Case: United States v. Matthews

3:25-cv-03398 | U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois

Filed Date: Dec. 18, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case regards the United States Department of Justice (DOJ)'s attempt to force Illinois to turn over sensitive voter information to the federal government, including social security and driver's license numbers. Here are all of the DOJ Voter Data lawsuits in the Clearinghouse collection. On December 18, 2025, The United States Attorney General sued the Executive Director of the Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE) seeking declaratory judgment that ISBE turn over sensitive voter informat…

This case regards the United States Department of Justice (DOJ)'s attempt to force Illinois to turn over sensitive voter information to the federal government, including social security and driver's license numbers. Here are all of the DOJ Voter Data lawsuits in the Clearinghouse collection.

On December 18, 2025, The United States Attorney General sued the Executive Director of the Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE) seeking declaratory judgment that ISBE turn over sensitive voter information. Attorney General Bondi had previously requested that ISBE turn over an unredacted copy of Illinois' computerized statewide voter registration list (SVRL). ISBE provided a redacted SVRL that included all information except voters' social security and driver's license numbers. Suing under the Civil Rights Act (CRA), which empowers the Attorney General to request state voter records, Plaintiff alleged that ISBE's refusal to turn over the unredacted list violated the Help American Vote Act (HAVA) and the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). This case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless. 

On December 22, 2025, multiple Illinois unions, including the Illinois AFLC-CIO, filed a motion to intervene as defendants. The unions argued that they had an interest in protecting the continued privacy of their members' sensitive data. Further, they argued that their members interests were not adequately defended by Illinois, which must consider the broader public-policy implications of the lawsuit. 

On January 9, 2026, Common Cause, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and three individuals also filed a motion to intervene. Both organizations are nonprofits who engage in voter protection work. They filed suit out of concern for their members, with a particular concern that DOJ would use the sensitive information of naturalized citizens to harm them. Similar to the unions, these interveners argued that the State of Illinois did not adequately represent their members' interests due to the State's consideration of broader public policy concerns.

On February 20, 2026, defendants filed a motion to dismiss. Defendants argued that DOJ did not properly serve process on ISBE because DOJ merely left the summons with the administrative assistant at an ISBE office. Defendants also argued that plaintiffs did not have the legal authority to compel Illinois to turn over the sensitive information requested.

On March 2, 2026, Judge Lawless granted both motions to intervene.

This case is ongoing.

 

Summary Authors

Nick Martire (3/7/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72054244/parties/united-states-v-matthews/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Bennett, Brittany (Illinois)

Attorney for Defendant

Berlin, Holly (Illinois)

Chablani, Aneel Lachman (Illinois)

Chamblee-Ryan, Katherine (Illinois)

Didwania, Vikas (Illinois)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

3:25-cv-03398

Complaint

The United States of America v. Matthews

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

Complaint
4

3:25-cv-03398

Complaint

The United States of America v. Matthews

Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

Complaint
42

3:25-cv-03398

Defendant's Memorandum in Support of her Motion to Dismiss Pursuant to Rules 12(B)(5) and 12(B)(6)

Feb. 20, 2026

Feb. 20, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72054244/united-states-v-matthews/

Last updated Sept. 3, 2026, 3:38 a.m.

Docket for: United States v. Matthews
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Dec. 18, 2025

STRICKEN COMPLAINT against Bernadette Matthews, filed by United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Supplement Civil Cover Sheet Attachment)(Gardner, Christopher) Modified on 12/19/2025 to strike pursuant to 12/19/2025 Text Order (DW). (Entered: 12/18/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Supplement Civil Cover Sheet Attachment

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2 Dec. 18, 2025

STRICKEN MOTION to Compel by Plaintiff United States of America. Responses due by 1/2/2026 (Attachments: # 1 Supplement Memorandum of Law, # 2 Exhibit Exhibits 1-3, # 3 Affidavit Declaration of Eric Neff, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 4)(Gardner, Christopher) Modified on 12/19/2025 to Strike pursuant to 12/19/2025 Text Order (DW). (Entered: 12/18/2025)

