U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Minnesota Voter Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Supreme Court has struck down Minnesota's law banning political apparel at polling places. The nation's highest court said the law is too broad and violates the First Amendment.

The case began after a resident was temporarily prevented from voting because he was wearing a Tea Party t-shirt and a button supporting voter I.D. laws.

Minnesota statute 211B.11 states that "A political badge, political button, or other political insignia may not be worn at or about the polling place on primary or election day."

According to Oyez, Minnesota Majority, Minnesota Voters Alliance, Minnesota Northstar Tea Party Patriots, and the Election Integrity Watch sued the Minnesota Secretary of State to overturn the law, claiming it wasn't equally enforced and violated free speech rights.

The court voted 7-2 in favor of Minnesota Voters Alliance. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion. Justices Sonio Sotomayor and Stephen Breyer dissented.

Justices in the majority took issue with how subjective the law appeared to be. Read a portion of the oral argument below:

JUSTICE ALITO: How about a Colin Kaepernick jersey?

MR. ROGAN: No, Your Honor, I don't think that that would be under -- under our statute. And I think -­

JUSTICE ALITO: How about "All Lives Matter"?

MR. ROGAN: That could be, Your Honor, that could be -- that could be perceived as political. And I -- I think obviously, Your Honor, there -- there are some hard calls and there are always going to be hard calls. And that -- that doesn't mean that the line that we've drawn is -- is unconstitutional or even unreasonable.

JUSTICE ALITO: How about an "I Miss Bill" shirt?

(Laughter)

Read the entire court opinion below:

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