. 30, 2024

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Rachel Lee Dreher Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 10/30/2024. (cac) (Entered: 10/30/2024)

RECAP
10 Oct. 30, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Nicole R DiTomo on behalf of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (DiTomo, Nicole) (Entered: 10/30/2024)

RECAP
11 Oct. 30, 2024

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned by 1789 Foundation, Inc.. Al Schmidt waiver sent on 10/30/2024, answer due 12/30/2024. (Stapp, Gregory) (Entered: 10/30/2024)

RECAP
Oct. 30, 2024

DOCKET ANNOTATION: Attorney Stapp is directed to have Attorney Dreher file for special admission (or make arrangements to be generally admitted) and to request e-filing privileges through Pacer.uscourts.gov (all participating attorneys are required to be e-filers unless they petition the Chief Judge for exemption). (ea)

12 Oct. 31, 2024

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Nicole Cristine Pearson on behalf of 1789 Foundation, Inc., Anthony Golembiewski Attorney Nicole Pearson is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-6803274.. (Pearson, Nicole) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

RECAP
13 Oct. 31, 2024

COURT REPORTER NOTES OF PROCEEDINGS filed by K.Yeager of Conference Call before Judge Mariani on 10/31/2024. In accordance with 28 U.S.C. Section 753(b), I certify that these original notes are a true and correct record of proceedings in the United States District Court for the Middle District of PA before Judge Mariani on 10/31/2024. By s/ K.Yeager. (Court Reporter Notes are viewable by court staff only). (cr) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

RECAP
14 Oct. 31, 2024

SCHEDULING ORDER: 1) Defendants shall each file a brief in opposition to Plaintiffs' motion on or before midnight on 10/31/2024. 2) Plaintiffs shall file reply briefs to Defendants' opposition briefs on or before midnight on 11/1/2024. Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 10/31/2024. (cac) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

RECAP
16 Oct. 31, 2024

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Nicole C. Pearson Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 10/31/2024. (cac) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

RECAP
17 Oct. 31, 2024

BRIEF IN OPPOSITION re 3 First MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by Al Schmidt.(Howell, Thomas) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

RECAP
18 Oct. 31, 2024

BRIEF IN OPPOSITION re 3 First MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.(DiTomo, Nicole) (Entered: 10/31/2024)

RECAP
19 Nov. 1, 2024

REPLY BRIEF re 3 First MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by 1789 Foundation, Inc., Anthony Golembiewski.(Dreher, Rachel) (Entered: 11/01/2024)

RECAP
20 Nov. 4, 2024

MEMORANDUM (Order to follow as separate docket entry) Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 11/04/24. (ep) (Entered: 11/04/2024)

Clearinghouse
21 Nov. 4, 2024

ORDER DENYING IN ITS ENTIRETY 3 Motion for TRO; SEE MEMO & ORDER FOR ALL INFO; Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 11/04/24 (ep) (Entered: 11/04/2024)

Clearinghouse
22 Nov. 7, 2024

MOTION to Intervene as Defendants by AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Answer, # 2 Proposed Order)(Alerasool, Omeed) (Entered: 11/07/2024)

RECAP
23 Nov. 7, 2024

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 22 MOTION to Intervene as Defendants filed by AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Declaration of A. Steinberg, # 2 Exhibit B - Declaration of M. Crossey)(Alerasool, Omeed) (Entered: 11/07/2024)

1 Exhibit A - Declaration of A. Steinberg

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2 Exhibit B - Declaration of M. Crossey

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RECAP
24 Nov. 8, 2024

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO FRCP 7.1 by AFT Pennsylvania. (Alerasool, Omeed) (Entered: 11/08/2024)

RECAP
25 Nov. 8, 2024

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO FRCP 7.1 by Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans. (Alerasool, Omeed) (Entered: 11/08/2024)

RECAP
26 Nov. 13, 2024

Mail Returned as Undeliverable. Mail (Doc. 5 ) sent to Rachel L. Dreher (ep) (Entered: 11/13/2024)

