Citizenship check-off box ordered off Michigan ballot applications

A judge has told Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to remove citizenship check-off boxes from November ballot applications.

U.S. District Judge Paul Borman made the ruling Friday during a hearing in Detroit. A written decision is expected Tuesday.

Borman told Johnson the boxes that to ask Michigan voters to confirm their U.S. citizenship slows the voting process, is confusing and is a burden on the right to vote.

Lawyers representing the secretary of state have argued the citizenship question could prevent an unqualified person from voting and committing a crime.

The American Civil Liberties Union's Michigan chapter, unions and others wanted the court to order Johnson to stop requiring the check box. The groups also want all clerks to be told the box shouldn't be used.