1 Supplement Memorandum of Law

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2 Exhibit Exhibits 1-3

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3 Affidavit Declaration of Eric Neff

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4 Exhibit Exhibit 4

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3 Dec. 18, 2025

NOTICE Proposed Order re 2 MOTION to Compel (Gardner, Christopher) (Entered: 12/18/2025)

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4 Dec. 19, 2025

COMPLAINT against Bernadette Matthews, filed by United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Supplement Attachment to Civil Cover Sheet)(Gardner, Christopher) (Entered: 12/19/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Supplement Attachment to Civil Cover Sheet

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5 Dec. 19, 2025

MOTION to Compel by Plaintiff United States of America. Responses due by 1/2/2026 (Attachments: # 1 Supplement Memorandum of Law, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 1-3, # 3 Affidavit Declaration of Eric Neff, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 4)(Gardner, Christopher) (Entered: 12/19/2025)

1 Supplement Memorandum of Law

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2 Exhibit Exhibit 1-3

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3 Affidavit Declaration of Eric Neff

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4 Exhibit Exhibit 4

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Dec. 19, 2025

TEXT ORDER entered by Magistrate Judge Douglas J. Quivey on 12/19/2025: Before the Court are Plaintiff's Complaint (Doc. 1 ) and Motion to Compel (Doc. 2 ). Pursuant to Local Rule 11.4(A)(2), "[d]ocuments signed by an attorney must be filed using that attorney's log-in and password; they may not be filed using a log-in and password of another attorney." The Complaint and Motion to Compel were filed using Christopher Gardner's log-in and password but are signed by Brittany Bennett. Therefore, the Clerk is directed to STRIKE the Complaint, (Doc. 1 ), and the Motion to Compel (Doc. 2 ). The Complaint and Motion to Compel, if refiled, must be done so using a signatory's log-in and password. (DW)

Dec. 19, 2025

Order on Motion to Compel

6 Dec. 22, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Sarah C Grady on behalf of Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers (Grady, Sarah) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

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7 Dec. 22, 2025

MOTION to Intervene as Defendants by Defendants Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers. Responses due by 1/5/2026 (Grady, Sarah) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

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8 Dec. 22, 2025

MEMORANDUM in Support re 7 MOTION to Intervene as Defendants filed by Defendants Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(Grady, Sarah) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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9 Dec. 22, 2025

NOTICE of No Position re 7 MOTION to Intervene as Defendants (Gardner, Christopher) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

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10 Dec. 22, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Adam Joseph Smith on behalf of Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers (Smith, Adam) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

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11 Dec. 22, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by John Hazinski on behalf of Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers (Hazinski, John) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

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12 Dec. 22, 2025

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7.1 Disclosure Statement by Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers. (Grady, Sarah) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

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13 Dec. 24, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Elisabeth C. Frost on behalf of Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers (Frost, Elisabeth) (Entered: 12/24/2025)

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14 Dec. 24, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Katherine Chamblee-Ryan on behalf of Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers (Chamblee-Ryan, Katherine) (Entered: 12/24/2025)

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15 Dec. 24, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Tina Meng Morrison on behalf of Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers (Meng Morrison, Tina) (Entered: 12/24/2025)

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16 Jan. 5, 2026

Summons Issued as to Bernadette Matthews. Summons returned to attorney of record to effectuate service. (DW) (Entered: 01/05/2026)

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17 Jan. 6, 2026

NOTICE of Supplemental Authorities re 7 MOTION to Intervene as Defendants, 8 Memorandum in Support of Motion, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Grady, Sarah) (Entered: 01/06/2026)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit 2

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18 Jan. 7, 2026

SUMMONS Returned Executed by United States of America. Bernadette Matthews served on 1/5/2026, answer due 1/26/2026. (Gardner, Christopher) (Entered: 01/07/2026)

