Case: United States v. Wisconsin Elections Commission

3:25-cv-01036 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Filed Date: Dec. 18, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case involved a suit filed by the Attorney General of the United States against the Wisconsin Elections Commission seeking to compel Wisconsin's statewide voter registration list, which includes sensitive personal information. Here are all of the DOJ Voter Data lawsuits in the Clearinghouse collection. The U.S. Attorney General, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), claimed authority to compel the statewide voter registration list under the National Voter Registration Act (NVR…

This case involved a suit filed by the Attorney General of the United States against the Wisconsin Elections Commission seeking to compel Wisconsin's statewide voter registration list, which includes sensitive personal information. Here are all of the DOJ Voter Data lawsuits in the Clearinghouse collection.

The U.S. Attorney General, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), claimed authority to compel the statewide voter registration list under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and the Civil Rights Act of 1960 (CRA). Both the NVRA and HAVA require States to maintain and preserve certain records and papers relating to elections that fall within the scope of Section 301 of Title III of the CRA. Section 301 of the CRA requires state election officials to “retain and preserve … all records and papers which come into [their] possession relating to any application, registration, payment of poll tax, or other act requisite to voting in such election.” Section 303 of the CRA provides that such records “shall, upon demand in writing by the Attorney General … be made available for inspection, reproduction, and copying at the principal office of such custodian by the Attorney General or his representative….” 

Based on this authority, the DOJ sent a letter to the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) on June 4, June 17, and December 2, 2025, seeking information regarding Wisconsin’s compliance with federal election law, including the state’s voter registration list and accompanying information on each registered voter: full name, date of birth, residential address, state driver’s license number, and the last four digits of the registrant’s social security number. When WEC Administrator Meagan Wolfe declined to provide the information, citing state privacy law, the DOJ brought suit against the WEC, Administrator Wolfe, and the WEC Commissioners in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin on December 18, 2025. The case was assigned to Judge James Donald Peterson.

In the complaint, the DOJ alleged that the CRA granted “sweeping power to obtain [the requested records.” Further, DOJ argued that if the custodian to whom the written demand is made refuses to comply, the CRA allows the DOJ to “request a Federal court to issue an order directing the officer of election to produce the demanded records.” Relying on Kennedy v. Lynd, 306 F.2d 222, 226 (5th Cir. 1962) and In re Gordon, 218 F. Supp. 826, 826-27 (S.D. Miss. 1963), the DOJ further argued that the reviewing court does not adjudicate “the factual foundation for, or the sufficiency of, the Attorney General’s ‘statement of the basis and the purpose’ contained in the written demand” or “the scope of the order to produce.”

In relief, the DOJ sought a declaration that the WEC’s refusal violated Title III of the CRA, and an order compelling Administrator Wolfe to provide Wisconsin’s statewide voter registration list, “with all fields.” Contemporaneously with the complaint, the DOJ also filed a motion to compel the aforementioned records.

On January 15, 2026, the WEC Defendants filed a motion to deny or stay the DOJ’s motion to compel on the basis that it was premature because the “motion seeks complete relief on the merits.”

The court granted motions to intervene by Intervenor-Defendants groups of voter advocacy organizations (Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans, Forward Latino, and Common Cause) and individual Wisconsin voters on January 22, 2026. 

The WEC Defendants filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim on February 2, 2026. They argued that Title III of the CRA did not entitle the DOJ to Wisconsin's voter registration list because the “DOJ’s demand here goes beyond the statute’s text and remedial scope.” Further, “granting US DOJ access to an unredacted list would run afoul of state privacy laws that no federal law preempts.” The Intervenor-Defendants Common Cause and individual voters also filed a motion to dismiss on February 12, 2026, making substantially the same argument and arguing that the DOJ had not “provided a statutorily sufficient basis and purpose to support the relief it seeks in its Complaint.”

Former Employees of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) sought leave to file an amicus brief. 

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Madena Mustafa (2/12/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72055967/parties/united-states-v-wisconsin-elections-commission/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Bennett, Brittany (Wisconsin)

Attorney for Defendant

Cox, Ryan Vincent (Wisconsin)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Alerasool, Omeed (Wisconsin)

Ford, Christina (Wisconsin)

Fox, David Robert (Wisconsin)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

3:25-cv-01036

Complaint

The United States v. Wisconsin Elections Commission et al.