RECAP
27 Nov. 14, 2024

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Lalitha D. Madduri on behalf of AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans Attorney Lalitha Madduri is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-6816310.. (Madduri, Lalitha) (Entered: 11/14/2024)

RECAP
28 Nov. 14, 2024

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Christopher D. Dodge on behalf of AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans Attorney Christopher Dodge is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-6816330.. (Dodge, Christopher) (Entered: 11/14/2024)

RECAP
29 Nov. 14, 2024

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Makeba Rutahindurwa on behalf of AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans Attorney Makeba Rutahindurwa is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-6816345.. (Rutahindurwa, Makeba) (Entered: 11/14/2024)

RECAP
30 Nov. 14, 2024

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by James Justin Pinchak on behalf of AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans Attorney James Pinchak is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-6816355.. (Pinchak, James) (Entered: 11/14/2024)

RECAP
31 Nov. 15, 2024

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to James Pinchak for AFT Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans; Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 11/15/24. (ep) (Entered: 11/15/2024)

RECAP
32 Nov. 15, 2024

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to MakebaRutahindurwa for AFT Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans; Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 11/15/24. (ep) (Entered: 11/15/2024)

RECAP
33 Nov. 15, 2024

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Christopher D Dodge for AFT Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans; Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 11/15/24. (ep) (Entered: 11/15/2024)

RECAP
34 Nov. 15, 2024

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Lalitha Madduri for AFT Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans; Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 11/15/24. (ep) (Entered: 11/15/2024)

RECAP
35 Nov. 25, 2024

NOTICE by AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans re 22 MOTION to Intervene as Defendants (Madduri, Lalitha) (Entered: 11/25/2024)

RECAP
36 Dec. 11, 2024

ORDER GRANTING 22 Motion to Intervene. The Intervenors may file a motion pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12 no later than 45 days from the date of this Order. Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 12/11/2024 (cac) (Entered: 12/11/2024)

RECAP
37 Dec. 11, 2024

ORDER - IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT Plaintiffs shall file a letter no later than seven (7) days from the date of this Order setting forth the status of this action. Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 12/11/2024. (cac) (Entered: 12/11/2024)

RECAP
38 Dec. 18, 2024

NOTICE of Letter regarding Status of Litigation, filed by 1789 Foundation, Inc., Anthony Golembiewski.(Dreher, Rachel) (Entered: 12/18/2024)

RECAP
39 Dec. 27, 2024

MOTION for Extension of Time to file responsive pleadings 21 days after order on Plaintiffs' Rule 15(d) motion by AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Madduri, Lalitha) (Entered: 12/27/2024)

RECAP
40 Dec. 27, 2024

MOTION to Supplement Plaintiffs' Complaint by 1789 Foundation, Inc., Anthony Golembiewski.(Dreher, Rachel) (Entered: 12/27/2024)

RECAP
41 Dec. 30, 2024

MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim, MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Al Schmidt.(Howell, Thomas) (Entered: 12/30/2024)

RECAP
42 Dec. 30, 2024

MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(DiTomo, Nicole) (Entered: 12/30/2024)

RECAP
43 Dec. 30, 2024

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 42 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.(DiTomo, Nicole) (Entered: 12/30/2024)

RECAP
44 Jan. 3, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 39 Motion for Enlargement of Time to file responsive pleadings. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:1.Defendants must file their answers to the Complaint, or motions pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12, no later than 21 days from the date of an order by this Court granting or denying Plaintiffs' motion for leave to file a supplemental complaint.2. Intervenor-Defendants, AFT Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans may file a motion pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12 no later than 21 days from the date of an order by this Court granting or denying Plaintiffs' motion for leave to file a supplemental complaint. Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 1/3/2025 (cac) (Entered: 01/03/2025)

