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Minn. Supreme Court Pulled Into New Amendment Case

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A tussle over the title for a proposed constitutional amendment seeking changes to Minnesota voting is headed for the state Supreme Court.

Proponents of the push to require photo ID and make other polling place changes asked the court Thursday to undo revisions by Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. The Democrat cast aside the title legislators chose to appear above the ballot question in favor of his own.

Lawyers for Republican legislators and two pro-amendment groups say Ritchie didn't have the power to scrap the Legislature's five-word title for an 11-word substitute. Ritchie's office contends state law gives him the power to name amendments.

The case mirrors a similar fight over the title for an amendment defining marriage in Minnesota as only between a man and a woman.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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