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Court: Citizenship Check Box Unconstitutional

DETROIT (WWJ) -A Detroit Federal Judge says "no" to Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, who wanted a "citizenship check box" for people voting in the November election.

U.S. District Judge Paul Borman issued an injunction Friday against the citizenship check off box handing a victory to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and labor unions who opposed the question for voters.

Johnson and the secretary of state's office defended the citizenship box, saying voters would still be given a ballot even if they refuse to answer the citizenship question.

Some area election officials were refusing Secretary of State Ruth Johnson's call for them to put a question regarding U.S. citizenship on ballot applications.

In September, Washtenaw and Macomb were among the counties that said they would not include the question - telling WWJ they don't have to because it's not mandated by law.

Governor Rick Snyder this summer vetoed a bill that included a requirement for voters to check a citizenship box - citing potential voter confusion

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