Case: Lindsey v. Whitmer

1:23-cv-01025 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Filed Date: Sept. 28, 2023

Closed Date: May 19, 2025

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

[This summary is temporary while we research the case]. On September 28, 2023, 11 Republican state legislators in the state of Michigan filed this suit in the Western District of Michigan. The plaintiffs challenged two amendments: first, the 2022 Right to Voting Policies Amendment (also known as Promote the Vote), which changed voting procedures in the state with the stated goal of making it easier to vote; and the 2018 Michigan Ballot Proposal 3, which protected various voting rights, including the right to a secret ballot, access to ballots for military and overseas voters, and automatically registering voters. 

Summary Authors

Anna Jones (5/20/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67839861/parties/lindsey-v-whitmer/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Kaardal, Erick G. (Michigan)

Kallman, David A. (Michigan)

Attorney for Defendant

Grill, Erik Alexander (Michigan)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Branch, Aria (Michigan)

Jasrasaria, Jyoti (Michigan)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:23-cv-01025

Complaint

Sept. 28, 2023

Sept. 28, 2023

Complaint
15

1:23-cv-01025

Defendants' Motion to Dismiss

Jan. 8, 2024

Jan. 8, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
16

1:23-cv-01025

[Untitled]

Jan. 8, 2024

Jan. 8, 2024

25

1:23-cv-01025

Opinion and Order

April 10, 2024

April 10, 2024

Order/Opinion

2024 WL 1711052

29

1:23-cv-01025

Opinion

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Dec. 20, 2024

Dec. 20, 2024

Order/Opinion

124 F.4th 408

32

1:23-cv-01025

Order

Supreme Court of the United States

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 1426689

Resources

Resources related to this case
Title Description External URL Date / External URL

Michigan Voting Rights Constitutional Amendments Challenge

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

https://www.democracydocket.com/...

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67839861/lindsey-v-whitmer/

Last updated July 7, 2026, 6:09 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Sept. 28, 2023

COMPLAINT against Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, Gretchen Whitmer filed by Joseph Fox, Brad Paquette, James DeSana, Matt Maddock, Josh Schriver, James Runestad, Angela Rigas, Rachelle Smit, Jonathan Lindsey, Neil Friske, Steve Carra (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons) (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 09/28/2023)

1 Summons

View on RECAP

2 Summons

View on RECAP

3 Summons

View on RECAP

Clearinghouse
2 Sept. 28, 2023

NOTICE that this case has been assigned to Jane M. Beckering (ns) (Entered: 09/28/2023)

RECAP
3 Sept. 28, 2023

SUMMONS ISSUED as to defendants Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, Gretchen Whitmer (ns) (Entered: 09/28/2023)

RECAP
4 Sept. 28, 2023

COMPLAINT EXHIBIT re 1 A and B by plaintiffs Steve Carra, James DeSana, Joseph Fox, Neil Friske, Jonathan Lindsey, Matt Maddock, Brad Paquette, Angela Rigas, James Runestad, Josh Schriver, Rachelle Smit (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 09/28/2023)

RECAP
Sept. 28, 2023

FILING FEE PAID re 1 by plaintiffs Steve Carra, James DeSana, Joseph Fox, Neil Friske, Jonathan Lindsey, Matt Maddock, Brad Paquette, Angela Rigas, James Runestad, Josh Schriver, Rachelle Smit in the amount of $402, receipt number AMIWDC-7175880 (Kaardal, Erick)

5 Oct. 11, 2023

MOTION to intervene by movants Jim Pedersen, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Detroit Disability Power; (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Proposed Intervenor Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Proposed Answer of Proposed Intervenor Defendants to Plaintiffs' Complaint) (Prescott, Sarah) Modified text on 10/11/2023 (mg). (Entered: 10/11/2023)

1 Exhibit 1 - Proposed Intervenor Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs�

View on PACER

2 Exhibit 2 - Proposed Answer of Proposed Intervenor Defendants to Plaintiffs'

View on PACER

RECAP
6 Oct. 11, 2023

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for MOTION to intervene 5 filed by movants Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen (Prescott, Sarah) Modified text on 10/11/2023 (mg). (Entered: 10/11/2023)

