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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW State launches Medford campaign to deter pot use among youth ... Small fire fills second-floor Ramada Inn guest rooms with smoke ... Abdill fined, put on probation for state violations ... State launches Medford campaign to deter pot use among youth ... Small fire fills second-floor Ramada Inn guest rooms with smoke ... Abdill fined, put on probation for state violations ... BALLOT-BUYING Oregon court overturns conviction of man who offered to buy ballots Comment By Steven DuBois The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Steven DuBois The Associated Press Posted Jul. 7, 2016 at 4:39 PM By Steven DuBois The Associated Press Posted Jul. 7, 2016 at 4:39 PM » Social News PORTLAND — The Oregon Court of Appeals on Thursday overturned the misdemeanor conviction of a self-described "internet troll" who satirically offered to buy blank election ballots before an election. The court said the law under which Aaron Hirschman was convicted violated his right to expression. "No matter how much one might wish to reduce cynicism about elections (and any justifications for that cynicism), the legislature cannot accomplish that goal by suppressing expression because of the 'supposed harm that the message itself might be presumed to cause to the hearer or to society,'" Chief Judge Erika Hadlock wrote. The case dates back to the general election in November 2010. In a political forum on Craigslist, Aaron Hirschman wrote in a post containing spelling and grammatical errors that registered voters could make a "quick and easy $20" by bringing their ballots to a parking lot in downtown Bend. "All you need to do is bring your UNFILLED clean voting ballot and let us fill it out then you sign, and we hand it to the volunteer in the voting booth. Its that simple!" Craigslist quickly deleted the post, but it was up long enough to attract attention. A Bend police officer visited the parking lot and noticed no suspicious activity. A special agent with the Oregon Department of Justice traced the post Hirschman and interviewed him. Hirschman admitted writing the ad, but said he was "goofing around," and didn't attempt to buy any ballots, according to a summary of facts contained in Thursday's opinion. Hirschman testified at his 2013 non-jury trial that a reasonable person wouldn't believe he was making a serious offer. He said he wished his post had specified it was satire, but "obviously it's not a good joke if you put that at the end." Judge A. Michael Adler convicted Hirschman on the misdemeanor charge of offering to purchase ballots. He fined the man $200 and sentenced him to 40 hours of community service. Hirschman, 42, does not have a listed phone number and could not immediately be reached for comment. Two lawyers who have represented him did not return messages. By Steven DuBois The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Steven DuBois The Associated Press Posted Jul. 7, 2016 at 4:39 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501