Wisconsin Judge Dismisses Felony Charge Over Ballot Selfie

Ruling states that the law prohibiting ballot selfies violates the constitutional guarantee of free expression, sparking debate over the legality of such actions.

• Paul Buzzell, a school board member in Mequon, Wisconsin, had a felony charge against him dismissed for posting a photo of his marked ballot on Facebook.
• Judge Paul V. Malloy of Ozaukee County ruled that the state law prohibiting so-called ballot selfies was overly broad and violated the constitutional guarantee of free expression.
• Buzzell could have faced a maximum possible sentence of three and a half years in prison and a $10,000 fine, and would have been barred from running for elected office if convicted.
• The case reflects ongoing debate over the legality of ballot selfies, with some arguing they can be used to influence voters or promote vote buying, while others, including the ACLU, say laws banning them restrict free speech.
• Ozaukee County District Attorney Adam Gerol plans to ask the attorney general to decide whether to file an appeal or issue an opinion.

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