Contact: Mark Harrington, Created Equal , 614-419-9000, Mark@CreatedEqual.net

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 9, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- On November 19, 2013, Created Equal Executive Director Mark Harrington was arrested outside of an Albuquerque, NM polling location for lawfully expressing his free speech rights. As video of the arrest reveals, Harrington abided by the state law that allows campaigning 100 feet outside of a polling location. Though he did not cross the line, he was arrested for allegedly trespassing.

Video: Watch Mark Harrington's arrest in ABQ

Today, a municipal court judge in Albuquerque, NM dismissed the case against Harrington. Clearly, the arrest violated his first amendment right to free speech.  The fact is, when the property owners leased space to the polling center they relinquished their right to keep campaigners off of their property during the vote.

Mark Harrington said, "Finally, after seven months of continuances, justice has been served. This was a cut-and-dried violation of my constitutional rights to educate voters in ABQ. I was simply following New Mexico state law that permits 'campaigning' outside the 100 foot buffer. Now, free speech advocates across the country can use this victory to guarantee that they have the constitutionally protected right to campaign outside voting centers without harassment.  The ruling is also very timely.  Every voting precinct during this upcoming midterm election should now be put on notice to permit 'campaigning' outside voting centers across America whether the center is on private or public property."

For more information or interviews contact Mark Harrington at 614.419.9000 or Mark@CreatedEqual.net.  

Mark Harrington is the Executive Director of Created Equal.