Ohio elections chief facing suit over pot-ballot probe

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s elections chief is being sued over his investigation into the ballot petitions of a group backing a marijuana legalization effort.

A person identified as “John Doe” filed the federal lawsuit Thursday, claiming that a subpoena issued in the probe is overly broad and violates his constitutional rights. Doe, a pot issue supporter, wants the court to block the disclosure of records to the government that could contain his private political speech and his identity.

The complaint, says Doe, a Hamilton County resident, has engaged in activity subject to disclosure by the subpoena, which was issued through Secretary of State Jon Husted and directed at the group ResponsibleOhio, its campaign’s executive director, Ian James, and James’ consulting firm, The Strategy Network.

“Recognizing the stigma that is occasionally attached to those who advocate for the decriminalization of marijuana, John Doe fears retribution from family, friends, neighbors, and his...

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