The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - The Kentucky Attorney General has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the state's appeal of a federal court ruling that struck down parts of Kentucky's election laws.

Among the questions the state is asking for consideration from the court, is whether Kentucky's "electioneering" law is unconstitutional.

"This case presents the question whether and to what extent states may regulate speech around polling places in order to protect voters from violence, intimidation and election fraud," according to court papers prepared by Assistant Attorney General Brent Irvin.

In January, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down as unconstitutional seven of the state's election and campaign laws, including one that prohibited campaigning within 500 feet of a polling place.

The attorney general's office is representing the state board of elections in the electioneering challenge.

However, the elections board is not a party to the election finance challenges.

"If we are to prevent fraud from entering the election process, it is necessary to create an environment that reflects this desire," Secretary of State Trey Grayson said in a statement.

"By legalizing electioneering near the polls, we allow an atmosphere for corruption to flourish."