Articles

PLF appeals in speech case against Seattle

December 07, 2017 | By ETHAN BLEVINS

First, has anyone run for office recently that you detest? Second, how would you feel if your government forced you to donate $100 to that candidate’s campaign? Now you know how our clients feel about democracy vouchers. … ...

Articles

Can government force you to pay for someone else’s expression?

October 12, 2017 | By ETHAN BLEVINS

Think on these three statements: A law forbids you from posting a sign that says, “Vote for Voldemort.” A law forces you to post a sign that says, “Vote for Voldemort.” A law forces you to pay for someone else’s sign that says, “Vote for Voldemort.” Should the First Amendment treat these laws differently? ...

Articles

Seattle’s "democracy vouchers" violate the First Amendment

June 28, 2017 | By BEN STORMES

Today, PLF filed a complaint to uphold Seattle property owners’ right to free speech. In 2015, Seattle passed Initiative 122 and became the first city to adopt “democracy vouchers.” These so-called vouchers compel property owners to contribute to partisan political speech through a dedicated property levy. The stated goal of I-12 ...