Michigan Bans Open Carry of Firearms at Polling Locations
Michigan voters will no longer be allowed to openly carry firearms to polling locations in the state under a new law banning such weapons at voting sites.
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday signed into law House Bills 4127 and 4128. The bills, sponsored by Democrats and introduced last year, prohibit the possession of firearms at polling locations on Election Day and during early voting, and also prohibit openly carrying firearms within 100 feet of an absentee ballot counting board while votes are being counted.
The legislation makes some exceptions, including for people who are licensed in Michigan or in another state to carry a concealed weapon. It’s aimed at mitigating the threat of voter intimidation and suppression, according to a statement from Whitmer’s office.
“Voters, election workers and officials should never feel threatened or intimidated at the polls,” state Rep. Stephanie Young (D), one of the sponsors, said. “By creating safe, weapon-free zones around polling places and counting boards, we’re reinforcing the principle that violence has no place in our electoral process.”
Michigan is the latest state to pass legislation banning firearms from voting locations. The Trace reported in October that 10 states this year considered the gun restrictions, with Colorado and Massachusetts passing measures prohibiting the weapons. Vermont also passed a law in May that forbids a person from knowingly possessing a gun at a polling place or “on the walks leading to a building in which a polling place is located” on Election Day.
This story has been updated to clarify that Michigan voters are prohibited from openly carrying firearms under the new law. Concealed carry is permitted.