RECAP
7 Oct. 11, 2023

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to intervene 5 filed by movants Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen (Prescott, Sarah) Modified text on 10/11/2023 (mg). (Entered: 10/11/2023)

RECAP
Oct. 11, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Jyoti Jasrasaria on behalf of movants Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen (Jasrasaria, Jyoti)

8 Nov. 8, 2023

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to intervene intervenor-defendants Jim Pedersen, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Detroit Disability Power 5 filed by Steve Carra, James DeSana, Joseph Fox, Neil Friske, Jonathan Lindsey, Matt Maddock, Brad Paquette, Angela Rigas, James Runestad, Josh Schriver, Rachelle Smit (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Compliance (Word Count)) (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 11/08/2023)

RECAP
Nov. 9, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Samuel Ward-Packard on behalf of movants Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen (Ward-Packard, Samuel)

Nov. 9, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Aria Branch on behalf of movants Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen (Branch, Aria)

Nov. 9, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Julie Zuckerbrod on behalf of movants Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen (Zuckerbrod, Julie)

9 Nov. 10, 2023

WAIVER OF SERVICE returned executed by Brad Paquette, Matt Maddock, James Runestad, Jonathan Lindsey, Joseph Fox, James DeSana, Josh Schriver, Angela Rigas, Rachelle Smit, Neil Friske, Steve Carra as to Jocelyn Benson waiver sent on 11/7/2023, answer due 1/8/2024; Jonathan Brater waiver sent on 11/7/2023, answer due 1/8/2024; Gretchen Whitmer waiver sent on 11/7/2023, answer due 1/8/2024 [Attorney David A. Kallman added to party Steve Carra(pty:pla), Attorney David A. Kallman added to party James DeSana(pty:pla), Attorney David A. Kallman added to party Joseph Fox(pty:pla), Attorney David A. Kallman added to party Neil Friske(pty:pla), Attorney David A. Kallman added to party Jonathan Lindsey(pty:pla), Attorney David A. Kallman added to party Matt Maddock(pty:pla), Attorney David A. Kallman added to party Brad Paquette(pty:pla), Attorney David A. Kallman added to party Angela Rigas(pty:pla), Attorney David A. Kallman added to party James Runestad(pty:pla), Attorney David A. Kallman added to party Josh Schriver(pty:pla), Attorney David A. Kallman added to party Rachelle Smit(pty:pla)] (Kallman, David) (Entered: 11/10/2023)

RECAP
10 Nov. 13, 2023

MOTION to strike 8 with memorandum in support Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Opposition to Motion to Intervene, or, in the Alternative, for Leave to File a Reply in Support of their Motion to Intervene by movants Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen; (Prescott, Sarah) Modified text on 11/28/2023 (jjm). (Entered: 11/13/2023)

RECAP
11 Nov. 13, 2023

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for MOTION to strike 8 Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Opposition to Motion to Intervene, or, in the Alternative, for Leave to File a Reply in Support of their Motion to Intervene 10 filed by Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen (Prescott, Sarah) (Entered: 11/13/2023)

RECAP
12 Nov. 13, 2023

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to strike 8 Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Opposition to Motion to Intervene, or, in the Alternative, for Leave to File a Reply in Support of their Motion to Intervene 10 filed by Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen (Prescott, Sarah) (Entered: 11/13/2023)

RECAP
Nov. 13, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Heather S. Meingast on behalf of defendants Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, Gretchen Whitmer (Meingast, Heather)

Nov. 13, 2023

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Erik Alexander Grill on behalf of defendants Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, Gretchen Whitmer (Grill, Erik)

13 Nov. 27, 2023

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to strike 8 Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Opposition to Motion to Intervene, or, in the Alternative, for Leave to File a Reply in Support of their Motion to Intervene 10 filed by Steve Carra, James DeSana, Joseph Fox, Neil Friske, Jonathan Lindsey, Matt Maddock, Brad Paquette, Angela Rigas, James Runestad, Josh Schriver, Rachelle Smit (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Compliance (Word Count)) (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 11/27/2023)

