Case: Judicial Watch, Inc. v. Griffin-Valade

6:24-cv-01783 | U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon

Filed Date: Oct. 23, 2024

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

[This summary is temporary while we research the case.]

On October 23, 2024, Plaintiffs Judicial Watch, Inc., the Constitution Party of Oregon (“Constitution Party”), Suni Danforth, and Hannah Shipman filed this complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief against the Oregon Secretary of State and the State of Oregon (“Defendants”). Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief to compel Defendants to comply with their voter list maintenance obligations under Section 8 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

Summary Authors

Claire Pollard (9/7/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69303762/parties/judicial-watch-inc-v-griffin-valade/


Judge(s)

McShane, Michael Jerome (Oregon)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Joncus, Stephen J. (Oregon)

Lee, Eric W. (Oregon)

Attorney for Defendant

Marshall, Brian Simmonds (Oregon)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Mellett, Timothy (Oregon)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

6:24-cv-01783

Complaint

Oct. 23, 2024

Oct. 23, 2024

13

6:24-cv-01783

Dismiss

Jan. 24, 2025

Jan. 24, 2025

28

6:24-cv-01783

Brief

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

34

6:24-cv-01783

Opinion and Order

Aug. 5, 2025

Aug. 5, 2025

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69303762/judicial-watch-inc-v-griffin-valade/

Last updated Sept. 7, 2025, 1:12 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

Complaint. Violations of the National Voter Registration Act Filing fee in the amount of $405 collected. Agency Tracking ID: AORDC-9622819 Filer is subject to the requirements of Fed. R. Civ. P. 7.1. Jury Trial Requested: No. Filed by Judicial Watch, Inc., Hannah Shipman, Suni Danforth, Constitution Party of Oregon against All Defendants (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet civil cover sheet, # 2 Proposed Summons proposed summons). (Joncus, Stephen) (Entered: 10/23/2024)

1 Civil Cover Sheet civil cover sheet

View on PACER

2 Proposed Summons proposed summons

View on PACER

Oct. 23, 2024

Oct. 23, 2024

Clearinghouse
2

Notice of Case Assignment to Judge Michael J. McShane and Discovery and Pretrial Scheduling Order. NOTICE: Counsel shall print and serve the summonses and all documents issued by the Clerk at the time of filing upon all named parties in accordance with Local Rule 3-5. Discovery is to be completed by 2/26/2025. Joint Alternate Dispute Resolution Report is due by 3/28/2025. Pretrial Order is due by 3/28/2025. Ordered by Judge Michael J. McShane. (le) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

PACER
3

Summons Issued Electronically as to State of Oregon. NOTICE: Counsel shall print and serve the summonses and all documents issued by the Clerk at the time of filing upon all named parties in accordance with Local Rule 3-5. (le) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

PACER
4

Summons Issued Electronically as to Lavonne Griffin-Valade. NOTICE: Counsel shall print and serve the summonses and all documents issued by the Clerk at the time of filing upon all named parties in accordance with Local Rule 3-5. (le) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

PACER
5

Corporate Disclosure Statement . Filed by Constitution Party of Oregon. (Joncus, Stephen) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

PACER
6

Corporate Disclosure Statement . Filed by Judicial Watch, Inc.. (Joncus, Stephen) (Entered: 10/29/2024)

Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024

PACER
7

Notice of Appearance of Brian Simmonds Marshall appearing on behalf of State of Oregon, Lavonne Griffin-Valade. Filed by on behalf of State of Oregon, Lavonne Griffin-Valade. (Marshall, Brian) (Entered: 11/06/2024)

Nov. 6, 2024

Nov. 6, 2024

PACER
8

Notice of Appearance of Kate Elizabeth Morrow appearing on behalf of State of Oregon, Lavonne Griffin-Valade. Filed by on behalf of State of Oregon, Lavonne Griffin-Valade. (Morrow, Kate) (Entered: 11/06/2024)

Nov. 6, 2024

Nov. 6, 2024

PACER
9

Waiver of Service of Summons Returned Executed by All Defendants. Filed by All Plaintiffs. (Joncus, Stephen) (Entered: 11/21/2024)

Nov. 21, 2024

Nov. 21, 2024

PACER
10

Motion to Dismiss . Filed by All Defendants. (Marshall, Brian) (Entered: 12/30/2024)

