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Judge Dismisses Suit Over "Please I.D. Me" Badge

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of voters who wanted to wear buttons that said "Please I.D. Me" to the polls.

U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen dismissed the case Friday with prejudice, which means it can't be brought before the court again.

The lawsuit filed last fall by Minnesota Majority and other groups claimed the statute banning political apparel in polling places was unconstitutional.

Ericksen says that under election policy, a person wearing such items to the polls would be told to cover them up, but would still be allowed to vote.

She says polling places are neutral zones, and it's reasonable for election judges to use discretion in enforcing the policy.

Messages left with Minnesota Majority officials were not immediately returned Friday.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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