RECAP
14 Nov. 27, 2023

AFFIDAVIT in opposition to MOTION to strike 8 Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Opposition to Motion to Intervene, or, in the Alternative, for Leave to File a Reply in Support of their Motion to Intervene 10 filed by Steve Carra, James DeSana, Joseph Fox, Neil Friske, Jonathan Lindsey, Matt Maddock, Brad Paquette, Angela Rigas, James Runestad, Josh Schriver, Rachelle Smit (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Notice of Appearance, # 2 Exhibit B - Notice of Appearance) (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 11/27/2023)

RECAP
15 Jan. 8, 2024

MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim, MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction by defendants Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, Gretchen Whitmer; (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 01/08/2024)

Clearinghouse
16 Jan. 8, 2024

BRIEF in support of MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction 15 filed by Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, Gretchen Whitmer (Attachments: # 1 Index Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit A. Enacted Statutes) (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 01/08/2024)

1 Index Exhibit List

View on PACER

2 Exhibit A. Enacted Statutes

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
17 Jan. 8, 2024

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction 15 filed by Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, Gretchen Whitmer (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 01/08/2024)

RECAP
18 Jan. 8, 2024

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Brief in Support of a Motion, 16 filed by Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, Gretchen Whitmer (Meingast, Heather) (Entered: 01/08/2024)

RECAP
19 Feb. 5, 2024

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to dismiss for failure to state a claim MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction 15 filed by Steve Carra, James DeSana, Joseph Fox, Neil Friske, Jonathan Lindsey, Matt Maddock, Brad Paquette, Angela Rigas, James Runestad, Josh Schriver, Rachelle Smit (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Compliance (Word Count)) (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 02/05/2024)

1 Certificate of Compliance (Word Count)

View on PACER

RECAP
20 Feb. 14, 2024

MOTION to expedite for Prompt Resolution of Motion to Intervene by movants Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen; (Prescott, Sarah) (Entered: 02/14/2024)

RECAP
21 Feb. 14, 2024

CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to expedite for Prompt Resolution of Motion to Intervene 20 filed by Detroit Disability Power, Detroit/Downriver Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Andrea Hunter, Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans, Jim Pedersen (Prescott, Sarah) (Entered: 02/14/2024)

RECAP
22 Feb. 16, 2024

REPLY to response to motion 15 to Dismiss filed by Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, Gretchen Whitmer (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 02/16/2024)

RECAP
23 Feb. 16, 2024

CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Reply to Response to Motion 22 to Dismiss filed by Jocelyn Benson, Jonathan Brater, Gretchen Whitmer (Grill, Erik) (Entered: 02/16/2024)

RECAP
24 Feb. 28, 2024

RESPONSE TO MOTION to expedite for Prompt Resolution of Motion to Intervene 20 filed by Steve Carra, James DeSana, Joseph Fox, Neil Friske, Jonathan Lindsey, Matt Maddock, Brad Paquette, Angela Rigas, James Runestad, Josh Schriver, Rachelle Smit (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 02/28/2024)

RECAP
25 April 10, 2024

OPINION AND ORDER granting motion to dismiss 15 ; dismissing as moot motions to intervene 5, to strike 10, and to expedite 20 ; Judgment to issue; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (lep) (Entered: 04/10/2024)

Clearinghouse
26 April 10, 2024

JUDGMENT: Plaintiff's complaint is dismissed; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (lep) (Entered: 04/10/2024)

RECAP
27 May 3, 2024

NOTICE OF APPEAL re 26, 25 by plaintiffs Steve Carra, James DeSana, Joseph Fox, Neil Friske, Jonathan Lindsey, Matt Maddock, Brad Paquette, Angela Rigas, James Runestad, Josh Schriver, Rachelle Smit (Kaardal, Erick) (Entered: 05/03/2024)

