Case: United States v. Page

8:25-cv-01370 | U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Filed Date: June 25, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenged Orange County, California's partial redaction of voter registration records in response to an inquiry by the U.S. government. Prior to the filing of this complaint, on June 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) had requested records from Orange County in regard to voter registrations that had been cancelled because the registrant was a noncitizen. On June 16, Orange County responded to this request, supplying aggregate data but redacting any personally identifying i…

This case challenged Orange County, California's partial redaction of voter registration records in response to an inquiry by the U.S. government. Prior to the filing of this complaint, on June 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) had requested records from Orange County in regard to voter registrations that had been cancelled because the registrant was a noncitizen. On June 16, Orange County responded to this request, supplying aggregate data but redacting any personally identifying information as required by California law.

On June 25, DOJ filed this lawsuit against the Registrar of Voters for Orange County, Robert Page, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The DOJ alleged that defendant had undermined Orange County's elections by "(1) refusing transparency of its voter information, in violation of federal voting laws, and (2) concealing the unlawful registration of ineligible, non-citizen voters." DOJ alleged that defendant's actions violated the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and sought declaratory and injunctive relief.

On June 28, this case was assigned to District Judge David O. Carter and Magistrate Judge Autumn D. Spaeth. The court filed a notice to parties requiring them to participate in a court-directed alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program.

Defendant filed his answer on July 23. Defendant argued that he had produced the requested information to the extent legally allowable. Defendant also asserted several affirmative defenses, including but not limited to failure to state a claim, exhaustion, and lack of standing.

While parties were engaged in pre-trial motions practice, DOJ filed a motion to waive the court’s ADR requirement and a motion to stay the case on October 1 in light of the government shutdown. At a hearing on October 7, Judge Carter agreed to waive the ADR requirement and continued the motion to stay until October 23.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Matt Petrillo (7/28/2025)

Madeline Kaplan (10/8/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70631141/parties/united-states-v-robert-page/


Judge(s)

Carter, David O. (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bennett, Brittany E (California)

Gates, Michael E (California)

Hikida, Katherine M (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Leeds, Rebecca Sorgen (California)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

8:25-cv-01370

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

Complaint
9

8:25-cv-01370

Answer of Defendant, Robert Page, Registrar of Voters for the County of Orange, To Complaint

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70631141/united-states-v-robert-page/

Last updated Oct. 24, 2025, 10:58 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT No Fee Required - US Government, filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1) (Attorney Katherine M Hikida added to party United States of America(pty:pla))(Hikida, Katherine) (Entered: 06/25/2025)

1 Exhibit 1

View on RECAP

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Hikida, Katherine) (Entered: 06/25/2025)

June 25, 2025

June 25, 2025

PACER
3

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge David O. Carter and Magistrate Judge Autumn D. Spaeth. (et) (Entered: 06/28/2025)

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

PACER
4

NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (et) (Entered: 06/28/2025)

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

PACER
5

Notice to Counsel Re Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge. (et) (Entered: 06/28/2025)

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

PACER
6

INITIAL STANDING ORDER FOLLOWING ASSIGNMENT OF CIVIL CASE TO JUDGE CARTER. (kdu) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

RECAP
7

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed filed by Plaintiff United States of America. upon Robert Page waiver sent by Plaintiff on 6/30/2025, answer due 8/29/2025. Waiver of Service signed by Suzanne E. Shoai. (Hikida, Katherine) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

RECAP
8

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Rebecca Sorgen Leeds counsel for Defendant Robert Page. Adding Rebecca S. Leeds as counsel of record for Robert Page for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by defendant Robert Page. (Attorney Rebecca Sorgen Leeds added to party Robert Page(pty:dft))(Leeds, Rebecca) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

RECAP
9

ANSWER to Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 filed by Defendant Robert Page. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(Leeds, Rebecca) (Entered: 07/23/2025)

1 Exhibit A

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit B

View on PACER

3 Exhibit C

View on PACER

4 Exhibit D

View on PACER

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

Clearinghouse
10

NOTICE TO FILER OF DEFICIENCIES in Electronic Filed Document RE: Answer to Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 9 . The following error(s) was/were found: Local Rule 7.1-1 no notice of interested parties. In response to this notice, the Court may: (1) order an amended or correct document to be filed; (2) order the document stricken; or (3) take other action as the Court deems appropriate. You need not take any action in response to this notice unless and until the Court directs you to do so. (twdb) (Entered: 07/24/2025)

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

PACER
11

NOTICE of Change of Lead Counsel changing lead counsel from Suzanne Esther Shoai to Rebecca Sorgen Leeds. filed by Defendant Robert Page, (Leeds, Rebecca) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

RECAP
12

MOTION for leave of court to file an Amicus Curiae in favor of the plaintiff United States based on personal knowledge filed by Movant Dr. Orly Taitz (Attachments: # 1 Part 2, # 2 Part 3, # 3 Part 4, # 4 Part 5) (pj) (Entered: 08/20/2025)

1 Part 2

View on PACER

2 Part 3

View on PACER

3 Part 4

View on PACER

4 Part 5

View on PACER

Aug. 11, 2025

Aug. 11, 2025

RECAP
13

MINUTES (IN CHAMBERS) by Judge David O. Carter: Denying 12 Orly Taitz's MOTION to File Amicus Brief. SEE DOCUMENT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. (twdb) (Entered: 08/22/2025)

