The Durango Herald: A state senator joined a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Colorado on Monday seeking to block an archaic law that makes it a crime to show one’s completed ballot to others, including taking “ballot selfies.”
The issue caused a stir on social media last week, after the Denver District Attorney’s Office issued a news release reminding voters that taking a photo of a completed ballot and showing it to others – including on social media – is a misdemeanor crime, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Some criticized the DA’s office for focusing on trivial issues. The DA’s office said the reminder was meant to be “friendly,” pointing out that it is not responsible for the law – which dates to the 1890s – and remains on the books.
State Sen. Owen Hill, R-Colorado Springs, is seeking to quickly block the law for the remainder of the election season. He said the Legislature could then attempt to address the issue in the next session. The case also seeks a decision that the law is unconstitutional, as well as permanent relief from the law.
“I want to celebrate this political process and the free speech we have in this country,” Hill told The Durango Herald, moments after filing the lawsuit.
Hill is a co-plaintiff in the case with Scott Romano, an 18-year-old University of Denver student who is participating in his first election.
Visit The Durango Herald for more.