RECAP
28 May 8, 2024

LETTER FROM CCA regarding appeal 27 assigning CASE NUMBER 24-1413 indicating case # and regarding deadlines. (mg) (Entered: 05/10/2024)

RECAP
May 22, 2024

APPEAL FEE PAID re 27 by plaintiffs Steve Carra, James DeSana, Joseph Fox, Neil Friske, Jonathan Lindsey, Matt Maddock, Brad Paquette, Angela Rigas, James Runestad, Josh Schriver, Rachelle Smit in the amount of $605, receipt number AMIWDC-7381637 (Kaardal, Erick)

29 Dec. 20, 2024

ORDER of USCA (certified copy) re appeal 27 OPINION and JUDGMENT filed : AFFIRMED ; mandate to issue (mg) (Entered: 12/23/2024)

Clearinghouse
30 Jan. 13, 2025

MANDATE of USCA re appeal 27 (mg) (Entered: 01/13/2025)

RECAP
31 March 25, 2025

LETTER from Supreme Court of the United States that a petition for writ of certiorari was filed by appellant Jonathan Lindsey on March 20, 2025 and assigned case number 24-1017 re Notice of Appeal of Magistrate Judge Decision to USCA 27 (mg) Modified text on 3/27/2025 (mg). (Entered: 03/27/2025)

RECAP
32 May 20, 2025

LETTER from Supreme Court of the United States that the petition for writ of certiorari is denied re Notice of Appeal of Magistrate Judge Decision to USCA 27 (mg) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

Clearinghouse

Case Details

State / Territory:

Michigan

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA) project

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 28, 2023

Closing Date: May 19, 2025

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

1. A Michigan State Senator who is a voter and taxpayer in Michigan, represents constituents within their respective legislative district and is responsible, on behalf of their constituents, for the drafting or passage of laws for enactment, including election laws affecting elections of federal officials. 2. A Michigan State Senator who is a voter and taxpayer in Michigan, represents constituents within their respective legislative district and is responsible, on behalf of their constituents, for the drafting or passage of laws for enactment, including election laws affecting elections of federal officials. 3. A Michigan State Representative who is a voter and taxpayer in Michigan, represents constituents within their respective legislative district and is responsible, on behalf of their constituents, for the drafting or passage of laws for enactment, including election laws affecting elections of federal officials. 4. A Michigan State Representative who is a voter and taxpayer in Michigan, represents constituents within their respective legislative district and is responsible, on behalf of their constituents, for the drafting or passage of laws for enactment, including election laws affecting elections of federal officials. 5. A Michigan State Representative who is a voter and taxpayer in Michigan, represents constituents within their respective legislative district and is responsible, on behalf of their constituents, for the drafting or passage of laws for enactment, including election laws affecting elections of federal officials. 6. A Michigan State Representative who is a voter and taxpayer in Michigan, represents constituents within their respective legislative district and is responsible, on behalf of their constituents, for the drafting or passage of laws for enactment, including election laws affecting elections of federal officials. 7. A Michigan State Representative who is a voter and taxpayer in Michigan, represents constituents within their respective legislative district and is responsible, on behalf of their constituents, for the drafting or passage of laws for enactment, including election laws affecting elections of federal officials. 8. A Michigan State Representative who is a voter and taxpayer in Michigan, represents constituents within their respective legislative district and is responsible, on behalf of their constituents, for the drafting or passage of laws for enactment, including election laws affecting elections of federal officials. 9. A Michigan State Representative who is a voter and taxpayer in Michigan, represents constituents within their respective legislative district and is responsible, on behalf of their constituents, for the drafting or passage of laws for enactment, including election laws affecting elections of federal officials. 10. A Michigan State Representative who is a voter and taxpayer in Michigan, represents constituents within their respective legislative district and is responsible, on behalf of their constituents, for the drafting or passage of laws for enactment, including election laws affecting elections of federal officials.

Plaintiff Type(s):

State Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

State of Michigan

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Other Dockets:

Western District of Michigan 1:23-cv-01025

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Non-settlement Outcome

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Voting:

Election administration

Recommended Citation