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

Complaint
2

3:25-cv-01036

Motion for Order to Compel the Production of Records Demanded Pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of 1960

United States of America v. Wisconsin Elections Commission and Meagan Wolfe

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
56

3:25-cv-01036

Defendants' Rule 12(b)(6) Motion to Dismiss

United States of America v. Wisconsin Elections COmmission

Feb. 2, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72055967/united-states-v-wisconsin-elections-commission/

Last updated March 1, 2026, 12:10 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Attachment to JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet) (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/18/2025)

1 JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet Attachment to Civil Cover Sheet

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Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

Motion to Compel Production of Records Pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of 1960 by Plaintiff United States of America. Response due 12/26/2025. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/18/2025)

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

Clearinghouse
3

Brief in Support of 2 Motion to Compel Production of Documents Pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of 1960 by Plaintiff United States of America (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits 1-6, Letters to/from Attorney General, SC Order, # 2 Declaration of Eric Neff (refiled at dkt. 4 ), # 3 Text of Proposed Order) (Bennett, Brittany) Modified on 12/19/2025. (arw) (Entered: 12/18/2025)

1 Exhibit Exhibits 1-6, Letters to/from Attorney General, SC Order

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2 Exhibit Declaration of Eric Neff

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3 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

RECAP

Add Judge for Shell Case Opening

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

Standard Attachments Sent

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

Case randomly assigned to Magistrate Judge Anita Marie Boor. (jef)

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

Standard attachments for Magistrate Judge Anita M. Boor required to be served on all parties with summons or waiver of service: Corporate Disclosure Statement, Order Regarding Assignment of Cases, Notice of Assignment to a Magistrate Judge and Consent/Request for Reassignment, Order on Dispositive Motions. (jef)

Dec. 18, 2025

Dec. 18, 2025

4

Declaration of Eric Neff filed by Plaintiff United States of America re: 2 Motion to Compel. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 5 - South Carolina Order) (Bennett, Brittany) Modified on 12/19/2025. (arw) (Entered: 12/19/2025)

Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

5

Notice of Filing of Exhibits re: 2 Motion to Compel Production of Records Pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of 1960, 3 Brief in Support by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - June 17 Letter, # 2 Exhibit 2 - July 2 Letter, # 3 Exhibit 3 - December 2 Email, # 4 Exhibit 4 - December 11 Letter, # 5 Exhibit 6 - June 4 Letter) (Bennett, Brittany) Modified on 12/19/2025. (arw) (Entered: 12/19/2025)

1 Exhibit June 17 Letter

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2 Exhibit July 2 Letter

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3 Exhibit December 2 Email

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4 Exhibit December 11 Letter

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5 Exhibit June 4 Letter

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Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

6

** TEXT ONLY ORDER ** The United States of America has filed suit against the Wisconsin Elections Commission and several individuals. The court calls attention to three things to which plaintiff must attend. First, pursuant to the court's electronic filing procedures, plaintiff must promptly complete and file summons so the clerk may issue them in the normal course. Second, the motion to compel, Dkt. 2, which plaintiff filed along with the complaint, autogenerated a response deadline. But defendants have not yet been served with summons, so the court strikes that deadline, to be reset upon defendants entering the case. Third, this case was randomly assigned to Magistrate Judge Anita Marie Boor. To ensure all parties promptly consent to or request reassignment from Judge Boor, plaintiff is reminded to serve all standard attachments issued on December 18, 2025, including the consent form, on defendants with the summons and complaint. Signed by Magistrate Judge Anita Marie Boor on 12/19/2025. (acd) (Entered: 12/19/2025)

Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

Text Only Order

Dec. 19, 2025

Dec. 19, 2025

7

Motion to Intervene by Intervenor Parties Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans, Forward Latino. Response due 12/29/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Disregard, # 2 Disrgard, # 3 Disregard, # 4 Exhibit A - Proposed Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint, # 5 Exhibit B - New Mexico District Court Order, # 6 Exhibit C - USDC Central District of CA NEF of Minutes, # 7 Exhibit D - Maine District Court Order) (Alerasool, Omeed) Modified on 12/22/2025: Corrections made, documents refiled. (lak) (Entered: 12/20/2025)

