Gilmer Free Press

ELECTION COMPLAINT-DISCLOSURE: WV Judge Voids Elections Complaint Gag Law

A West Virginia judge has ruled that someone accused of violating elections law can rebut the allegations publicly.

Currently WV law threatens anyone who discloses an elections complaint with a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine and jail time.

But Kanawha Circuit Judge Duke Bloom says that blanket gag order is an overly broad restriction of speech.

He ruled the law unconstitutional in a Monday order.

As a result, West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant said on Wednesday that she will start confirming whether an investigation is underway.