The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down Minnesota's broad ban on wearing "political apparel" at the polls, ruling the law violates the free speech rights of voters.
The 7-2 ruling said despite any "good intentions" by the state, regulation of such individual expression cannot be reasonably applied because of overly sweeping prohibitions.
A Minnesota voter had sued after being told to remove a "Please I.D. Me" button and Tea Party shirt at his polling place.
He argued such "passive, non-disruptive" expression should be allowed, while the state said the restrictions were a "reasonable, viewpoint-neutral" means to ensure polling integrity and reduce voter coercion.
Supreme Court strikes down Minnesota law prohibiting voters from wearing political apparel to polls
The 7-2 ruling said despite any "good intentions" by the state, regulation of such individual expression cannot be reasonably applied because of overly sweeping prohibitions.
A Minnesota voter had sued after being told to remove a "Please I.D. Me" button and Tea Party shirt at his polling place.
He argued such "passive, non-disruptive" expression should be allowed, while the state said the restrictions were a "reasonable, viewpoint-neutral" means to ensure polling integrity and reduce voter coercion.
Supreme Court strikes down Minnesota law prohibiting voters from wearing political apparel to polls