1 Disregard

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2 Disregard

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3 Disregard

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4 Exhibit A - Proposed Answer to Plaintiff's Complaint

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5 Exhibit B - New Mexico District Court Order

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6 Exhibit C - USDC Central District of CA NEF of Minutes

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7 Exhibit D - Maine District Court Order

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Dec. 20, 2025

Dec. 20, 2025

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8

Notice of Appearance filed by Omeed Alerasool for Intervenor Parties Forward Latino, Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans. (Alerasool, Omeed) (Entered: 12/20/2025)

Dec. 20, 2025

Dec. 20, 2025

9

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Intervenor Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans. (Alerasool, Omeed) (Entered: 12/20/2025)

Dec. 20, 2025

Dec. 20, 2025

10

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Intervenor Forward Latino. (Alerasool, Omeed) (Entered: 12/20/2025)

Dec. 20, 2025

Dec. 20, 2025

11

Brief in Support of 7 Motion to Intervene, by Intervenor Parties Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans, Forward Latino. (lak) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

RECAP
12

Declaration of Ross Winklbauer, Sr. filed by Intervenor Parties Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans, Forward Latino re: 7 Motion to Intervene. (lak) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

13

Declaration of Darryl Morin filed by Intervenor Parties Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans, Forward Latino re: 7 Motion to Intervene. (lak) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

14

Notice of Appearance filed by Diane Mary Welsh for Intervenor Parties Forward Latino, Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans. (Welsh, Diane) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

15

Notice of Appearance filed by Christa Oliver Westerberg for Intervenor Parties Forward Latino, Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans. (Westerberg, Christa) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

16

Request for Issuance of Summons by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

17

Request for Issuance of Summons by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

18

Request for Issuance of Summons by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

19

Request for Issuance of Summons by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

20

Request for Issuance of Summons by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

21

Request for Issuance of Summons by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

22

Request for Issuance of Summons by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

23

Request for Issuance of Summons by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

24

Summons Issued as to Marge Bostelmann, Ann S. Jacobs, Don M. Millis, Carrie Riepl, Robert F. Spindell, Jr, Mark L. Thomsen, Wisconsin Elections Commission, Meagan Wolfe. (lak) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

25

** TEXT ONLY ORDER ** Nonparties Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans and Forward Latino have filed a motion to intervene in this lawsuit. Dkt. 7 . The filing of that motion autogenerated a response deadline of December 29, but defendants have yet to enter notices of appearances, making this deadline premature. The court would benefit from hearing from all parties on this issue, so it strikes the deadline, to be reset upon defendants entering the case. Signed by Magistrate Judge Anita Marie Boor on 12/29/2025. (acd) (Entered: 12/29/2025)

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

Text Only Order

Dec. 29, 2025

Dec. 29, 2025

26

Marshal Service Return Executed. All Defendants. (Bennett, Brittany) (Entered: 12/30/2025)

Dec. 30, 2025

Dec. 30, 2025

27

Notice of Appearance filed by Charlotte Gibson for Defendants Marge Bostelmann, Ann S. Jacobs, Don M. Millis, Carrie Riepl, Robert F. Spindell, Jr, Mark L. Thomsen, Wisconsin Elections Commission, Meagan Wolfe. (Gibson, Charlotte) (Entered: 01/06/2026)

Jan. 6, 2026

Jan. 6, 2026

28

Notice of Appearance filed by David Robert Fox for Intervenor Parties Forward Latino, Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans. (Fox, David) (Entered: 01/06/2026)

Jan. 6, 2026

Jan. 6, 2026

29

Notice of Appearance filed by Christina Ford for Intervenor Parties Forward Latino, Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans. (Ford, Christina) (Entered: 01/06/2026)

Jan. 6, 2026

Jan. 6, 2026

30

Notice of Appearance filed by Samuel Ward-Packard for Defendants Marge Bostelmann, Ann S. Jacobs, Don M. Millis, Carrie Riepl, Robert F. Spindell, Jr, Mark L. Thomsen, Wisconsin Elections Commission, Meagan Wolfe. (Ward-Packard, Samuel) (Entered: 01/06/2026)