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19 Jan. 8, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Robert Henry Weaver on behalf of Bernadette Matthews (Weaver, Robert) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

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20 Jan. 8, 2026

Joint MOTION to Enter Briefing Schedule by Defendant Bernadette Matthews. Responses due by 1/22/2026 (Weaver, Robert) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

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Jan. 8, 2026

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings

Jan. 8, 2026

TEXT ORDER Entered by Magistrate Judge Douglas J Quivey on 1/8/2026. Before the Court is the Parties' Joint Motion to Enter Briefing Schedule. (Doc. 20 ). For the reasons stated, the Motion is GRANTED. Defendant to file Motion to Dismiss and response to Plaintiff's Motion to Compel (Doc. 5 ) by February 20, 2026. Plaintiff to file response to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and reply in support of Plaintiff's Motion to Compel (Doc. 5 ) by March 6, 2026. Defendant to file reply in support of Defendant's Motion to Dismiss by March 20, 2026. (AEJ)

Jan. 8, 2026

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

21 Jan. 9, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Kevin M. Fee, Jr on behalf of Common Cause [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Brian Beals [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd] (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

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22 Jan. 9, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Rebecca Kim Glenberg on behalf of Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd] (Glenberg, Rebecca) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

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23 Jan. 9, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Priyanka Menon on behalf of Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd] (Menon, Priyanka) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

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24 Jan. 9, 2026

MOTION to Intervene by Defendants Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd]. Responses due by 1/23/2026 (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

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25 Jan. 9, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Support re 24 MOTION to Intervene filed by Defendants Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd]. (Attachments: # 1 EXHIBIT 1, # 2 EXHIBIT 2, # 3 EXHIBIT 3, # 4 EXHIBIT 4, # 5 EXHIBIT 5, # 6 EXHIBIT 6, # 7 EXHIBIT 7, # 8 EXHIBIT 8)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

1 EXHIBIT 1

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2 EXHIBIT 2

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3 EXHIBIT 3

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4 EXHIBIT 4

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5 EXHIBIT 5

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6 EXHIBIT 6

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7 EXHIBIT 7

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8 EXHIBIT 8

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26 Jan. 9, 2026

Proposed MOTION for Order by Defendants Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd]. Responses due by 1/23/2026 (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

RECAP
27 Jan. 9, 2026

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7.1 Disclosure Statement by Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd]. (Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

RECAP
28 Jan. 12, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Ethan Herenstein on behalf of Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd] (Herenstein, Ethan) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

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29 Jan. 12, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Patricia Jia Yan on behalf of Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd] (Yan, Patricia) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

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30 Jan. 12, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by William Hughes on behalf of Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd] (Hughes, William) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

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31 Jan. 12, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Sophia Lin Lakin on behalf of Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd] (Lakin, Sophia) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

RECAP
32 Jan. 12, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Theresa J Lee on behalf of Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd] (Lee, Theresa) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

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33 Jan. 13, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Priyanka Menon on behalf of Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd] (Menon, Priyanka) (Entered: 01/13/2026)

RECAP
Jan. 13, 2026

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge Colleen R. Lawless on 1/13/2026: Before the Court is a Notice of Appearance of Attorney by Priyanka Menon (Doc. 23 ). Pursuant to Local Rule 11.4(A)(2), "[d]ocuments signed by an attorney must be filed using that attorney's log-in and password; they may not be filed using a log-in and password of another attorney." The Notice of Appearance was filed using Priyanka Menon's log-in and password but is signed by Rebecca Glenberg. Therefore, the Clerk is directed to STRIKE the Notice of Appearance (Doc. 23 ). The Notice of Appearance, if refiled, must be done so using a signatory's log-in and password. (DW)

Jan. 13, 2026

Order Striking/Vacating Document (NOT a motion)

Jan. 13, 2026

Order Striking/Vacating Document

34 Jan. 15, 2026

NOTICE of No Position re 7 MOTION to Intervene as Defendants, 24 MOTION to Intervene (Weaver, Robert) (Entered: 01/15/2026)

