Supreme Court of the United States

John Doe 1 v. Sam Reed, Washington Secretary of State — Alito, J., Concurring

June 24, 2010177 L. Ed. 2d 493

Summary

Justice Alito agrees that the Washington Public Records Act's disclosure of referendum signatories does not facially violate the First Amendment, but stresses that as-applied challenges remain viable. He argues plaintiffs have a strong case for as-applied relief regarding Referendum 71 due to harassment risks and notes that exemptions must be prompt and low-burden. Justice Thomas dissents, while Justices Scalia, Stevens, Sotomayor, and Breyer concur in judgment or part.