Jan. 6, 2026

Jan. 6, 2026

31

Notice by Intervenor Parties Forward Latino, Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans re 7 Motion to Intervene regarding Parties' Positions and Supplemental Authorities. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Order re Intervention in D. Haw., # 2 Exhibit 2 - Order re Intervention in D.N.H., # 3 Exhibit 3 - Order re Intervention in D. Minn.) (Fox, David) (Entered: 01/07/2026)

1 Exhibit 1 - Order re Intervention in D. Haw.

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2 Exhibit 2 - Order re Intervention in D.N.H.

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3 Exhibit 3 - Order re Intervention in D. Minn.

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Jan. 7, 2026

Jan. 7, 2026

RECAP
32

** TEXT ONLY ORDER ** Plaintiff has submitted executed summons, Dkt. 26, indicating service was completed on December 30, 2025, and counsel has entered an appearance for defendants, Dkt. 27 . Applying Rule 12, defendants' deadline to answer or otherwise respond to the complaint is January 20, 2026, absent some agreement, order, or other exception. Also, proposed intervenors have submitted a notice reporting that the parties take no position on their proposed intervention. Dkt. 31 . In light of these developments, the court ORDERS the following: No later than January 20, 2026, plaintiff and defendants must file letters confirming their position on the proposed intervention. The deadline to respond to the motion to compel, Dkt. 2, is RESET to January 27, 2026, and any reply is due February 3, 2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Anita Marie Boor on 1/8/26. (jat) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

33

Unopposed Motion to Intervene by Intervenor Defendants Common Cause, Melissa Adams, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1--Proposed Answer, # 2 Exhibit 2--Proposed Motion to Dismiss, # 3 Exhibit 3--Proposed Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss) (Poland, Douglas) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

1 Exhibit 1--Proposed Answer

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2 Exhibit 2--Proposed Motion to Dismiss

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3 Exhibit 3--Proposed Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss

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Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

34

Brief in Support of 33 Motion to Intervene, by Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1--USDOJ Memorandum of Understanding, # 2 Exhibit 2--Hearing Transcript of 12/4/25 US v. Weber case, # 3 Exhibit 3--Letter in US v. Pennsylvania, # 4 Exhibit 4--Order of 12/15/25 in US v. Weber) (Poland, Douglas) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

1 Exhibit 1--USDOJ Memorandum of Understanding

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2 Exhibit 2--Hearing Transcript of 12/4/25 US v. Weber case

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3 Exhibit 3--Letter in US v. Pennsylvania

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4 Exhibit 4--Order of 12/15/25 in US v. Weber

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Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

35

Declaration of Bianca N. Shaw filed by Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer re: 33 Motion to Intervene, (Poland, Douglas) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

36

Declaration of Melissa Adams filed by Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer re: 33 Motion to Intervene, (Poland, Douglas) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

37

Declaration of Amanda Makulec filed by Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer re: 33 Motion to Intervene, (Poland, Douglas) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

38

Declaration of Jaime Riefer filed by Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer re: 33 Motion to Intervene, (Poland, Douglas) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

39

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Intervenor Defendant Common Cause. (Poland, Douglas) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

40

Notice of Appearance filed by Douglas Maynard Poland for Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer. (Poland, Douglas) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

41

Notice of Appearance filed by Scott Brian Thompson for Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer. (Thompson, Scott) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

Text Only Order

Jan. 8, 2026

Jan. 8, 2026

42

Notice of Appearance filed by Ryan Vincent Cox for Intervenor Defendant Common Cause. (Cox, Ryan) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

Jan. 9, 2026

Jan. 9, 2026

Judge update in case. Case randomly reassigned to District Judge James D. Peterson and Magistrate Judge Anita Marie Boor. (lak)

Jan. 12, 2026

Jan. 12, 2026

Add and Terminate Judges

Jan. 12, 2026

Jan. 12, 2026

43

Motion to Deny or Stay Plaintiff's Motion to Compel by Defendants Marge Bostelmann, Ann S. Jacobs, Don M. Millis, Carrie Riepl, Robert F. Spindell, Jr, Mark L. Thomsen, Wisconsin Elections Commission, Meagan Wolfe. Response due 1/22/2026. (Ward-Packard, Samuel) (Entered: 01/15/2026)