Dec. 30, 2024

Dec. 30, 2024

PACER
11

Declaration of Brian Simmonds Marshall . Filed by All Defendants. (Related document(s): Motion to Dismiss 10 .) (Attachments: # 1 Attachment 1: Letter, # 2 Attachment 2: Secretary of State's online Request for Voter List form, # 3 Attachment 3: pages from 2022 EAVS) (Marshall, Brian) (Entered: 12/30/2024)

Dec. 30, 2024

Dec. 30, 2024

PACER
12

Amended Complaint . Filed by Hannah Shipman, Judicial Watch, Inc., Suni Danforth, Constitution Party of Oregon against All Defendants (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Redlined changes). (Joncus, Stephen) (Entered: 01/10/2025)

1 Exhibit Redlined changes

View on PACER

Jan. 10, 2025

Jan. 10, 2025

PACER
13

Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint 12 . Filed by All Defendants. (Marshall, Brian) Modified on 1/29/2025 to add document link. NEF regenerated. (jw) (Entered: 01/24/2025)

Jan. 24, 2025

Jan. 24, 2025

Clearinghouse
14

Motion for Extension of Time and Stay of Discovery. Filed by All Plaintiffs. (Joncus, Stephen) (Entered: 01/31/2025)

Jan. 31, 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

PACER
15

ORDER: Granting Motion for Extension of Time 14 . Plaintiffs' Response to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss 13 is due by 3/7/2025. Discovery is stayed pending resolution of the motion to dismiss. Ordered by Judge Michael J. McShane. (cp) (Entered: 01/31/2025)

Jan. 31, 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time

Jan. 31, 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

PACER
16

Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Pro Hac Vice admission requested by attorney Eric W. Lee. Filing fee in the amount of $300 collected; Agency Tracking ID: AORDC-9770941. Filed by Judicial Watch, Inc., Constitution Party of Oregon, Suni Danforth, Hannah Shipman. (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 03/07/2025)

March 7, 2025

March 7, 2025

PACER
17

Response to Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint 13 Oral Argument requested. Filed by All Plaintiffs. (Joncus, Stephen) (Entered: 03/07/2025)

March 7, 2025

March 7, 2025

PACER
18

Declaration of Robert Popper . Filed by All Plaintiffs. (Related document(s): Response to Motion 17 .) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex 1, # 2 Exhibit Ex 2, # 3 Exhibit Ex 3) (Joncus, Stephen) (Entered: 03/07/2025)

1 Exhibit Ex 1

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Ex 2

View on PACER

3 Exhibit Ex 3

View on PACER

March 7, 2025

March 7, 2025

RECAP

Clerks Review of Pro Hac Vice Motion

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

PACER

Clerk's Review of Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Pro Hac Vice admission requested by attorney Eric W. Lee. Filing fee in the amount of $300 collected; Agency Tracking ID: AORDC-9770941 16 : Reviewed and Ready for Ruling. (jw)

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

PACER
19

Motion for Extension of Time to File a Response/Reply to Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint 13 . Filed by All Defendants. (Marshall, Brian) (Entered: 03/13/2025)

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

PACER
20

ORDER: Granting Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice 16 admission requested by attorney Eric W. Lee. Filing fee in the amount of $300 collected. Ordered by Judge Michael J. McShane. (cp) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
21

ORDER: Granting Motion for Extension of Time to File Reply 19 to Motion to Dismiss. Reply is due by 4/2/2025. Ordered by Judge Michael J. McShane. (cp) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

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

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
22

Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Notice of Supplemental Authority. Filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Document Notice of Supplemental Authority) (Joncus, Stephen) (Entered: 03/31/2025)

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

PACER
23

Reply in Support of Defendants' to Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint 13 . Filed by Lavonne Griffin-Valade, State of Oregon. (Morrow, Kate) (Entered: 04/02/2025)

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

PACER
24

ORDER: Granting Motion for Leave to File Notice of Supplemental Authority 22 . Ordered by Judge Michael J. McShane. (cp) (Entered: 04/03/2025)

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

PACER
25

Scheduling Order: Oral Argument regarding Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint 13 is set for 6/18/2025 at 10:00AM in Eugene Courtroom 2 before Judge Michael J. McShane. Ordered by Judge Michael J. McShane. (cp) (Entered: 05/01/2025)

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

PACER

1 - Scheduling

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

PACER
26

Notice of Supplemental Authority re Response to Motion 17 Filed by All Plaintiffs. (Related document(s): Response to Motion 17 .) (Joncus, Stephen) (Entered: 05/02/2025)