RECAP
35 Jan. 15, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Ami Gandhi on behalf of Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd] (Gandhi, Ami) (Entered: 01/15/2026)

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36 Jan. 15, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Aneel Lachman Chablani on behalf of Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd] (Chablani, Aneel) (Entered: 01/15/2026)

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37 Jan. 21, 2026

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority re 24 MOTION to Intervene (Attachments: # 1 EXHIBIT 1, # 2 EXHIBIT 2)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

1 EXHIBIT 1

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2 EXHIBIT 2

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38 Jan. 21, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by David D. Vandenberg on behalf of United States of America (Vandenberg, David) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

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39 Feb. 10, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Holly Berlin on behalf of Bernadette Matthews (Berlin, Holly) (Entered: 02/10/2026)

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40 Feb. 11, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Vikas Didwania on behalf of Bernadette Matthews (Didwania, Vikas) (Entered: 02/11/2026)

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41 Feb. 20, 2026

MOTION to Dismiss Pursuant to Rules 12(b)(5) and 12(b)(6) by Defendant Bernadette Matthews. Responses due by 3/6/2026 (Weaver, Robert) (Entered: 02/20/2026)

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42 Feb. 20, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Support re 41 MOTION to Dismiss Pursuant to Rules 12(b)(5) and 12(b)(6) by Bernadette Matthews. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3 (Shockey Decl.), # 4 Exhibit 4)(Weaver, Robert) (Entered: 02/20/2026)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit 2

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3 Exhibit 3 (Shockey Decl.)

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4 Exhibit 4

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43 Feb. 20, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 5 MOTION to Compel filed by Defendant Bernadette Matthews. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Weaver, Robert) (Entered: 02/20/2026)

1 Exhibit 1

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44 Feb. 20, 2026

MOTION for Leave to File Motion to Dismiss and Response in Opposition to Motion to Compel by Intervenor Defendants Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers. Responses due by 3/6/2026 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Proposed Motion to Dismiss, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Proposed Response to Motion to Compel)(Grady, Sarah) (Entered: 02/20/2026)

1 Exhibit 1 - Proposed Motion to Dismiss

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2 Exhibit 2 - Proposed Response to Motion to Compel

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45 Feb. 23, 2026

MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Amicus Democratic National Committee. Responses due by 3/9/2026 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1: Proposed Amicus Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Freeman, Daniel) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

1 Exhibit 1: Proposed Amicus Brief

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2 Text of Proposed Order

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46 Feb. 23, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Support re 45 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Democratic National Committee. (Freeman, Daniel) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

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47 Feb. 23, 2026

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7.1 Disclosure Statement by Democratic National Committee. (Freeman, Daniel) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

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48 March 2, 2026

ANSWER to 4 Complaint by Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers.(BMG) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

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49 March 2, 2026

MOTION to Dismiss by Defendants Brian Beals [intvd], Common Cause [intvd], Alejandra L. Ibanez [intvd], Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights [intvd], Pablo Mendoza [intvd]. Responses due by 3/16/2026. (BMG) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

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50 March 2, 2026

Consent MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Amici Curiae by Amicus Former Employees of the U.S. Department of Justice. Responses due by 3/16/2026 (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Brief of Amici Curiae, # 2 Proposed Order)(Yashar, Shawnna) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

1 Proposed Brief of Amici Curiae

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2 Proposed Order

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51 March 2, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Support re 50 Consent MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Amici Curiae filed by Amicus Former Employees of the U.S. Department of Justice. (Yashar, Shawnna) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

