Judge Denies Media Access Near NJ Polling Places

A federal judge in New Jersey has denied an attempt by more than 100 daily and weekly newspapers to get access to voters as they leave polling places.

The suit was filed by the New Jersey Press Association and challenged a state law that prohibits media members from coming within 100 feet of a polling place.

The plaintiffs had argued that the restriction infringed on the newspapers' First Amendment rights and hampered their ability to report on the election.

U.S. District Judge Joel Pisano sided with lawyers for the state who contended the case was about "keeping polling places and the citizens who vote there undisturbed" and that allowing the media closer access would create "chaos and commotion."

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)