Libertarian voter Susan Hogarth is challenging North Carolina’s ban on ballot selfies by taking legal action against the Wake County district attorney. Even though negotiations have taken place, no agreement has been reached yet between the two parties. The State Board of Elections is not involved in the discussions. The legal fight is likely to extend until mid-December, with court orders setting deadlines for resolving Hogarth’s legal complaint. Hogarth is represented by lawyers from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and contends that the ban on ballot selfies violates the First Amendment by restricting political expression. Despite facing opposition from defendants, including the State Board of Elections and the Wake County elections board, Hogarth is determined to continue her challenge. The ban on ballot selfies is part of North Carolina’s election laws, punishable by misdemeanor charges. The lawsuit demands that ballot selfies be recognized as protected expression under the First Amendment. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both voting rights and freedom of speech.
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