Deal Blocks Enforcement Of State Law Curbing Ballot Information

DETROIT (AP) - An agreement blocks enforcement of a Michigan law that local officials said unconstitutionally restricted free-speech rights to put out information about ballot measures.

The local officials were pleased with the agreement filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Detroit.

The complaint was brought against the state by a group including several school and local government officials. It said the "gag order" law violated the First and 14th Amendments by prohibiting the "free flow of objectively neutral, core political speech."

A statement from local officials say the agreement was by lawyers for the local governments, school districts and the state. The Secretary of State's office enforces Michigan election laws and, under the agreement, won't enforce the restriction.

The Associated Press sent a message seeking comment from a Secretary of State's spokesman.

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