Yes, There’s A Law Against ‘Ballot Selfies.’ No, Not Everyone’s Happy About It

Updated 12:20 p.m. -- A Colorado ban on so-called "ballot selfies," where voters share photos of their completed ballots, is sparking opposition.

Colorado election officials are defending a state law that bars people from taking photos of their ballots.

A state lawmaker and a voter filed suit in federal court Monday, saying the law violates free speech.

Deputy Secretary of State Suzanne Staiert said the law defends the integrity of elections and protects voters from intimidation or inducement.

The lawsuit named the secretary of state and attorney general as defendants. The attorney general's office declined to comment.

The 1891 law was intended to prevent voter coercion. Hill calls the law outdated. A review by The Associated Press found 18 states have laws against sharing ballot photos. Six other states bar photography in polling places but permit photos of mail-in ballots.

Courts have struck down bans in New Hampshire and Indiana, and rules have been changed in California and Rhode Island.

Colorado lawmakers have twice rejected bills to change the law to allow "ballot selfies."