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March 2, 2026

Order on Motion to Intervene AND Order on Motion to Intervene

March 2, 2026

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge Colleen R. Lawless on 3/2/2026: Before the Court are two timely unopposed Motions to Intervene as Defendants. (Docs. 7, 24 ). Under Rule 24(b), a court may permit intervention if a party has "a claim or defense that shares with the main action a common question of law or fact," and doing so will not "unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication of the original parties' rights." Fed. R. Civ. P. 24(b). The Intervenors have established they have "a claim or defense that shares with the main action a common question of law or fact," and this Court finds intervention at this early stage will not "unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication." Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 24(b), Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, and Illinois Federation of Teachers' Motion to Intervene as Defendants, (Doc. 7 ), and Common Cause, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Brian Beals, Pablo Mendoza, and Alejandra L. Ibaez's Motion to Intervene as Defendants, (Doc. 24 ), are hereby GRANTED. The Clerk is DIRECTED to file the proposed Answer, (Doc. 8-4), and Motion to Dismiss, (Doc. 25-1), attached to the respective Intervenors' Memoranda in Support of their Motions to Intervene. (BMG)

March 2, 2026

Order on Motion to Intervene

52 March 3, 2026

Amicus Curiae APPEARANCE entered by Daniel Michael Kobrin on behalf of Maryland. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Amicus Brief)(Kobrin, Daniel) (Entered: 03/03/2026)

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53 March 5, 2026

MOTION to Amend/Correct Briefing Schedule for Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and Plaintiff's Motion to Compel by Defendant Bernadette Matthews. Responses due by 3/19/2026 (Berlin, Holly) (Entered: 03/05/2026)

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54 March 12, 2026

AMICUS BRIEF by Democratic National Committee. (DW) (Entered: 03/12/2026)

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55 March 12, 2026

BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE by Former Employees of the U.S. Department of Justice. (DW) (Entered: 03/12/2026)

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56 March 12, 2026

MOTION to Dismiss by Intervenor Defendants Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers. Responses due by 3/26/2026 (DW) (Entered: 03/12/2026)

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57 March 12, 2026

RESPONSE IN OPPOSITION to 5 MOTION to Compel filed by Intervenor Defendants Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers. (DW) (Entered: 03/12/2026)

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March 12, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to File AND Order on Motion for Leave to File AND Order on Motion for Leave to File

March 12, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to File

March 12, 2026

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge Colleen R. Lawless on 3/12/2026: Before the Court are two Motions to File Amici Briefs filed by the Democratic National Committee and Former Employees of the U.S. Department of Justice, (Docs. 45 and 50 ), and a Motion filed by Intervenor Defendants Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, and Illinois Federation of Teachers for Leave to File a Motion to Dismiss and a Response to Motion to Compel, (Doc. 44 ). All three motions are GRANTED for the reasons stated therein. The Democratic National Committee and Former Employees of the U.S. Department of Justice are to be designated as Amici Curiae and the clerk is DIRECTED to file their Amici briefs. (Docs. 45-1, 50-1). The clerk is further DIRECTED to file the proposed Motion to Dismiss, (Doc. 44-1), and Response to the Motion to Compel, (Doc. 44-2), attached to Intervenor Defendants' Motion. (DW)

58 March 13, 2026

MOTION of Proposed Intervenor Defendants Common Cause, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Brian Beals, Pablo Mendoza and Alejandra Ibanez to Strike and Amend Briefing Schedule by Intervenor Defendants Brian Beals, Common Cause, Alejandra L Ibanez, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Pablo Mendoza. Responses due by 3/27/2026 (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order [Proposed Order] Granting Intervenor's Motion to Strike and Amend Briefing Schedule)(Fee, Kevin) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

