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Judge blocks Michigan ban on 'ballot selfies' on Nov. 8

Posted at 4:22 AM, Oct 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-25 04:22:49-04

A judge has blocked Michigan law and policies that would prevent voters from taking photos of their ballot in the Nov. 8 election.

Joel Crookston of Portage sued in Grand Rapids federal court, saying his First Amendment right to free speech was violated.

Judge Janet Neff issued a preliminary injunction Monday. State election officials had argued that the rules are intended to protect the integrity of the election. But the judge said it could be done without a sweeping prohibition.

The secretary of state asked Neff to freeze her order so it can file an appeal.

Crookston filed a lawsuit after learning that a picture of a ballot could get him in trouble. He took a "ballot selfie" in 2012 while voting for a write-in candidate for Michigan State University trustee. No action was taken.