The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that Minnesota’s law restricting political hats, T-shirts and pins in the polling places ran afoul of the First Amendment. The majority felt the law lacked the capability of “reasoned application.” The law differed from those of other states in its broad application, barring voters from wearing names of candidates or parties and clothing referring to ballot measures or even T-shirts from groups with known political views such the National Rifle Association. (PBS, June 14, 2018, by Jessica Gresko of The Associated Press)
Minnesota was attempting to guarantee that voters could vote without distraction or interference, but the court favored laws that focused more on preventing campaigning and looked unfavorably on laws that addressed any message on any subject mentioned by a candidate or party. (The New York Times, June 14, 2018, by Adam Liptak)
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