RECAP
45 Jan. 15, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 40 Plaintiff's Motion for Leave to Supplement Complaint. Plaintiff's shall file their Supplemental Complaint of record no later than 7 days from the date of this Order. ** SEE ORDER FOR FURTHER SPECIFICS ** Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 1/15/2025 (cac) (Entered: 01/15/2025)

RECAP
46 Jan. 22, 2025

SUPPLEMENTAL COMPLAINT by 1789 Foundation, Inc.. 45 Order on Motion to Supplement, Supplemental Complaint. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Records Request, # 2 Exhibit(s) Interim Response, # 3 Exhibit(s) Response with Data, # 4 Exhibit(s) 2020 EAVS Report, # 5 Exhibit(s) 2022 EAVS Report)(Stapp, Gregory) Modified on 1/24/2025 (cac). (Entered: 01/22/2025)

1 Exhibit(s) Records Request

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2 Exhibit(s) Interim Response

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3 Exhibit(s) Response with Data

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4 Exhibit(s) 2020 EAVS Report

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5 Exhibit(s) 2022 EAVS Report

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Clearinghouse
47 Jan. 24, 2025

WITHDRAWAL OF ATTORNEY APPEARANCE - Attorney Makeba Rutahindurwa terminated on behalf of AFT Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans. (Madduri, Lalitha) (Entered: 01/24/2025)

RECAP
48 Jan. 29, 2025

ORDER re: 41 DISMISSED AS MOOT Defendant Schmidt's Motion to Dismiss ; 42 DISMISSED AS MOOT Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Motion to Dismiss. 3.All defendants shall comply with the Courts Order of 1/3/2025 (Doc. 44) directing Defendants to file their answers to the Complaint or other responsive pleadings no later than 21 days from the date of this Courts disposition of Plaintiffs motion to supplement their complaint, i.e. on or before 2/5/2025. Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 1/29/2025 (cac) (Entered: 01/29/2025)

RECAP
49 Feb. 5, 2025

MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim, MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Madduri, Lalitha) (Entered: 02/05/2025)

RECAP
50 Feb. 5, 2025

MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim within Supplemental Complaint, MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction within Supplemental Complaint by Al Schmidt. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Howell, Thomas) (Entered: 02/05/2025)

RECAP
51 Feb. 6, 2025

MOTION to Dismiss by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(DiTomo, Nicole) Modified on 3/7/2025 (cac). (Entered: 02/06/2025)

RECAP
52 Feb. 6, 2025

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 51 MOTION to Dismiss filed by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.(DiTomo, Nicole) (Entered: 02/06/2025)

RECAP
53 Feb. 19, 2025

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 50 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim within Supplemental Complaint MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction within Supplemental Complaint filed by Al Schmidt. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s))(Howell, Thomas) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

RECAP
54 Feb. 19, 2025

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 49 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A - Letter from Pennsylvania Department of State)(Madduri, Lalitha) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

RECAP
55 Feb. 20, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance by Adam C Bonin on behalf of AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans (Bonin, Adam) (Entered: 02/20/2025)

RECAP
Feb. 21, 2025

DOCKET ANNOTATION: Attorney Bonin is directed to file for special admission or make arrangements to be generally admitted. (ea)

Feb. 21, 2025

DOCKET ANNOTATION: Attorney Bonin is generally admitted. (ea)

56 March 5, 2025

BRIEF IN OPPOSITION re 50 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim within Supplemental Complaint MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction within Supplemental Complaint filed by 1789 Foundation, Inc., Anthony Golembiewski.(Dreher, Rachel) (Entered: 03/05/2025)

RECAP
57 March 5, 2025

BRIEF IN OPPOSITION re 49 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by 1789 Foundation, Inc., Anthony Golembiewski.(Dreher, Rachel) (Entered: 03/05/2025)

RECAP
58 March 6, 2025

NOTICE of Voluntary Dismissal by 1789 Foundation, Inc., Anthony Golembiewski (Dreher, Rachel) (Entered: 03/06/2025)

