Emergency appeal isn't planned over ballot box

LANSING (AP) -- Secretary of State Ruth Johnson doesn't plan to file an emergency appeal of a federal judge's ruling that blocks a citizenship check-off box on Michigan ballot applications. MLive.com reports Johnson's office confirmed the decision this week. Johnson's office still could go through the usual appeals process after reviewing the ruling, but the box won't be used for the Nov. 6 election. The check-off box incensed some voters. U.S. District Court Judge Paul Borman last Friday granted a preliminary injunction forcing Johnson to have the boxes removed for the election. Johnson, who pushed for the box, had argued that the citizenship question could prevent unqualified person from voting and committing a crime. Borman called the box confusing and a burden on the right to vote. Published: Fri, Oct 12, 2012