Jan. 15, 2026

Jan. 15, 2026

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44

Notice of Supplemental Authority by Intervenor Defendant Common Cause re: 33 Unopposed Motion to Intervene. Supplemental Authority in Support of Proposed Motion to Dismiss. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - US v. Weber, Order granting Motions to Dismiss (C.D. Cal. Jan. 15, 2026)) (Poland, Douglas) (Entered: 01/15/2026)

1 Exhibit 1 - US v. Weber, Order granting Motions to Dismiss (C.D. Cal. Jan. 15, 2

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Jan. 15, 2026

Jan. 15, 2026

45

ORDER granting 43 Motion to Stay Plaintiff's Motion to Compel; a status conference will be set with the parties and briefing on the Motion to Compel will be reset at the status conference. Signed by District Judge James D. Peterson on 1/16/2026. (jls) (Entered: 01/16/2026)

Jan. 16, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026

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46

Joint Motion for Extension of Time and Notice of No Position on Motions to Intervene, Joint Motion for Set Briefing Schedule by Defendants Marge Bostelmann, Ann S. Jacobs, Don M. Millis, Carrie Riepl, Robert F. Spindell, Jr, Mark L. Thomsen, Wisconsin Elections Commission, Meagan Wolfe. (Ward-Packard, Samuel) (Entered: 01/16/2026)

Jan. 16, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026

47

** TEXT ONLY ORDER ** The parties have filed a joint motion to extend defendants' deadline to respond to the complaint until February 2 and to set a briefing schedule for motions to dismiss. Dkt. 46. The court has set this case for a status conference on Wednesday, January 21, so the court will defer the briefing schedule issue until then. The motion for an extension of time is GRANTED in part. Defendants' deadline to respond to the complaint is STAYED for now; the court will reset it at the status conference. Signed by District Judge James D. Peterson on 01/16/2025. (lhv) (Entered: 01/16/2026)

Jan. 16, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026

Set Hearings: Telephone Status Conference set for 1/21/2026 at 02:00 PM before Judge James D. Peterson. Counsel for Government responsible for setting up the call to chambers at (608) 264-5504. (jls)

Jan. 16, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026

Set Deadlines/Hearings

Jan. 16, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026

48

Notice of Appearance filed by Megan Christine Keenan for Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer. (Keenan, Megan) (Entered: 01/20/2026)

Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 20, 2026

49

Notice of Appearance filed by Theresa J. Lee for Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer. (Lee, Theresa) (Entered: 01/20/2026)

Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 20, 2026

50

Notice of Appearance filed by David D. Vandenberg for Plaintiff United States of America. (Vandenberg, David) (Entered: 01/20/2026)

Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 20, 2026

51

Notice of Appearance filed by Sophia L Lakin for Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer. (Lakin, Sophia) (Entered: 01/20/2026)

Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 20, 2026

52

Notice of Appearance filed by Jonathan Topaz for Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer. (Topaz, Jonathan) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

Jan. 21, 2026

Jan. 21, 2026

Status Conference set for 1/21/2026 at 02:00 PM will be held by Zoom Videoconference. (jat)

Jan. 21, 2026

Jan. 21, 2026

Set Pretrial or Status Conference

Jan. 21, 2026

Jan. 21, 2026

53

ORDER granting 7, 33 motions to intervene. Wisconsin Election Commission's motion to dismiss and response to the government's motion to compel due February 2, 2026. Intervenor-defendants' supplemental briefs due February 12, 2026. Government's response to the motion to dismiss and reply to the motion to compel due March 2, 2026. Wisconsin Election Commission's reply to the motion to dismiss due March 16, 2026. Intervenor- defendant's supplemental submissions due March 20, 2026. Signed by District Judge James D. Peterson on 1/21/26. (jat) (Entered: 01/22/2026)