RECAP
59 March 6, 2025

ORDER re: 58 Notice of Dismissal of Defendant Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:1.The Court accepts the Notice of Dismissal of Defendant Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Without Prejudice 58 ;2.The Clerk of Court is directed to mark the docket that Defendant Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is DISMISSED from this action without prejudice. Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 3/6/2025. (cac) (Entered: 03/06/2025)

RECAP
60 March 19, 2025

REPLY BRIEF re 50 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim within Supplemental Complaint MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction within Supplemental Complaint filed by Al Schmidt.(Howell, Thomas) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

RECAP
61 March 19, 2025

REPLY BRIEF re 49 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by AFT Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans.(Madduri, Lalitha) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

RECAP
62 April 7, 2025

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Ronald D Coleman on behalf of 1789 Foundation, Inc., Anthony Golembiewski Attorney Ronald Coleman is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number BPAMDC-6955086.. (Coleman, Ronald) (Entered: 04/07/2025)

RECAP
63 April 9, 2025

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Ronald David Coleman Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 4/9/2025. (cac) (Entered: 04/09/2025)

RECAP
64 April 10, 2025

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by 1789 Foundation, Inc., Anthony Golembiewski.(Dreher, Rachel) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

RECAP
65 April 10, 2025

by 1789 Foundation, Inc., Anthony Golembiewski. 64 MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney . (Dreher, Rachel) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

RECAP
66 April 10, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 64 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Rachel L. Dreher terminated Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 4/10/2025 (cac) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

RECAP
67 May 2, 2025

MEMORANDUM (Order to follow as separate docket entry) Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 5/2/25. (ep)

Clearinghouse
68 May 2, 2025

ORDER granting 49 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim; granting 49 Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction; granting 50 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim; granting 50 Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction ; Pltf's Initial Complaint 1 and Supplemental Complaint 46 are DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE; Pltfs are granted leave to file an Amended Complaint within 21 days from the date of this Order; Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 5/2/25 (ep) (Entered: 05/02/2025)

Clearinghouse
69 May 23, 2025

First MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by 1789 Foundation, Inc.. (Attachments: (1) Proposed Order)(Stapp, Gregory)

1 Proposed Order

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RECAP
70 May 23, 2025

ORDER GRANTING [69] Motion to Withdraw as Attorney Gregory A. Stapp terminated Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 5/23/2025 (cac)

RECAP
71 May 27, 2025

ORDER - IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT on or before 5/30/2025, Plaintiffs shall SHOW CAUSE why the above-captioned action should not be dismissed pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b) for failure to prosecute and to comply with the Court's Order. Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 5/27/2025. (cac)

RECAP
72 June 5, 2025

ORDER - IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: On or before Monday, 6/9/2025, at 5:00 PM, Plaintiffs shall SHOW CAUSE why the above-captioned should not be dismissed pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41 (b) for failure to prosecute and to comply with the Court's Orders. Failure to respond to this Order will result in dismissal of the above-captioned action with prejudice. Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 6/5/2025. (cac) Modified on 6/5/2025 (cac).

RECAP
73 June 10, 2025

ORDER - IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:1. The above-captioned action is DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE for failure to prosecute. 2. The Clerk of Court is directed to CLOSE this case. SEE ORDER FOR FURTHER SPECIFICS Signed by Honorable Robert D Mariani on 6/10/2025. (cac)

Clearinghouse

Case Details

State / Territory:

Pennsylvania

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 29, 2024

Closing Date: June 10, 2025

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiff Citizen AG is a not-for-profit, educational organization. Plaintiff Anthony Golembiewski is a resident and lawfully registered voter in Allegheny County. Golembiewski is a Citizen AG member.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Secretary of State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

National Voter Registration Act ("Motor Voter law"), 52 U.S.C. § 20501 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 1973gg)

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Pennsylvania 3:24-cv-01865

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Document/Information

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

General/Misc.:

Government services

Record-keeping

Records Disclosure

Voting:

Election administration

Voter qualifications

Voter registration rules

Voting: General & Misc.

Recommended Citation