1 Text of Proposed Order [Proposed Order] Granting Intervenor's Motion to Str

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59 March 16, 2026

TEXT ORDER entered by Magistrate Judge Douglas J. Quivey on 3/16/2026: Before the Court is the Motion of Intervenor Defendants Common Cause, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Brian Beals, Pablo Mendoza, and Alejandra Ibanez to Strike and Amend Briefing Schedule, (Doc. 58 ), and Defendant Matthews' Unopposed Motion to Amend Briefing Schedule. (Doc. 53 ). According to Motion, (Doc. 58 ), Intervenor Defendants Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, and Illinois Federation of Teachers did not indicate a position in regard to Doc. 58 . (Doc. 58, p. 2). For the reasons stated, both Motions are GRANTED in part. The Court will not strike any pending motions to dismiss. In order to impose a uniform briefing schedule, all Defendants, to include Intervenor Defendants, have until March 23, 2026, to file or supplement any previously filed motions to dismiss. Plaintiff's responses to all motions to dismiss are due by April 6, 2026. All Defendants, to include Intervenor Defendants, have until April 20, 2026, to file replies. The briefing schedule for the pending Motion to Compel, (Doc. 5 ), will be addressed in a separate text order. (DW) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

RECAP
March 16, 2026

1 - Terminate Deadlines and Hearings AND Order AND Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief AND Order on Motion to Amend/Correct AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings

60 March 17, 2026

TEXT ORDER entered by Magistrate Judge Douglas J. Quivey on 3/17/2026: Before the Court is Plaintiff's Motion to Compel Production of Records. (Doc. 5 ). All Defendants, to include Intervenor Defendants, have until March 23, 2026, to respond to the Motion. Plaintiff has until April 6, 2026, to file a reply. (DW) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

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61 March 17, 2026

TEXT ORDER entered by Judge Colleen R. Lawless on 3/17/2026: Before the Court is a Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief filed by Eighteen States and the District of Columbia. (Doc. 52 ). The Motion is GRANTED for the reasons stated therein. The clerk is DIRECTED to file the Amicus Brief attached to the motion. (Doc. 52-1). (DW) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

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62 March 17, 2026

BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE by Eighteen States and the District of Columbia. (DW) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

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63 March 17, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by Joseph W. Voiland on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Voiland, Joseph) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

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March 17, 2026

Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings

March 17, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to File

64 March 23, 2026

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Defendant Bernadette Matthews. Responses due by 4/6/2026 (Weaver, Robert) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

RECAP
65 March 23, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Support re 64 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Defendant Bernadette Matthews. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3)(Weaver, Robert) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit 2

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3 Exhibit 3

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RECAP
66 March 23, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 5 MOTION to Compel Second filed by Defendant Bernadette Matthews. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Weaver, Robert) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

1 Exhibit 1

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RECAP
67 March 23, 2026

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Intervenor Defendants Brian Beals, Common Cause, Alejandra L Ibanez, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Pablo Mendoza. Responses due by 4/6/2026 (Herenstein, Ethan) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

RECAP
68 March 23, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Support re 67 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM & in Opposition re 5 Motion to Compel filed by Intervenor Defendants Brian Beals, Common Cause, Alejandra L Ibanez, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Pablo Mendoza. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Signed MOU, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Herenstein, Ethan) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

1 Exhibit Signed MOU

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2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order

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RECAP
69 March 23, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Support re 56 MOTION to Dismiss Supplement filed by Intervenor Defendants Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers. (Smith, Adam) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

RECAP
70 March 24, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance of Attorney by John David Hoelzer on behalf of United States of America (Hoelzer, John) (Entered: 03/24/2026)

RECAP
71 April 6, 2026

MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages Unopposed by Plaintiff United States of America. Responses due by 4/20/2026 (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Gardner, Christopher) (Entered: 04/06/2026)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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RECAP
72 April 6, 2026

TEXT ORDER entered by Magistrate Judge Douglas J. Quivey on 4/6/2026: Before the Court is Plaintiff's Unopposed Motion to Exceed Page Limitations. (Doc. 71 ). For the reasons stated, the unopposed Motion is GRANTED. Plaintiff's consolidated response to Motions to Dismiss (Docs. 41, 49, 56, 64, 67 ) and accompanying memoranda combined with its Reply in support of its Motion to Compel (Doc. 5 ) shall not exceed 25 pages. (DW) (Entered: 04/06/2026)