May 2, 2025

May 2, 2025

PACER
27

Brief Statement of Interest. Filed by U.S. Department of Justice. (Mellett, Timothy) Modified docket text to correct filer to U.S. Department of Justice on 6/6/2025 (eo). (Entered: 06/06/2025)

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

PACER
28

Brief Corrected Statement of Interest. Filed by U.S. Department of Justice. (Mellett, Timothy) Modified docket text to correct filer to U.S. Department of Justice on 6/6/2025 (eo). (Entered: 06/06/2025)

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

Clearinghouse
29

Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Pro Hac Vice admission requested by attorney Robert David Popper. Filing fee in the amount of $300 collected; Agency Tracking ID: AORDC-9877141. Filed by Constitution Party of Oregon, Suni Danforth, Judicial Watch, Inc., Hannah Shipman. (Popper, Robert) (Entered: 06/10/2025)

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

PACER

Clerks Review of Pro Hac Vice Motion

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

PACER

Clerk's Review of Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Pro Hac Vice admission requested by attorney Robert David Popper. Filing fee in the amount of $300 collected; Agency Tracking ID: AORDC-9877141 29 : Reviewed and Ready for Ruling. (jw)

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

PACER
30

ORDER: Granting Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice 29 admission requested by attorney Robert David Popper. Filing fee in the amount of $300 collected. Ordered by Judge Michael J. McShane. (cp) (Entered: 06/11/2025)

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

PACER

Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

PACER
32

MINUTES of Proceedings: Motion Hearing Held regarding Motions to Dismiss 10 and 13 . Motion is taken under advisement as of 6/18/2025. Stephen J. Joncus, Eric W. Lee and Robert David Popper present as counsel for plaintiffs. Brian Simmonds Marshall and Kate Elizabeth Morrow present as counsel for defendants. Court Reporter: Kellie Humiston. Judge Michael J. McShane presiding. (cp) (Entered: 07/17/2025)

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

PACER
31

OFFICIAL COURT TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS FILED Oral Argument held on 6/18/25 before Judge Michael J. McShane, Court Reporter Kellie M. Humiston, telephone number 503-326-8186 or Kellie_Humiston@ord.uscourts.gov. Transcript may be viewed at Court's public terminal or purchased from the Court Reporter before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. Afterwards it may be obtained through the court reporter or PACER. See Policy at ord.uscourts.gov. Notice of Intent to Redact Transcript is due by 7/10/2025. Redaction Request due 7/24/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 8/4/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 10/1/2025. (Humiston, Kellie) (Entered: 07/03/2025)

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

PACER

Motion Hearing Held

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

PACER
33

Notice of Supplemental Authority Filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Judicial Watch v. Weber Order on Motion to Dismiss, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Judicial Watch v. Ill. State Bd. of Elections Minute Order) (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 08/01/2025)

Aug. 1, 2025

Aug. 1, 2025

PACER
34

OPINION AND ORDER signed on 08/05/2025 by Judge Michael J. McShane: Defendants' initial Motion to Dismiss, ECF No. 10 , is denied as MOOT and Defendants' amended Motion to Dismiss, ECF No. 13 , is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part: Count I is dismissed for lack of standing as to all Plaintiffs except the Constitution Party of Oregon, which has adequately pled organizational standing, and Count II is dismissed for failure to give adequate notice. (bd)

Aug. 5, 2025

Aug. 5, 2025

Clearinghouse
35

Attorney Substitution

Aug. 19, 2025

Aug. 19, 2025

PACER
36

Answer to Amended Complaint

Aug. 19, 2025

Aug. 19, 2025

PACER

1 - Scheduling

Aug. 20, 2025

Aug. 20, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Oregon

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 23, 2024

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiff Judicial Watch, Inc. is a not-for-profit, educational organization. Plaintiff Constitution Party is a registered political party in the State of Oregon devoted to recruiting and maintaining Constitution Party members and electing candidates who espouse its principles to state and federal office in Oregon. Plaintiff Suni Danforth is a resident and lawfully registered voter in Umatilla County, Oregon. Danforth is a member of Judicial Watch. Plaintiff Hannah Shipman is a resident and lawfully registered voter in Marion County, Oregon. Shipman is a member of the Constitution Party.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Lavonne Griffin-Valade, State

Oregon, 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)

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Voting:

Voter registration rules

Voting: General & Misc.