Subscribe for legal news in infographics!

Minnesota Voters Alliance v. Mansky (Argument February 28, 2018)

MinnesotaVotersAlliancevMansky

This case has been decided. See how it turned out!

Can the government ban political apparel on clothing at the polls?

Minnesota does. And the Minnesota Voters Alliance says the law violates the First Amendment.

The government is allowed to regulate people’s actions if it has a good reason. If the actions regulated are protected rights – constitutional rights – the government must be considerate. It cannot regulate too much.

That’s the issue here.

Is Minnesota’s law banning all political apparel too much?

Minnesota does have an important interest: maintaining peace at the polls and minimizing voter intimidation. But really, all political insignia on clothing? Is that necessary?

The Supreme Court will be comparing this case to a 1992 case out of Tennessee. In Burson v. Freeman, Tennessee banned any campaigning within 100 feet of the entrance to the voting place. The Supreme Court said the regulation was acceptable in light of Tennessee’s interest in maintaining peace.

Let’s see if this case is similar to that one, or alternatively, if Minnesota’s regulation is too broad. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on February 28, 2018.

More information:

More first amendment cases of this term:

About the Author

Mariam Morshedi

Mariam Morshedi

Mariam Morshedi is the Founder and Executive Director of Subscript Law. Before starting Subscript Law, she practiced civil rights law for AARP Foundation, where she litigated housing, consumer and disability rights issues.

Share this Article

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on email

Share your Thoughts

Latest Articles

Interested in becoming a contributor?

We’re on the lookout for lawyers who share our passion for teaching legal issues. Write about the Supreme Court case or legal topic of your expertise. We’ll provide the infographic, and you’ll get the recognition.