RECAP
73 April 6, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 64 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM, 67 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM, 56 MOTION to Dismiss filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Eric Neff, # 2 Exhibit GA Complaint, # 3 Exhibit GA Consent Decree, # 4 Exhibit TX MOU, # 5 Exhibit ME Consent Decree, # 6 Exhibit NJ Consent Decree, # 7 Exhibit IN Consent Decree, # 8 Exhibit NC Consent Decree, # 9 Exhibit NC 2nd Status Update, # 10 Exhibit Natl Commn on Fed. Election Reform Report)(Gardner, Christopher) (Entered: 04/06/2026)

1 Affidavit Declaration of Eric Neff

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2 Exhibit GA Complaint

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3 Exhibit GA Consent Decree

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4 Exhibit TX MOU

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5 Exhibit ME Consent Decree

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6 Exhibit NJ Consent Decree

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7 Exhibit IN Consent Decree

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8 Exhibit NC Consent Decree

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9 Exhibit NC 2nd Status Update

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10 Exhibit Natl Commn on Fed. Election Reform Report

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RECAP
April 6, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages

74 April 17, 2026

REPLY to Response to Motion re 64 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Defendant Bernadette Matthews. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Rhode Island Dist. Ct. Transcript, # 2 Exhibit 2 - CA Mot. to Expedite, # 3 Exhibit 3 - OR Mot. to Expedite, # 4 Exhibit 4 - MI Mot. to Expedite, # 5 Exhibit 5 - Voter Registration Application)(Berlin, Holly) (Entered: 04/17/2026)

1 Exhibit 1 - Rhode Island Dist. Ct. Transcript

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2 Exhibit 2 - CA Mot. to Expedite

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3 Exhibit 3 - OR Mot. to Expedite

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4 Exhibit 4 - MI Mot. to Expedite

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5 Exhibit 5 - Voter Registration Application

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RECAP
75 April 20, 2026

REPLY to Response to Motion re 67 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Intervenor Defendants Brian Beals, Alejandra L Ibanez, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Pablo Mendoza, Defendant Bernadette Matthews. (Herenstein, Ethan) (Entered: 04/20/2026)

RECAP
76 April 20, 2026

REPLY to Response to Motion re 56 MOTION to Dismiss filed by Intervenor Defendants Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers. (Frost, Elisabeth) (Entered: 04/20/2026)

RECAP
77 April 29, 2026

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority re 64 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM (Berlin, Holly) (Entered: 04/29/2026)

RECAP
78 April 30, 2026

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority re 56 MOTION to Dismiss (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Frost, Elisabeth) (Entered: 04/30/2026)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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RECAP
79 May 15, 2026

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority re 5 MOTION to Compel (Attachments: # 1 Ex. 1 OLC Opinion 05.12.2026)(Voiland, Joseph) (Entered: 05/15/2026)

1 Ex. 1 OLC Opinion 05.12.2026

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RECAP
80 May 18, 2026

Response by Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, Illinois Federation of Teachers re 79 Notice (Other) of Supplemental Authority (OLC Memorandum). (Frost, Elisabeth) (Entered: 05/18/2026)

RECAP
81 May 21, 2026

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority re 56 MOTION to Dismiss (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Bellows Order, # 2 Exhibit B - Wisconsin Elections Commission Order)(Frost, Elisabeth) (Entered: 05/21/2026)

1 Exhibit A - Bellows Order

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2 Exhibit B - Wisconsin Elections Commission Order

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RECAP
82 May 22, 2026

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority re 64 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM (Berlin, Holly) (Entered: 05/22/2026)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Illinois

Case Type(s):

Election/Voting Rights

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations By the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 18, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiff is United States Attorney General Pam Bondi

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

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Civil Rights Act of 1957/1960, 52 U.S.C. § 10101 (previously 42 U.S.C. § 1971)

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

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

Other Dockets:

Central District of Illinois 3:25-cv-03398

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Document/Information

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Voting:

Access to Voter Rolls / Voter Information

Recommended Citation