Filed Date: April 15, 2026
Case Ongoing
Clearinghouse coding in progress
On April 15, 2026, Democracy Forward Foundation filed suit against the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under federal question jurisdiction. Democracy Forward Foundation submitted two Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the EAC on February 6, 2026, seeking records related to communications between EAC Commissioners and external entities, as well as text messages and external emails sent by the Commissioners. The plaintiff alleged this was done to shed light on the influence of individuals and organizations described as "election deniers" on the EAC's operations and possible efforts by the Trump-Vance Administration to undermine election integrity. The EAC allegedly assigned tracking numbers to the requests but estimated it would not respond until February 2027, approximately 10 months after the requests were made and long after the federal elections. Democracy Forward Foundation brought one count alleging violation of FOIA, claiming that by failing to respond to the FOIA requests with determinations within the statutorily mandated time period, the defendant violated its duties under FOIA, including duties to conduct reasonable searches for responsive records, take reasonable steps to release nonexempt information, and not withhold responsive records. The plaintiff sought orders requiring the defendant to conduct adequate searches and produce all non-exempt responsive records, an injunction against continued withholding of non-exempt records, and an award of costs and attorneys' fees.
This case is ongoing.
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73193125/parties/democracy-forward-foundation-v-us-election-assistance-commission/
McFadden, Trevor Neil (District of Columbia)
McGrath, Daniel Alexander (District of Columbia)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73193125/democracy-forward-foundation-v-us-election-assistance-commission/
Last updated June 25, 2026, 3:17 a.m.
State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government
Key Dates
Filing Date: April 15, 2026
Case Ongoing: Yes
Case Details
Other Dockets:
District of District of Columbia 1:26-cv-01271
Available Documents:
Case Summary of Democracy Forward Foundation v. U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/48105/.