Jan. 22, 2026

Jan. 22, 2026

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54

Minute Entry for proceedings held before District Judge James D. Peterson: Status Conference held on 1/21/2026 [:16] (Court Reporter JLD.) (lam) Modified on 1/23/2026 (lam). (Entered: 01/22/2026)

Jan. 22, 2026

Jan. 22, 2026

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55

Notice of Withdrawal of Counsel by Megan Christine Keenan re: Intervenor Defendants Melissa Adams, Common Cause, Amanda Makulec, Jaime Riefer (Keenan, Megan) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

56

MOTION TO DISMISS by Defendants Marge Bostelmann, Ann S. Jacobs, Don M. Millis, Carrie Riepl, Robert F. Spindell, Jr, Mark L. Thomsen, Wisconsin Elections Commission, Meagan Wolfe. Brief in Opposition due 2/23/2026. Brief in Reply due 3/5/2026. (Ward-Packard, Samuel) (Entered: 02/02/2026)

Feb. 2, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026

Clearinghouse
57

Declaration of Samuel T. Ward-Packard filed by Defendants Marge Bostelmann, Ann S. Jacobs, Don M. Millis, Carrie Riepl, Robert F. Spindell, Jr, Mark L. Thomsen, Wisconsin Elections Commission, Meagan Wolfe re: 56 Motion to Dismiss, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Cerny Petition, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Cerny Order, # 3 Exhibit 3 - US Bellows Amicus Brief, # 4 Exhibit 4 - US Wolfe Appellee Brief, # 5 Exhibit 5 - DOJ Employees Amicus Brief in Weber, # 6 Exhibit 6 - 1959 Commission Report, # 7 Exhibit 7 - Eisenhower 1959 Special Message to Congress, # 8 Exhibit 8 - Eisenhower 1960 CRA Signing Statement) (Ward-Packard, Samuel) (Entered: 02/02/2026)

1 Exhibit 1 - Cerny Petition

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2 Exhibit 2 - Cerny Order

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3 Exhibit 3 - US Bellows Amicus Brief

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4 Exhibit 4 - US Wolfe Appellee Brief

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5 Exhibit 5 - DOJ Employees Amicus Brief in Weber

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6 Exhibit 6 - 1959 Commission Report

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7 Exhibit 7 - Eisenhower 1959 Special Message to Congress

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8 Exhibit 8 - Eisenhower 1960 CRA Signing Statement

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Feb. 2, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026

58

Brief in Support of 56 Motion to Dismiss, by Defendants Marge Bostelmann, Ann S. Jacobs, Don M. Millis, Carrie Riepl, Robert F. Spindell, Jr, Mark L. Thomsen, Wisconsin Elections Commission, Meagan Wolfe (Ward-Packard, Samuel) Modified on 2/3/2026: And in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion to Compel. (lak) (Entered: 02/02/2026)

Feb. 2, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026

RECAP
59

Motion for Leave to File an Amicus Brief by Amicus Democratic National Committee. (Attachments: # 1 Brief of the Democratic National Committee as Amicus Curiae) (Hawley, Jonathan) (Entered: 02/03/2026)

1 Brief of the Democratic National Committee as Amicus Curiae

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Feb. 3, 2026

Feb. 3, 2026

Set Briefing Deadlines

Feb. 3, 2026

Feb. 3, 2026

Set/Reset Briefing Deadlines as to 56 MOTION TO DISMISS. Brief in Opposition due 3/2/2026. Brief in Reply due 3/16/2026. (jls)

Feb. 3, 2026

Feb. 3, 2026

60

Notice of Appearance filed by Daniel J. Freeman for Amicus Democratic National Committee. (Freeman, Daniel) (Entered: 02/04/2026)

Feb. 4, 2026

Feb. 4, 2026

61

Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Amicus Former Employees of the U.S. Department of Justice. (Attachments: # 1 Brief Amici Curiae of Former Employees of the U.S. Department of Justice) (Godesky, Leah) (Entered: 02/10/2026)

Feb. 10, 2026

Feb. 10, 2026

62

MOTION TO DISMISS by Intervenor Defendant Common Cause. Brief in Opposition due 3/5/2026. Brief in Reply due 3/16/2026. (Cox, Ryan) (Entered: 02/12/2026)