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

RECAP
14

ORDER SETTING SCHEDULING CONFERENCE by Judge David O. Carter. Scheduling Conference set for 9/15/2025 at 08:30 AM before Judge David O. Carter. (kdu) (Entered: 08/27/2025)

Aug. 27, 2025

Aug. 27, 2025

RECAP
15

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Rebecca Sorgen Leeds counsel for Defendant Robert Page. Rebecca Sorgen Leeds is no longer counsel of record for the aforementioned party in this case for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendant Robert Page. (Leeds, Rebecca) (Entered: 08/27/2025)

Aug. 27, 2025

Aug. 27, 2025

RECAP
16

NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Brittany E Bennett on behalf of Plaintiff United States of America (Attorney Brittany E Bennett added to party United States of America(pty:pla))(Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 09/05/2025)

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

PACER
17

JOINT REPORT Rule 26(f) Discovery Plan ; estimated length of trial 1-5 days, filed by Plaintiff United States of America.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Trial Dates Worksheet)(Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 09/10/2025)

1 Exhibit Trial Dates Worksheet

View on PACER

Sept. 10, 2025

Sept. 10, 2025

RECAP
18

MINUTES OF SCHEDULING CONFERENCE held before District Judge David O. Carter: The case is called. The Court and counsel confer. The Courts Scheduling order to be issued. APPEARANCES: For Plaintiff(s): Micheal S.; For Defendant(s): Suzanne Esther Shoai; Courtroom Deputy Clerk: Karlen Dubon; Court Reporter: Deborah Parker; Time in Court: {0:32}. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (kdu) TEXT ONLY EN-TRY (Entered: 09/15/2025)

Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

19

SCHEDULING ORDER by Judge David O. Carter. Discovery cut-off 12/1/2025. Motions due by 1/26/2026. Final Pretrial Conference set for 3/9/2026 08:30 AM before Judge David O. Carter. Bench Trial set for 3/31/2026 08:30 AM before Judge David O. Carter. (kdu) (Entered: 09/15/2025)

Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

PACER
20

ORDER/REFERRAL to ADR Procedure No 2 by Judge David O. Carter. Case ordered to Court Mediation Panel for mediation. ADR Proceeding to be held no later than 12/30/2025. (kdu) (Entered: 09/15/2025)

Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

PACER

Scheduling Conference - optional html form

Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

21

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Stay Case filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Proposed Order) (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 10/01/2025)

1 Declaration

View on PACER

2 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Oct. 1, 2025

Oct. 1, 2025

RECAP
22

OPPOSITION to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Stay Case 21 RESPONSE filed by Defendant Robert Page. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Suzanne E. Shoai, # 2 Exhibit 1)(Shoai, Suzanne) (Entered: 10/01/2025)

1 Declaration of Suzanne E. Shoai

View on PACER

2 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

Oct. 1, 2025

Oct. 1, 2025

RECAP
23

ORDER by Judge David O. Carter: Plaintiffs Motion to Stay Case (Dkt. 21 ) is SET for hearing before the Honorable David O. Carter on October 7, 2025 at 8:30 AM in Courtroom 10A. Counsel is to appear in-person.THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (kdu) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 10/02/2025)

Oct. 2, 2025

Oct. 2, 2025

Text Only Scheduling Notice

Oct. 2, 2025

Oct. 2, 2025

24

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Waive ADR Requirement filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 10/06/2025)

Oct. 6, 2025

Oct. 6, 2025

RECAP
25

MINUTES OF MOTION HEARING held before District Judge David O. Carter: The case is called. Motion to Waive ADR Requirement 24 is GRANTED. Motion to Stay Case 21 is CONTINUED to 10/23/2025 at 9:00 AM APPEARANCES: For Plaintiff(s): Micheal Gates; For Defendant(s): Suzanne Esther Shoai; Courtroom Deputy Clerk: Karlen Dubon; Court Reporter: Miriam Baird. ; Time in Court: {0:24}. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (kdu) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 10/07/2025)

Oct. 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 2025

26

NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Brittany E Bennett on behalf of Plaintiff United States of America (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 10/07/2025)

Oct. 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 2025

PACER

Motion Hearing with html form AND Waive AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings

Oct. 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 2025

27

NOTICE of Related Case(s) filed by Plaintiff United States of America. Related Case(s): 2:25-cv-09149-MWF-MAR (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

RECAP
28

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Daniel Lee Richards counsel for Defendant Robert Page. Adding Daniel L. Richards as counsel of record for ROBERT PAGE, in his official capacity as Registrar of Voters for Orange County, California for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendant ROBERT PAGE, in his official capacity as Registrar of Voters for Orange County, California. (Attorney Daniel Lee Richards added to party Robert Page(pty:dft))(Richards, Daniel) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

RECAP
29

Appearance

Oct. 23, 2025

Oct. 23, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations By the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 25, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The U.S. Department of Justice.

Plaintiff Type(s):

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Robert Page in his official capacity as Registrar of Voters for Orange County, California, 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)

Help America Vote Act (HAVA), 52 U.S.C. § 20901 et seq (previously 42 U.S.C. § 15301 et seq)

Other Dockets:

Central District of California 8:25-cv-01370

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority:

Access to information systems

Voting:

Election administration

Voter registration rules