WHEN the justices hear Minnesota Voters Alliance v Mansky on February 28th, they will face a case that pits the freedom of speech against the right to vote. Clashing fundamental values make for interesting Supreme Court cases, and Mansky promises to be a lively discussion of a tussle between rights that ordinarily point in the same direction.
Since 1912, Minnesota has barred voters from donning a “political badge, political button or other political insignia” when entering a “polling place on primary or election day”. When Andre Cilek showed up to vote in 2010 wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with “Don’t Tread on Me” and images supporting the Tea Party, as well as a “Please ID Me” button (mocking those who oppose voter-ID laws), he faced resistance. Mr Cilek was turned away, twice, before finally persuading a reluctant election worker to let him vote. These strictures sanitising polling places of all political messages violate the First Amendment, the Minnesota Voters Alliance (founded by Mr Cilek) claims....Continue reading
Source: United States http://ift.tt/2BWB47R
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