Free speech group sues state ahead of November election [View all]

A national group that opposes restrictions on political speech is asking a federal judge to declare a South Dakota campaign finance law unconstitutional.

The Institute for Free Speech contends that South Dakota’s law regulating independent communication expenditures in political campaigns is vague, broad and a violation of the group’s First Amendment rights.

The group says it wants to distribute literature on two upcoming ballot issues: Amendment W, which would impose more campaign finance requirements and lower contribution limits for candidates and political parties, and Initiated Measure 24, which seeks to ban out-of-state donations to committees sponsoring statewide ballot issues.

“South Dakota laws,” the group’s petition says, “pose a trap for the unwary.”

Read more: https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/2018/10/09/institute-free-speech-sues-state-ahead-november-election/1581513002/