Feb. 12, 2026

Feb. 12, 2026

RECAP
63

Brief in Support of 62 Motion to Dismiss by Intervenor Defendant Common Cause (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit USDOJ Memorandum of Understanding, # 2 Exhibit Cited Cases, # 3 Exhibit Cited Cases, # 4 Exhibit Cited Cases) (Cox, Ryan) Modified on 2/13/2026: Linked to 2 Motion to Compel. (rks/lak). (Entered: 02/12/2026)

1 Exhibit USDOJ Memorandum of Understanding

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2 Exhibit Cited Cases

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3 Exhibit Cited Cases

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4 Exhibit Cited Cases

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Feb. 12, 2026

Feb. 12, 2026

64

** TEXT ONLY ORDER ** The Democratic National Committee and a group of former United States Department of Justice employees move for leave to file amicus briefs in support of the defendants in this case. Dkt. 59 and Dkt. [61. The motions are GRANTED. The government should include any responses to the arguments raised by the amici in its response to defendants' motion to dismiss. Signed by District Judge James D. Peterson on 2/12/2026. (jls) (Entered: 02/12/2026)

Feb. 12, 2026

Feb. 12, 2026

65

Supplemental Brief in Support of 56 Motion to Dismiss, and in Opposition to 2 Motion for Order to Compel Production of Records, by Intervenor Parties Forward Latino, Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (Fox, David) Modified on 2/13/2026: Linked to 2 Motion to Compel. (lak) (Entered: 02/12/2026)

Feb. 12, 2026

Feb. 12, 2026

RECAP

Text Only Order

Feb. 12, 2026

Feb. 12, 2026

Set Briefing Deadlines

Feb. 13, 2026

Feb. 13, 2026

Reset Briefing Deadlines as to 62 MOTION TO DISMISS. Brief in Opposition due 3/2/2026. Brief in Reply due 3/20/2026. (jls)

Feb. 13, 2026

Feb. 13, 2026

66

Notice of Appearance filed by Joseph W Voiland for Plaintiff United States of America. (Voiland, Joseph) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

Feb. 17, 2026

Feb. 17, 2026

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67

Motion for Leave to File an Amicus Brief by Amicus Republican Party Of Wisconsin. (Attachments: # 1 Brief of the Republican Party of Wisconsin as Amicus Curiae, # 2 Declaration of Nicholas Boerke, # 3 Exhibit A - Complaint in U.S. v. Georgia (2006), # 4 Exhibit B - Decree in U.S. v. Georgia (2006), # 5 Exhibit C - MOU between USDOJ and Texas (2008), # 6 Exhibit D - Cerney Order (Oct. 3, 2025)) (Boerke, Nicholas) Modified on 2/18/2026: Deleted all contact information for new party added with this filing. (lak) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

1 Brief of the Republican Party of Wisconsin as Amicus Curiae

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2 Declaration of Nicholas Boerke

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3 Exhibit A - Complaint in U.S. v. Georgia (2006)

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4 Exhibit B - Decree in U.S. v. Georgia (2006)

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5 Exhibit C - MOU between USDOJ and Texas (2008)

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6 Exhibit D - Cerney Order (Oct. 3, 2025)

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Feb. 17, 2026

Feb. 17, 2026

68

** TEXT ONLY ORDER **The Republican Party of Wisconsin's motion for leave to file an amicus brief in support of the government, Dkt. 67, is GRANTED. Defendants should include any responses to the amicus brief in their reply briefs in support of the motion to dismiss. Signed by District Judge James D. Peterson on 2/18/2026. (lam) (Entered: 02/18/2026)

Feb. 18, 2026

Feb. 18, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to File

Feb. 18, 2026

Feb. 18, 2026

70

Notice of Withdrawal of Counsel by Joseph W. Voiland re: Plaintiff United States of America withdrawing David D. Vandenberg (Voiland, Joseph) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Wisconsin

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:

The Attorney General of the United States

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

Wisconsin Elections Commission, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Other Dockets:

Western District of Wisconsin 3:25-cv-01036

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Warrant/Order allowing surveillance

Document/Information

Declaratory judgment

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Voting:

Access to Voter Rolls / Voter Information